Looking to buy an 08 4.6l XLT - School me on problem areas to look for

[Ronin8002]

I'm looking for a replacement for my 2004 EB. Found a nice looking 2008 XLT 4x4 with the 4.6. I'm well aware of the issues on the 3rd Gens, but was wondering if someone could give me a summary (or link me to a post here) of anything specific to the 4th Gens as far as problem areas to look for besides the usual general things.

Thanks guys.

 

[TourGuide]

Things to check:

- has the trans update for shifting been performed?
- wheel bearings (have they been replaced under warranty?) - they generally go about 75k and are done.
- rear wiper motor (is it working?)
- spark plugs - have they been replaced? This is a costly item on the 3 valves.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

I'm looking for a replacement for my 2004 EB. Found a nice looking 2008 XLT 4x4 with the 4.6. I'm well aware of the issues on the 3rd Gens, but was wondering if someone could give me a summary (or link me to a post here) of anything specific to the 4th Gens as far as problem areas to look for besides the usual general things.

Thanks guys.

If the price is right - grab it.

Check the build date, plug/head design was changed around 11/07, so may not be an issue with this truck.

Bump stop was problem with 06 and 07 trans. Test drive and check for this.

Wheel bearings are normal wear issue. (Same as 2nd & 3rd gen)

 

[Ronin8002]

thanks for the tips guys. I will likely take a closer look at it this weekend and a test drive. Hopefully it will turn out to be a good one and I'll be able to take it home

edit: Build date appears to be 3/2008 so hopefully it has the redesigned heads and no trans issues.

 

[vipersinu2]

if you can have dealer change, these things, exhaust manifold passanger side leaks, manifold warps and studs break off in engine, spark plugs expensive and can break off in engine, change tranny fluid you cant do it yourself and it cost 450 for trans,transfer case and rears, check radiator for leaks open cap see if stop leak in in radiator.

other wise if tan interior check mirror doors in visors they break, also if 3rd row seating check motors on seats gears strip out. get the 5 diget door key code also that is a 50 to 75 charge and extra key is probally 50 also.

 

[feetwet]

I have the exhaust manifold issue on the drivers side... bolt head broken off by warping of the manifold... sounds like almost like a noisy lifter until the engine warms up.

 

[Ronin8002]

I checked the things you guys mentioned when I looked at the truck...thank you for all the feedback. Looks like the engine is equipped with the new style heads so no spark plug issues to worry about. Apparently if the lower part of the spark plug COP boot (where it goes into the head) is brown in color then you have the updated heads.

Trans bump software update was done and saw no issues.

Rear wiper worked fine.

No leaks anywhere, everything looked good to go...so I bought it.

Thanks again!