Driver's Side Sagging
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Let's see what I can do to help level things out in your rig. How many miles are on it currently?
Your dealership will be able to run your VIN to see if any TSBs apply, jh225. Have you ever brought the sagging to their attention? What's your truck's model year/mileage?
Crystal
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
I do plan on getting to it very soon though, as I have other body issues (bed in no way lines up evenly, side to side) and an engine knock/tap in cold weather at start up.
My F350 is a 2015 Platinum with a touch over 4K miles. Problem has been evident since I brought it home, just didn't notice it on dealers lot.
Truck sags 1.25" measured front and rear at the wheel well lip with a level used on the tire as a set point.
A 1.25" difference from driver to passenger side is just not acceptable on a $70K truck, nor is a misaligned bed, or engine tick.
This is my 3rd new SD in about 5 yrs and to be totally honest, this has really soured me on Ford build quality.
I am going to figure out when I can get it there and let you know. How much lead time do you need to have a zone rep get involved and will they actually be at the dealer when I go or just kept in the loop?
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
I could escalate you to the customer service manager (CSM) for your region now; I just need a PM from you with your details to make that happen. When writing, please include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and preferred servicing dealership. Our CSMs do not physically go to the dealerships to assist with customer concerns. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Crystal
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
OK, maybe I'm stupid..................
Brought truck into local dealer Monday. (still there).
"Yes sir, we can confirm the truck is leaning to the left."
Get a call that afternoon saying we ordered "parts".
Tuesday afternoon, get call.......... Tech is putting the spring in now.
I ask is it just 1 spring? I don't know is the reply.
Go there just before closing time, and ask why are they replacing a spring, is it broken? I don't know is the response.
Supposed to call this morning after checking with tech. No call, so I just called.
They are replacing 1 spring and adjusting (adjusting what?) as much as they can.
So..........maybe I'm stupid, but if a vehicle is leaning in the front AND rear (different amounts), how does replacing 1 spring correctly address the issue? I have the 11.5K rating so they can't put a heavier spring in, so are you replacing the OEM with the same and hoping one is taller? What are you doing to address the other corner?
Needless to say, I will be going in this afternoon and having a chat with all persons involved in this "fix".
Brought truck into local dealer Monday. (still there).
"Yes sir, we can confirm the truck is leaning to the left."
Get a call that afternoon saying we ordered "parts".
Tuesday afternoon, get call.......... Tech is putting the spring in now.
I ask is it just 1 spring? I don't know is the reply.
Go there just before closing time, and ask why are they replacing a spring, is it broken? I don't know is the response.
Supposed to call this morning after checking with tech. No call, so I just called.
They are replacing 1 spring and adjusting (adjusting what?) as much as they can.
So..........maybe I'm stupid, but if a vehicle is leaning in the front AND rear (different amounts), how does replacing 1 spring correctly address the issue? I have the 11.5K rating so they can't put a heavier spring in, so are you replacing the OEM with the same and hoping one is taller? What are you doing to address the other corner?
Needless to say, I will be going in this afternoon and having a chat with all persons involved in this "fix".
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
I would give Crystal some time to escalate the issue on her end and see what she can find out.
I would expect your service writer to be able to provide what parts have been ordered and what is being adjusted.
Ask him how they plan to fix both ends with one spring. Let him go talk to his techs if he doesn't know the answer.
You are a paying customer. But you aren't their only customer. Give them some time. Crystal has been a huge help to many of us.
Ford is not out to get you.
They want to keep you as a customer even if it doesn't seem that way.
I would expect your service writer to be able to provide what parts have been ordered and what is being adjusted.
Ask him how they plan to fix both ends with one spring. Let him go talk to his techs if he doesn't know the answer.
You are a paying customer. But you aren't their only customer. Give them some time. Crystal has been a huge help to many of us.
Ford is not out to get you.
They want to keep you as a customer even if it doesn't seem that way.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
I would give Crystal some time to escalate the issue on her end and see what she can find out.
I would expect your service writer to be able to provide what parts have been ordered and what is being adjusted.
