So I've broken down and decided to get a 92-96 era truck as I'm a bit tired of fighting old dentside issues. I just purchased a 95 F150 SC 4x4. It only has 104,000 miles and it was very clean and straight. It is an automatic, with the push button 4x4 servos, and automatic hubs and has the 5.8 engine. I did notice new radius arm bushings. At highway speeds I hear a rattle or vibration. It reminds me of a sound I had on my Mustang, when the A pillar body parts were buffeting in the wind after the Windshield replacement people failed to bolt them. The sound in the truck sounds like its coming from the driver side wheel area. It does have aluminum running boards that feel like they are tightly bolted on (not loose). I don't have much experience with 4wd. I do have a 79 where I put new Warn hubs shortly after I got it. I don't really know much about 4x4 hubs. Is it possible I have a wheel bearing issue? I would think I'd hear grinding at slow speeds as well? Are there any potential issues with the automatic hubs that make noises at higher speeds? Are there any known wind buffeting issues with these trucks? I'd like suggestions of what to have checked. Aside from this sound, I'm really enjoying the creature comforts of the interior, and the joys of fuel injection. My Mustang is now feeling neglected.

 

Maybe its coming from the mirror. Is it tight? Does the truck have a bug guard?

 

thats what she said

 

I put a wadded up piece of napkin in between the bug guard and hood, didn't seem to make a difference. The sound really seems to be coming from the wheel well area. I'll have to check the mirror, but it seems like it's tight. The truck if fairly tight. I've found a couple of interior A pillar trim pieces that are loose because where they are screwed in, the holes are bigger than the screw head. The sound seems kind of like metallic grinding or clicking but not at a constant rate. I've got an appointment at a Ford dealer on Monday to troubleshoot.

 

So the diagnosis:

Brightwork surrounding the windshield is loose at the A pillar. Wind buffeting at freeway speeds is causing it to rattle. No wonder it sounded like the A pillar body panel that was slapping on my Mustang when the window people didn't bolt it down. The shop was able to make it stop after wedging a piece of cardboard in it. They don't do body work and suggested seeing a glass place as I have a rock chip to fill anyway. They did mention that I have alot of cupping to my tires and to have the tires rotated. Any ideas about clips to secure the window brightwork?

 

If you are talking about the aluminum molding, it's held on via a CRAPLOAD of clips....