So I'm looking at a supercrew. As 08 is the last year of the generation, I'm hoping it is about the best that it can be. I had an 05 that needed a replace 5.4. I sold it and been kicking myself since. I should have put a reman in it. But here I am. Looking at another one.
this one is an xlt supercrew 2wd 5.4. running and driving good with no current issues.
It's got over 200k on it so my thoughts are that the 5.4 is on borrowed time. But for now she's good.
Just wondering if there's anything to be aware of with the 08.

 

I guess there must be nothing wrong with a 2008 F-150 with a 5.4! Good to know!
my deal is off. Won't be getting the truck I was looking at.

 

Eh, minor stuff on our '08 SuperCrew (but 4x4)

-flakey pw switches
-FPDM not on standoffs
-typical dash/brake light/dome light stupidity
-4R75 shifter cable burns thru on exhaust (easy fix)
-tons of local mud packed into the wonderful black plastic mud catcher on frame under driver seat (outside of framerail)

See also

 

Your ‘05 had the same bugaboos. So, you already knew.

 

It's just that this question gets asked a lot by new member who would rather post a new thread than do 10 minutes of research on a well discussed subject.

 

For some reason my brake rotors tend to warp quite often. I get a pretty good shimmy when braking from 40+. Some of my research here has shown it is a somewhat common occurrence. Still stops fine, just feels like going over speed bumps in the process.

 

I only asked here because generally people are pretty helpful. I'm not a new member, been here for some time now. I've owned and worked on tons of Ford trucks. I had an 05. Truck itself was nice, engine was a POS. I got the quote from Ford for $7500 for reman and almost puked. I sold it. You can have 2 5.0's installed in a mid 90's truck for that and have cash left over for dinner. But that said, it had good power, no worse mileage, and I like the style of the truck.
but what I really wanted to know was if there's anything that would steer me to, or away from the 08 vs the 05? Is the 5.4 as big a POS in 08? Any transmission improvement or failures? Design changes that are good, or not?
One thing I am not a fan of is the tpms. I don't need the vehicle to track my tire pressure. I don't need to deal with faulty tire sensors and dash lights over it. That to me is a negative on the 08 vs the 05 that didn't have it.
I don't like that I can't get a manual transmission in any of these trucks. That said, I'm not above cutting a hole in the floor and putting one in! I bet I could find a tuner that would make the PCM forget an automatic.
im sure the difference from 04 to 08 isn't huge. But there must be a few odds and ends that aren't readily talked about.
I've read tons about these trucks. 4.6, not powerful enough, 5.4 pos, broken plugs, cam phasers, oil issues, manifold cracks and studs breaking. Timing chain issues,etc.
I'm looking at this generation and the next one up. Im trying to decide the best route to take.

 

Here at 4:00 FTM seems to suggest he's got full confidence in the updated timing parts, all of which should apply to '08 AFAIK

He's got a bunch of vids on the 5.4 and I bet somewhere else in his timing set tutorial he gets more in-depth on further updates and applicable MY breaks.

Also allegedly the '05 fuel injectors were the most likely to stick open and just dump fuel.

Still, I gotta chuckle when guys talk about "bombproofing" a 5.4 3V..... even with all the updates they MIGHT last ALMOST as long as any other V8 built since ~2000.

 

Hey I wanted to update my situation. I found a really nice 07 supercrew with a 4.6 so I snagged it. The body is nearly perfect. It runs great and drives great. The interior is pretty nice, was used as a company truck for a while so it appears not many passengers much of it's life. Carpets look great. Even has a Leer bed topper on it.
i realize that the 4.6 won't have as much power but if gets along just fine. Big improvement over my 1995 5.0! Smoother, quieter, faster. I'm good with that! I think I made a good buy. Time will tell!

 

Congrats on the new ride! Picked up a 2008 SCab with 5.4L 8 days ago myself. Was aware of all the typical issues for this generation. Was lucky to find a nice well cared for truck with pristine interior for my son and his first ride.

 

I love my 4.6 08. No mechanical issues other than what I mentioned earlier about brake rotors.

it even saved my whole family and dogs life when I layed it over pulling a camper on the interstate.

Insurance didn't total it and the body shop put it back together and it's going strong. Motor is plenty for what I pull occasionally.

 

Hey thanks. Hope your son enjoys his truck!
i have driven several 5.4 trucks, this is the first 4.6 truck I've driven. I don't feel like this one is weak at all. The power difference would probably be more noticeable towing. For normal driving it has plenty enough power. I won't be taking it to the drag strip on Saturday nights so I think it's going to be fine!
I'll take the mechanical reliability over the horsepower. I've already experienced the 5.4 issues and I was hesitant to get another one. Glad I found this truck with the 4.6. hopefully I can get a little while out of it before any issues arise!

 

I had a 4.6 in an '04 that I drove for 11 years before trading it. It ran flawlessly the whole time. The only things I did to the engine were oil and plug changes and replacing the belt pulleys. It was still running strong when when I let it go. The only reason I traded it was the rust on the underside from New England winters. I occasionally carried heavy loads like a yard of sand or bed full of lumber and the 4.6 did just fine. It's not as underpowered as some say.

 

Yeah after driving this 4.6 around I have no concerns about power. With all the issues the 5.4 are prone to, I'm surprised that Ford didn't just power up the 4.6 and drop the 5.4 3v earlier. Of course they knew the 5.0 was on its way.
my truck has 308,000 miles on it. No clue if the engine is original. It is quiet and smooth, only vibrates a bit at idle in gear. It could be a very well maintained original engine, or it's been replaced?? Not sure. It runs really well so I don't really care either way. I'm just hoping to run it a while before it needs anything major. The truck is in really good condition so it is worth putting an engine in it should it ever need one. But as it sounds right now, I should be able to get some miles yet

 

That vibration could be motor mounts. Especially at 308k miles, assuming they're the originals.