2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty

Introduction

The 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty was the top-of-the-line heavy-duty pickup truck from Ford. It boasted a range of engine and transmission options, including:

• 5.4L Triton V8 gasoline engine (300 hp, 425 lb-ft torque) with 5-speed automatic transmission
• 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine (362 hp, 457 lb-ft torque) with 5-speed automatic transmission
• 6.4L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine (350 hp, 650 lb-ft torque) with 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission
• 6.0L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine (325 hp, 560 lb-ft torque) with 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission

The F-350 Super Duty was praised for its powerful engines, robust construction, and towing and hauling capabilities. However, it also had several common issues that plagued certain engine and transmission options.

Engine

5.4L Triton V8 Gasoline Engine

• Spark Plug Blowout: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Install redesigned spark plugs and cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: 08V384000, 08V329000, 08S44

6.4L Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine

• Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replace head gasket and resurface cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Sticking: The fuel injectors can stick open or closed, causing engine performance issues.
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine

• EGR Cooler Failure: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler can fail, causing coolant leaks and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace EGR cooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: 06V333000, 07V014000
• Oil Cooler Failure: The oil cooler can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replace oil cooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, and transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoids can fail, causing harsh shifting, slipping, and transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Overload: The rear leaf springs can become overloaded, causing the suspension to sag and reduce towing and hauling capacity.
  • Solution: Install additional leaf springs or upgrade to heavy-duty leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster can malfunction, causing inaccurate readings or complete failure.
  • Solution: Replace instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Bed Corrosion: The bed can corrode prematurely, especially in areas where salt and moisture are present.
  • Solution: Inspect bed regularly and apply protective coatings or liners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the severity of corrosion
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Malfunctions: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can experience various issues, including blower motor failure, climate control module failures, and refrigerant leaks.
  • Solution: Varies depending on the specific issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Buzzing: The dashboard can buzz or rattle due to loose components.
  • Solution: Identify and tighten loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty had a mixed reputation. Owners praised its powerful engines and towing capabilities, but many were plagued by a number of issues, particularly with certain engine and transmission options. The severity and cost of these issues varied, with some being relatively minor and others being major repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems before making a purchase.