Test drove a '00 350 2X4 SC SRW V-10 AT 3.73 w/43000 mi that was at a local Ford dealer yesterday, during the test drive I noticed a high frequency rumble that was heard but not felt, towards the rear of the truck starting at 50 mph, peaks at 55 and goes away at 60. It had new tires {Hercules 265's} and was not the source.{IMO} When I got back I told the salesman I wanted to drive the '02 250 PSD 4X4 that was beside it to see it that one did it also {it didn't}. The noise would be enough to drive you nuts [or asleep] if you had to spend alot of time at that speed. There was too much wind noise to try to locate it with the windows down, not to mention it was 20 some degrees out. I have tried to check for other posts with same symtoms, but most were front axel related. Is there simple solution to this or stay away? Other than the odd noise I would consider buying this truck. They had it priced reasonable IMO {under 17000}. I plan on taking another look at it later in the week. Thanks for any help.

 

Maybe it's just tires. Problem is you'd have to get them to swap the tires for a test drive with some new ones to tell.

Tom

 

Sounds like exhaust flutter. Do a search and you will find a topic well discussed.

 

Did the rumble change when the drive train was loaded or unloaded ( accelerating - coasting) ? Did it change if you put the transmission in Neutral ? did it change by slightly applying the brakes ?

Mark

 

No change during accel or decel, always present at 50 mph thru 60 mph as I stated before. I dont think it was tires {new and not real aggressive} no load I didnt think to shift to neutral or apply brakes at that speed, I may go back and give it a second run.

 

I checked out the subject, "exhuast flutter" and can say it does not fit the description of that. I am beginning to think it may be driveshaft or rear axel related. It does it also with with the O/D locked out at the same road speeds, so I dont think it is engine related either.

 

Sounds like possible bad u-joints and or a driveshaft assembly that is out of balance.

 

For that price I would consider buying the vehicle ... but only if it had a extended warr. but on the other hand, maybe that noise is why it is priced so low and other folks dont want to touch it as well. I recently bought my 00 f250SD V10 with 49K on it for $20K even. I did however opt for the full warr. for 5 yrs. Hey good luck!
-Mike

 

Can you tell if this vehicle has towed alot of weight? hitch used ?
electric brake setup ?

is this a long bed wheel base ?
2 piece drive shaft
as 4x4x4 sugested u-joints or carrier bearings in the diff and support bearing in the 2 piece drive shaft.

Just my thoughts !

drive it again and put in neutral at that speed see if noise changes or goes away.

Then tell them to fix it an you'll buy it !


Rich