I'm narrowing down the field for my next purchase. I think I'm going to replace my '01 super crew Lariat 4x4 with a 2008 version of the same thing.

Are there any known issues I should be looking for on that year model?

For example, on my 2001 model it turns out that the motor has a bad habit of spitting out spark plugs. It's done this to me two times.

Are there any such recurring issues that should make me steer clear of an '08 Super Crew Lariat with the 5.4L motor?

 

Early 2008's still had plug issues - 5.4's only - ( sticking / breaking in the heads). Later in the run, the heads were redesigned with a more conventional plug design to address this issue.

I do not have the date for the change. Dealer perhaps? They should be able to run the VIN and tell ...

Soeme info in here: https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...ug-issues.html

 

None whatsoever! The spark plug issue was resolved in 2008.....as far as I know.....

 

10/2007 was the time frame Ford changed the plug design on the 5.4, so there are likely some 2008's with the old and slightly more challenging to remove plugs. Ford did change the color of the COP (coil on plug) boot when they changed the plugs. Black is the old design and brown is the new.

If you can, get a copy of an OASIS report (Ford service/warranty report) for the specific truck. This will give you a little insight into the repair history of the truck.

 

If the truck has EATC, the actuator motor for the a/c is likely to give you grief. It's a simple fix under warranty. If you experience the blend door searching or you have hot air coming out the vents when the a/c should be on, that would be this issue. That's the only problem I've had with my 2008.

 

Picked mine up in May of '08 (ordered) and the only "issue" I had was condensation in the 3rd BL. Other than that, flawless.

 

x2, I had three replaced under warranty before the problem was fixed. Only problem I had with this unit. 2 years, 60,000 miles.

 

Now I can explain exactly what is going on with mine when I take it in to the dealership. Thanks!

 

None what so ever, except for the 22 caliber hole though my rear window, Damn Kids!

 

None at all. Mine had the old style plugs, changed them out at 24,000 mi. Now I have 6000 mi. on the Champion 7989's and the truck runs great.

HYPO

 

I have an '07 and the only problem I've had was a leaky steering box which was replaced under warranty over a year ago. No problems since...

 

The biggest problem with the 2008 models is they're the last good looking F150 Ford's gonna build for awhile.

 

Yup, I had the hvac blend door issue on mine, but was fixed under warranty. The heads are the same for all 04-08's, the spark plug design is what changed. However, it is unlikely that the 08's had this issue, only if it were a late 07 build. Either way it's not as as severe a problem as the spark plug blow-out issue. Never had the 3rd brake light issue.

Aside from a few annoyances under warranty, the truck has been perfect. Could expect more.

 

I had the 3rd brake light issue.

 

OK guys...I've got the list down to just a couple of trucks. The truck at the top of my list is a 2008 F150 XLT, 5.4L motor, super crew 4x4, XLT, with 27k miles. With my trade in, taxes and tags I'm looking at around $19,000 out the door. I'll have about a year left on the factory warranty.

Truck looks clean, one owner (lease vehicle). I'm leaning toward another F150 because I've built up some experience with the last one...I've had my 01 F150 for 7 years.

I think this is a good deal...I'm trying to find a reason NOT to hit it. Any ideas? What am I missing? The truck is coming from the northeast. I figure I can make more power with some bolt on additions if I feel the need, get a spray in bed liner, maybe add leather after I get it.

There is an '08 and an '09 silverado on the list too. The 08 silverado has 19k miles and they want 28 grand for it...z71...crew cab...comparable level truck.