Ask him how they plan to fix both ends with one spring. Let him go talk to his techs if he doesn't know the answer.
You are a paying customer. But you aren't their only customer. Give them some time. Crystal has been a huge help to many of us.
Ford is not out to get you.
They want to keep you as a customer even if it doesn't seem that way.
I would expect your service writer to be able to provide what parts have been ordered and what is being adjusted.
Ask him how they plan to fix both ends with one spring. Let him go talk to his techs if he doesn't know the answer.
You are a paying customer. But you aren't their only customer. Give them some time. Crystal has been a huge help to many of us.
Ford is not out to get you.
They want to keep you as a customer even if it doesn't seem that way.
I am heading there now to see what was done, why it was done, is it correctly fixed and go from there.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Well, the problem is...................................... Not solved. (there's a shock, huh?)
Oh, and along with the problem not being solved, I now have a nice big chip in my front bumper's paint. (more on that later)
Went in, talked at length with the tech. Ford ABSOLUTELY knows this is an issue, but they very obviously have no clue how to solve it. Tech said there is a service bulletin and when the customer complains, we want you to do these specific procedures. Take measurements, and then go to ........blah, blah.
So he first ordered a LF coil spring and did the R&R. That slightly changed the front left height, but did nothing to the right rear. Theory being if we raise the LF corner, it will lower the RR corner. Ehhhh, wrong. The truck (especially a F350 w/11.5K rating) is so stiff, it did absolutely nothing to the RR.
He said the next step Ford wants to do is to use body shims. OK, where to I ask. LF he say's. Wait, what? If you put body shims in the LF, just exactly how does that affect the LR of the bed, which is not connected? He say's, it won't. OK, trash that idea.
Then he says with regards to measurements, Ford requires the side to side to be within 1/2". WTF? Since when is a 1/2" difference regarded as acceptable? If I start building a house and the 1st corner is 1/2" off, what is it when I get to the other end? In talking about it with my body shop guy and seeing if he had any ideas, said in no way is 1/2" acceptable, and that 3/16" is standard.
If we were to shim the bed instead of the cab,that would solve the issue, but then the body lines would be off by the 3/4" that the side to side is now as measured at many points. That idea is out.
We talked about a couple other ideas, and I explained that I am not looking for him to get beat up on this warranty work, so let's get a definitive plan.
I agree to take the truck home, put it back in my shop as usual, then see if changing the front spring did anything. I did, and it didn't.
I re-measured in a whole mess of places and still get 3/4" at every point.
To me, this just screams out, LR spring pack, as it is most definitely suspension and what else would raise that corner besides a suspension part? Putting a small block in would solve it, but it would also be the wrong way to fix it.
So that is my next suggestion when we meet again on Friday.
Ford needs to step up and make their engineers earn their money since they are the ones that F'cked up in the first place.
As for the paint chip in my bumper. Prior to leaving the truck, I made the 2 CS reps walk the truck with me looking for flaws (dings nicks, etc) of which we all agreed, there were none. I said I expect the truck to come back to me in the same manner. I also had them write on the ticket and highlight DO NOT WASH OR WIPE the body. Black truck which I have like glass will be cleaned by myself, they said no problem.
So when I went to talk to the tech and immediately saw the paint chip, I was not a happy camper. The tech said it wasn't him and I believe him as his own older F150 is in great shape, so I know he treats customer cars the same way. Obviously happened across the street at the CS side.
The service manager immediately admitted to it being their problem and it will be addressed by my body guy (who is also their body guy) after the suspension is addressed and solved.
Gee Ford, do you think I have a right to be pissed that you can't solve a simple suspension issue on a truck that costs more than many folks in my town's house?
Oh, and along with the problem not being solved, I now have a nice big chip in my front bumper's paint. (more on that later)
Went in, talked at length with the tech. Ford ABSOLUTELY knows this is an issue, but they very obviously have no clue how to solve it. Tech said there is a service bulletin and when the customer complains, we want you to do these specific procedures. Take measurements, and then go to ........blah, blah.
