Hey guys, I am really contemplating on buying a used or new 04-05 F150. However, after thoroughly going through this forum, I have concerns regarding the vibration problems.
I realize there are plenty of threads adressing this problem and in no way do I want to p**s off everyone with another one, but I need some info that I couldnt find on my searches.
I know not all of the trucks suffer from this, but it is an evident problem. I also noted that the trucks that suffer from this are the super crews which is the kind I intend to buy (I am looking into buying a 4x4 Lariat supercrew).
My questions are these:
1. Is there a certain batch produced with this problem?
2. Will a lift kit make this problem happen or make it worse?
3. Has Ford acknowledged this problem and adressed it in the '05 model.
4. What exactly do I look or feel for when I test drive it?
I've searched for these questions on this forum, but I really havent got an answer for them. Everytime I search I end up reading too many other threads(too many good posts ).
Hope you guys can be of help, and sorry if I bring up a sour subject again.

 

I'd say test drive it on highway between 50 and 75. No vib, buy it, you'll love the truck.

 

I agree with Bobbylh, test drive it, both on and off the highway. See if you can have it for an afternoon. If your serious about buying that shouldn't be a problem. Mine 4X2 Screw Lariat was built Oct 03. I have not had any issues with vibrations. I rotate my tires every 6k. The biggest issue I've had is a rear pwr sliding window rattle and a leak in the rear window. The dealer is replacing parts for those issues on Tuesday. This is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and definately would buy another one. Good luck!

 

Test drive all the models even the Chevy, Dodge, Toyota. THen you can decide which one fits you best.

 

Stay with Ford, but I would buy an F250 or F350 instead after owning the F150 for a year.

 

It's not just supercrews. I had a regular cab FX4 with vibes.

 

Just like everyone is saying test drive the truck you will know. I own F-150 super
crew 4x4 Lariat with 18" wheels the truck rides like a dream. TEST DRIVE just don't
test drive one try two maybe three

 

Get a Toyota Tundra Double Cab unless you tow heavy then get a Ford F-250.

 

Don't get the Goodyear ATS, see if they will swap them for the BFG's. I hate my goodyear's.

 

I just bought an 04 4x4 lariat screw. It's probably the worst automotive purchase and decision I ever made. In 94 I had a lemon F250 that Ford had to buy back (after a year of hassle and aggrevation). I got suckered in to the styling of the new F150 and the pretty Lariat interior, but after reading these boards and remembering my last Ford experience I honestly wish I had not made this purchase. I've driven Chevys for the last ten years with great pleasure. Save for a few very minor issues not even worth mentioning they have treated me very well, and drove great. There is something solid about the Chevy I can't describe, and something delicate feeling about the Ford. Look around on all the Ford truck forums and read all the horror stories about the new F150. Granted Ford sells a lot of these and there are many owners with no complaints, but it is worth the risk? I've been a member of a Chevy truck forum for some time and no repeated serious issues were ever mentioned as they are on the Ford forums. Mostly we discussed what fun things we did to and with our trucks. My honest advice is to give the Chevy, Toyota and Dodge a serious look. Once I find a way to get rid of this Ford I'll never be unfaithful to Chevy again! Just my .02, good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Maybe I don't know what I'am talk about but have to say it anyway. Do people test
drive these trucks are do they just pick them up at the dealers. Also don't they
have vibrations from day one or are they waiting tell they get them home. Guys these
truck cost a lot of money why would'nt you take time to make sure everything is ok.

 

Granted this new truck has received some bad ratings but I would wager that the majority of owners are happy with their new trucks. I know I am - 12K miles on a STX SCAB 4x4 - no shakes, rattles, or rolls. No problems at all. (cept when I bottomed out in a hole in the deer woods, but that was my fault) Drives like a dream. Much better in my view than Dodge or Chevy which I've driven.

 

I wonder why the Goodyear AT/S tires get a bad rap. I've got 40,000 miles on my second set of these tires on a 1999 F-150 4X4 and frankly, they are the best all terrain tires I have ever owned. They get great mileage - with 40,000 miles on the current tires, they still have 9/32" of tread. And, maybe I am just used to trucks and fairly aggressive tires, but I think they ride very well with low noise. Running 85 mph on the interstate for hours is not a problem. Have only had one tire fixed in nearly 80,000 miles between the original tires and the replacements - a small drill bit managed to get through a rear tire. Our 2003 Ranger 4X4 has the RT/S Goodyear tires on it and at nearly 20,000 miles on them - they are still good. And so far in some pretty bad winter weather - both the AT/S and RT/S tires have performed well. Will most likely continue using the Goodyear tires on these trucks as I have no reason to change brands. Can't remember ever thinking that way before about OEM tires. And, yes - I have owned several sets of BF Goodrich tires including various models of the A/T tires. Not impressed with those tires in terms of mileage and/or noise - overall mud/snow traction was good.

 

Any new deisgn is going to have a share of issues. I have a 2004 F-150 lariat crew anf they fixed a shutter problem on start from 0 when turning with a new clutch pack. They fixed a wobble in the sterring wheel when braking with newly designed rotors from Ford. And next week they will be relacing the drive shaft which I'm hoping fixes the vibs I get from 20MPH - 70MPH. It doe shave a leveling kit and if the vibs don;t go away I'm going to have them uninstall the leveling kit and see if that works.

 

It cracks me up when someone thinks they don't really have a problem...even after they have several attempted fixes. Classic denial.
"Any new deisgn is going to have a share of issues." Same coolaide I drank at first and I agree. Especially if it's a bad design! Granted not everyone has problems, but there is way too many of the same stories.
Don't dare make mods, don't dare change the tires unless you do have a great truck. If you think you might have problems, these mods will only haunt you! I know. After 22k on my 04 and dealing with the DSB for months, I finally won and I'm not going to trade for another F150, however, because they did the right thing, I will get an F250 and pray this never happens to me again.