Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum so this may have been brought up before but I have a question.

I have been shopping for a new 2014 F150. I tested the Dodge and Chevy and I like the Ford the best.

I've driven 2 different EcoBoost XLTs and an EcoBoost FX4, all extended cab and they were all awesome but here is the issue: They all vibrate between 50 and 60 mph. Under 50 they were fine, over 60 also good. I had one well over the limit and it was fine. Now I'm not talking about a shimmy like an alignment or wheel balance issue, I'm talking about the whole body is shaking. One was so bad I could see the bed bouncing around in the mirror. Each truck was driven over 5 miles and had different wheels and tires and they were selected from 2 different dealers.

These trucks are outstanding in every other way and I really want one but I can't see paying over $40k for a vehicle that vibrates like this. It would drive me bat ***** crazy. Is this normal? Am I crazy? Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

 

Yea, don't buy one that does that.


My 2013 is the best riding vehicle I have ever owned.

 

I know right? But three of them? I've had 4 Ford trucks and none of them did anything like this. Guess I'm disappointed, I was stoked about getting a new one.

 

Did you have a sales person with you when test driving? What did they say?
I have a 13 F-150, 09 Explorer and have previously owned 03 F250 and a 86 Bronco. They all rode well. My current vehicles are really good on the road.

There is no excuse for a dealer to put a vehicle on the road that vibrates like that. What kind of surface were you driving on?

 

At both dealers, they just gave me the keys. I told both dealers what I thought and they of course said flat spots on the tires Surfaces were smooth highway.

 

keep testing until you find one that doesn't shake. My wife's '12 FX4 SCREW rides so smooth you'd swear it was sitting still.

 

Sounds like male bovine excrement at both dealers. Either find another good dealer or ask the sales person to go with you or ask the sales manager to go with you. Be assertive.

 

I've spent years trying to be less assertive

The last dealer had 2 XLTs that were identical. 1 Coyote and 1 EcoBoost. I'll drive the V8 and see if it's any different. I'm thinking there may have been some made with bad driveshafts? At least that's what it feels like.

The other 2 f150s I had rode fantastic.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I've driven a lot of F150's and never had that issue. My truck was built in April and I bought it in October. There was 12 miles on the clock when I went for the test ride and 30 when done. It never shook and it obviously sat for a long time. On that particular day I drove several trucks all of which rode very nice at all speeds. I would not buy a vehicle that has an issue, I would make them fix it before I bought it. Also if the tires do have flat spots that don't roll out in the first couple of miles, the tires should be replaced. Tires have memory and if they had severe flat spotting, it will come back whenever the vehicle is parked with weight on that spot.

 

Some F-150's have a one-piece drive shaft and some a two piece drive shaft. I know mine has a one piece drive shaft.

I don't know if two piece drive shaft has more balance issues than the one piece. I recall my Bronco had a two piece drive shaft which became problematic as it got older.

Kinda like me now.

 

Is there a required state inspection in your area? If so, what's the date on the state inspection. That'll give you a good idea as to how long these trucks have sat still.

My 2011 sat for six months and only had about 20 miles on the clock when I bought it and it was smooth as buttah when I bought it and with nearly 44K on the clock with the OE tires, she still rides smooth as anything.

 

I'd keep searching, but it could be an issue where those trucks have been on that lot since last year and have basically sat for 6-10 months or so. If you have found the perfect truck aside from the vibration issue ask the dealer to look for flat spots on the tires. If there's an issue there that can be linked to vibrations, go into negotiation mode, preferably that they replace the tires with brand new grips.

Otherwise, look somewhere else or wait until the 2015 comes out and get a lighter truck with shinier bells and whistles.

 

Good advice. Thanks.

 

Update!

The dealer road force balanced the XLT that I wanted. They found four bad tires and replaced with new. The truck has been on the lot since December! I took it out and drove it for about 20 miles. It drives and rides like a dream now. Job Jobbed!

I am very impressed with how they reacted, they were seriously concerned and obviously really wanted to sell this truck. Small dealerships can be great. I got an excellent deal well beyond the very good factory incentives!!

I'm picking it up in the morning.

I'll post a picture after I get it home.

Thanks to everyone that responded to my post. I think I might be on here a lot more in the future.

 

Congrats!!!!


and you did it the right way.... had them fix it *before* the purchase.


When their right, they are a great ride.