So he first ordered a LF coil spring and did the R&R. That slightly changed the front left height, but did nothing to the right rear. Theory being if we raise the LF corner, it will lower the RR corner. Ehhhh, wrong. The truck (especially a F350 w/11.5K rating) is so stiff, it did absolutely nothing to the RR.
He said the next step Ford wants to do is to use body shims. OK, where to I ask. LF he say's. Wait, what? If you put body shims in the LF, just exactly how does that affect the LR of the bed, which is not connected? He say's, it won't. OK, trash that idea.
Then he says with regards to measurements, Ford requires the side to side to be within 1/2". WTF? Since when is a 1/2" difference regarded as acceptable? If I start building a house and the 1st corner is 1/2" off, what is it when I get to the other end? In talking about it with my body shop guy and seeing if he had any ideas, said in no way is 1/2" acceptable, and that 3/16" is standard.
If we were to shim the bed instead of the cab,that would solve the issue, but then the body lines would be off by the 3/4" that the side to side is now as measured at many points. That idea is out.
We talked about a couple other ideas, and I explained that I am not looking for him to get beat up on this warranty work, so let's get a definitive plan.
I agree to take the truck home, put it back in my shop as usual, then see if changing the front spring did anything. I did, and it didn't.
I re-measured in a whole mess of places and still get 3/4" at every point.
To me, this just screams out, LR spring pack, as it is most definitely suspension and what else would raise that corner besides a suspension part? Putting a small block in would solve it, but it would also be the wrong way to fix it.
So that is my next suggestion when we meet again on Friday.
Ford needs to step up and make their engineers earn their money since they are the ones that F'cked up in the first place.
As for the paint chip in my bumper. Prior to leaving the truck, I made the 2 CS reps walk the truck with me looking for flaws (dings nicks, etc) of which we all agreed, there were none. I said I expect the truck to come back to me in the same manner. I also had them write on the ticket and highlight DO NOT WASH OR WIPE the body. Black truck which I have like glass will be cleaned by myself, they said no problem.
So when I went to talk to the tech and immediately saw the paint chip, I was not a happy camper. The tech said it wasn't him and I believe him as his own older F150 is in great shape, so I know he treats customer cars the same way. Obviously happened across the street at the CS side.
The service manager immediately admitted to it being their problem and it will be addressed by my body guy (who is also their body guy) after the suspension is addressed and solved.
Gee Ford, do you think I have a right to be pissed that you can't solve a simple suspension issue on a truck that costs more than many folks in my town's house?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: California
Well, the problem is...................................... Not solved. (there's a shock, huh?)
Oh, and along with the problem not being solved, I now have a nice big chip in my front bumper's paint. (more on that later)
Went in, talked at length with the tech. Ford ABSOLUTELY knows this is an issue, but they very obviously have no clue how to solve it. Tech said there is a service bulletin and when the customer complains, we want you to do these specific procedures. Take measurements, and then go to ........blah, blah.
So he first ordered a LF coil spring and did the R&R. That slightly changed the front left height, but did nothing to the right rear. Theory being if we raise the LF corner, it will lower the RR corner. Ehhhh, wrong. The truck (especially a F350 w/11.5K rating) is so stiff, it did absolutely nothing to the RR.
He said the next step Ford wants to do is to use body shims. OK, where to I ask. LF he say's. Wait, what? If you put body shims in the LF, just exactly how does that affect the LR of the bed, which is not connected? He say's, it won't. OK, trash that idea.
Then he says with regards to measurements, Ford requires the side to side to be within 1/2". WTF? Since when is a 1/2" difference regarded as acceptable? If I start building a house and the 1st corner is 1/2" off, what is it when I get to the other end? In talking about it with my body shop guy and seeing if he had any ideas, said in no way is 1/2" acceptable, and that 3/16" is standard.
If we were to shim the bed instead of the cab,that would solve the issue, but then the body lines would be off by the 3/4" that the side to side is now as measured at many points. That idea is out.
We talked about a couple other ideas, and I explained that I am not looking for him to get beat up on this warranty work, so let's get a definitive plan.
