I've got a '99 F-150 with a 5.4L and 61000 miles. I'm noticing a sound, sort of like there's a chain being dragged behind the truck, that's coming from the engine. I really notice it right after the 1st. to 2nd. upshift under hard acceleration. Some days it's more noticeable than others. It sounds pretty bad, and I have no idea what it is. Sometimes the engine also feels sluggish.

I have a limited warranty, so I'd like to get it in to the shop before it expires, and see if I can't get it fixed. I'm not even sure what to tell the mechanic. Should I start with a Ford specialist? I know that the 5.4's have a few "issues" common with all of them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If it's got a warranty, don't delay, take it in. If you report the problem before the warranty is up, it's their baby until it's fixed, even if it expires. Did you buy it from a Ford dealer?

 

Nah, I bought it from a Chevy dealer . The warranty says that I should try to take it to the dealer if possible, but it also says that any licensed auto repair shop can work on it. So, I guess I'll talk to the dealer first, and I'll try to do that soon. There's still quite a bit of warranty left on it, luckily.

 

You bought it WHERE ?!!!

Just kidding.

 

Yeah, I could kick myself for that one! That was the worst dealership experience I've ever had, and that's saying something! I don't even want to take it there to get it serviced, but, because of the warranty, I just might have to. Those guys won't know anything about Fords!

 

if i remember right ford has a tsb for this consern.you put a clip/spacer in the second gear clutch.it takes up the slack in the steals so thay dont rattle

 

Thanks for the advice, l-m tech. Does your name mean you're a service tech? Since I bought the truck with 52000 miles, I have no idea if the previous owner(s) acted on any of the recalls or had any of the TSB's for my truck done. That's why I'd really like to take it to a Ford dealer, or at least a Ford specialist. Like I said before, because of the warranty, I might have to take it back to the Chevy(yuck!)dealer that I bought it from. I'll do what I can to take it a Ford guy, though.

 

Sure it's not detonation? Does it do it at part throttle or wide open or any time?