More news on vibrations....

Today I went for that long drive on a newly paved road I mentioned above and still had the steering wheel shimmy and rear shudder, so I bit the bullet and went back to have the original OEM tires put back on. Guess what? No steering shimmy now, but the rear shudder and vibration is still there. Big as ever. I had a nice long talk with the guys at Les Schwab and they said Fords are famous for this problem with aftermarket tires. It appears the only smooth ride you can get is from the P series or mushy 4 ply originals. I don't like the fact I can't upgrade without modifications to the suspension as well. When are the manufacturers going to get it and allow for a larger tire upgrade at purchase? I'd certainly pay for it. I stopped back at the dealership and have an appointment to start working AGAIN on the rear end. I'll keep you posted and remain hopeful, but if the rear end is still shaking at 55-62 and I've now tried 3 sets of tires with multiple balances, so it's not a tire issue. The low end shudder is much better since they changed out the rear end oil with a new type, but it's still there as well.

 

I have not had the problem until I towed a trailer. From 59 to 71mph feels like it's going to come apart. Sure hope Ford comes up with something here. I am the only Ford in a Chevy family. They would just love to hear this one.

 

I test drove about six trucks before I found one that had no shakes or vibrations. My truck had no vibrations or shakes until I took it in for the clutch pack problem. I told them about a slight whine at 52-55 mph, (not a big deal). The truck would surge once in a while on take off so I told the about this as well. I got the truck back & it had a huge vibration @50-70 mph. Come to find out they replaced the ring & pinion & flashed the computer. They claim the computer is the problem, I told them I shut the truck off @ 70 mph. & have same vibration. They said it was still a computer problem! I'm told Ford is working on a new program & it will fix everything. I don't remember the ring & pinion being computer controlled, do you?

 

I think the surging might be computer related, but not the rear vibration. Oh....and I wouldn't recomend shutting the tuck off at 70 mph. Might be a bit hard to stop. :-)
Also... be sure to use a Blue Oval service shop. These guys have extensive training and certification when working on vehicles. I've always been impressed with their knowledge and service. Was your service done by a Blue Oval certified service shop?

 

Check other boards and models! You will find Explorers, old style F150's and even Crown Vics with shudder. My new 2003 4.2L 4r70w with 3.55 LS has it under light throttle application and coasting from 42mph to 45 mph. My dad's 2000 5.4 L with 4r70w dosn't have it at all. Sounds like a manufacturing issue, ie QC. Food for thought.

 

Did you guys know that there is a resource for a problem such as this? I think the only way we can come to a resolution is to use the resources available. Complaining to eachother isn't getting us anywhere and every day I drive my truck, I'm more sick about this vibration issue. You can go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site and actually file a complaint. I'm sure if enough of us do this, it may get the needed attention from the manufacturer to create a solution. I know many of you are like me and spend the time researching before purchasing and have been shocked with the results. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I am.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/

I also have an appointment with the service manager tomorrow to get to the bottom of this. I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Thanks.

 

Another good resource....

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...ufacturers.htm

 

Since I'm considering a new F-150 I'm watching threads like this. My question is, along with the LS does the wheelbase of the truck seem to have any connection with the problem as far as anyone can conclude?

 

I have a 145" wheelbase on my '04 SCab 4X4 LS Lariat and no vibration problems.

 

This is looking like the 5.4L screws are the ones getting screwed.
Are there any problems with the 4.6L or the scabs? Does this happen more in the 4x4 than the 4x2? Or are more people buying the 4x4's?I have the STX 4x4 scab (4.6L) on order. If and when it comes in I'll report in.

 

Don't want to take this thread off topic, but someone attempted to argue that it is foolish to not have a truck without LS.

On a two wheel drive I would agree.

BUT up here in the northland, when roads are covered with compacted snow and ice 25% of 50% of the year. LS will make you fishtail so much more easily then not having it. I'm not pulling cows out of mud holes, but do want 4X4 for snow and ice traction.

Up here.

90% of two wheel drive have LS.

90% of the 4X4 are ordered by the dealer without it. My business partner has his first LS 4X4 (Chevy) and his comment is he has never lost control of a truck more in his life.

Personally I prefer to stay between the ditches, then use LS to get out of them.

 

Any ideas why mine only does this when I am towing? Already ruled out the trailer.

 

Well, I took mine in for service and was told there is nothing they can do. they can not duplicate the problem and are unawre of any known problems. I gave them a piece of my mind and they are looking into it further.

 

For my 2 cents worth I have a 04 screw lariat 2wd 5.4 with no vibration probs

 

Do you have the limited slip rear end and, if so, what ratio? Mine has the 3.53 LS and I've only noticed the vibration on rare occasions.