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I'm looking at buying a 2008 F250 SD XLT Crew Cab w/ 8 foot bed and 5.4L gas motor. Its got over 140K miles on the clock and appears to be a one owner vehicle. What should I look for in terms of common issues with these trucks when they get to be 10 years old? I test drove it today and it seemed to handle itself ok. Any ideas/suggestions/advice would be appreciated. I'm looking to use it as a work truck and its hard to find crew cab, long bed half ton trucks in this area.
Thanks,
Eric Finn
'78 Bronco (project)
'08 Expedition Limited (Wife's DD)
I’d ask for the maintenance history if it’s available. Generally, the better it’s been maintained, the less issues you’ll have. Would also want to know when items may have bern replaced - brakes, cat conv, plugs, alternator, etc etc
leak in exhaust manifold
rattle in exhuast system
ticking noise in valve train
check for extrnal xmsn filter
look for proof that all fluids are good
lower the spare tire...some times you will need a lock key
good luck
Thanks, everyone. I got it looked over today and mechanically it seems to be sound. No maintenance records unfortunately, but the engine and transmission sounded good. No visible leaks anywhere. It could use new shocks. The big issue was rust, though.
A couple of body mounts were starting to go. There was rust at the rear of the cab floor where it transitions to the back wall. Finally the bed rails were toast. One had a 16" section of it that was just missing. Mechanic estimated maybe $3K in rust repairs. How much of a job is it to do the bed rails? I'm assuming the bed has to be removed and new rails welded on.
I may have to pass on it though if the rust issue is too difficult/expensive to repair.
Thanks again for the advice.
Eric
'78 Bronco "The beast" (project)
'08 Expedition (Wife's DD)
i have the same truck same year -everything but the 8 foot bed.
mine has been fine yet I did have the dealer change plugs as part as the deal as its like a 800 buck job if you do them and they break...
I replaced front locking hubs
AC condenser
Shocks- ask me about that one day
all cats replaced and new exhaust magnaflo
went to smaller wheels from 20 inc
do your oil OFTEN with Ford filter only..trust me..
use Mobil one
Its a great truck...little under powered
Oh I changed all the coil packs to MSD..one failed so I changed them all
So has anyone replaced the bed rails/cross members? How big of a job is it? It appears the kit from Dorman costs ~$375 so I'm assuming we're looking at a $1K job at least. Would you still go for this truck knowing the rust issues it has or should I pass and look for another one?
Rust repairs can get very expensive to do correctly. If substantial rust, it can easily cost more than the truck is worth. Your profile doesnt say where you are located but if inside the rustbelt, it’s pretty common to see vehicles like this. If you live close to areas where salt a d snow arent common, its worth the time to try and find one from there. In the end, the 5.4 isnt that desirable so that will help keep prices down if heavy hauling isnt in your list of needs. If it was me, Id keep looking to find one without so much rust damage.
I've done enough rust work in my lifetime to know that the rust you are seeing is the tip of the iceberg. Once you cut into the rust you will find more and the cost of repairs will go up. Once you cut into the rust you have to continue or trash the part. As far as bed rail goes cutting the frame and welding back can also get expensive. Where in the frame are the rails damaged? If its between front and rear suspension I would pass on the truck. Too many variables that could break your wallet.
I think I'm maybe using the wrong terminology. The rust is on the bed cross members that attach to the frame. So the rust is more correctly on the bed. The frame itself is ok with the exception of some minor surface rust on a few body mounts.
Yep, I misunderstood. It depends on how bad the rust is in the rest of the bed. If the sides and inner structure around the wheel wells and the floor at the tailgate are rusted you would be better off finding a rust free bed and getting it repainted. I had a '04 that I did exactly that. Right now there are tons of flood trucks in the Houston Tx area and if salvage yards are getting them you should be able to get a rust free bed for decent money. It might be worth looking at.
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