So I just picked up an 04 LE with 77,500 miles on it. Cosmetically this truck is in mint condition but I am trying to iron out a few things.

You can see my new toy at: http://www.pbase.com/solds/armada

The thing that has me really perplexed is engine noise. When the truck starts up cold the engine is really quiet. Once it warms up it clatters like a diesel. Sounds like it is coming from right on top of the intake.

My understanding of the famous cracked manifold issue is that this is more prominent on a cold engine and tends to improve as the motor warms.

This is my 2nd Armada. I bought an 04 SE Off Road new and put 130K+ miles on it. It had both manifolds replaced. What kind of luck would that be to have two of these trucks eat manifolds.

The other issue that is bothering me is brakes. My first Mada ate brakes even after the recall put new rotors on them. I got tired of paying dealer rates on these so I started doing them myself. This one stops really nice and smooth but doesn't seem to panic stop well at all. I can jam my foot in these and it really doesn't stop as fast as it should. I'm concerned that the brake booster could be acting up. May try a simple bleed first.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Scott

I recall another member having what he called or felt were soft brakes and IIRC bleeding didn't seem to help him. His fix was to put ss braded brake lines in and he seemed to be very happy with the fix. On the manifold, seems these are prone to crack manifolds so it is not "luck" as you say.

Well it looks like twice bitten. Had my local dealer go thru the truck today and they found that both manifolds are cracked. Got it covered by warranty thankfully.

Didn't find anythign with the brakes though.

Scott