I agree to take the truck home, put it back in my shop as usual, then see if changing the front spring did anything. I did, and it didn't.
I re-measured in a whole mess of places and still get 3/4" at every point.
To me, this just screams out, LR spring pack, as it is most definitely suspension and what else would raise that corner besides a suspension part? Putting a small block in would solve it, but it would also be the wrong way to fix it.
So that is my next suggestion when we meet again on Friday.
Ford needs to step up and make their engineers earn their money since they are the ones that F'cked up in the first place.
As for the paint chip in my bumper. Prior to leaving the truck, I made the 2 CS reps walk the truck with me looking for flaws (dings nicks, etc) of which we all agreed, there were none. I said I expect the truck to come back to me in the same manner. I also had them write on the ticket and highlight DO NOT WASH OR WIPE the body. Black truck which I have like glass will be cleaned by myself, they said no problem.
So when I went to talk to the tech and immediately saw the paint chip, I was not a happy camper. The tech said it wasn't him and I believe him as his own older F150 is in great shape, so I know he treats customer cars the same way. Obviously happened across the street at the CS side.
The service manager immediately admitted to it being their problem and it will be addressed by my body guy (who is also their body guy) after the suspension is addressed and solved.
Gee Ford, do you think I have a right to be pissed that you can't solve a simple suspension issue on a truck that costs more than many folks in my town's house?
Oh, and along with the problem not being solved, I now have a nice big chip in my front bumper's paint. (more on that later)
Went in, talked at length with the tech. Ford ABSOLUTELY knows this is an issue, but they very obviously have no clue how to solve it. Tech said there is a service bulletin and when the customer complains, we want you to do these specific procedures. Take measurements, and then go to ........blah, blah.
So he first ordered a LF coil spring and did the R&R. That slightly changed the front left height, but did nothing to the right rear. Theory being if we raise the LF corner, it will lower the RR corner. Ehhhh, wrong. The truck (especially a F350 w/11.5K rating) is so stiff, it did absolutely nothing to the RR.
He said the next step Ford wants to do is to use body shims. OK, where to I ask. LF he say's. Wait, what? If you put body shims in the LF, just exactly how does that affect the LR of the bed, which is not connected? He say's, it won't. OK, trash that idea.
Then he says with regards to measurements, Ford requires the side to side to be within 1/2". WTF? Since when is a 1/2" difference regarded as acceptable? If I start building a house and the 1st corner is 1/2" off, what is it when I get to the other end? In talking about it with my body shop guy and seeing if he had any ideas, said in no way is 1/2" acceptable, and that 3/16" is standard.
If we were to shim the bed instead of the cab,that would solve the issue, but then the body lines would be off by the 3/4" that the side to side is now as measured at many points. That idea is out.
We talked about a couple other ideas, and I explained that I am not looking for him to get beat up on this warranty work, so let's get a definitive plan.
I agree to take the truck home, put it back in my shop as usual, then see if changing the front spring did anything. I did, and it didn't.
I re-measured in a whole mess of places and still get 3/4" at every point.
To me, this just screams out, LR spring pack, as it is most definitely suspension and what else would raise that corner besides a suspension part? Putting a small block in would solve it, but it would also be the wrong way to fix it.
So that is my next suggestion when we meet again on Friday.
Ford needs to step up and make their engineers earn their money since they are the ones that F'cked up in the first place.
As for the paint chip in my bumper. Prior to leaving the truck, I made the 2 CS reps walk the truck with me looking for flaws (dings nicks, etc) of which we all agreed, there were none. I said I expect the truck to come back to me in the same manner. I also had them write on the ticket and highlight DO NOT WASH OR WIPE the body. Black truck which I have like glass will be cleaned by myself, they said no problem.
So when I went to talk to the tech and immediately saw the paint chip, I was not a happy camper. The tech said it wasn't him and I believe him as his own older F150 is in great shape, so I know he treats customer cars the same way. Obviously happened across the street at the CS side.
The service manager immediately admitted to it being their problem and it will be addressed by my body guy (who is also their body guy) after the suspension is addressed and solved.
Gee Ford, do you think I have a right to be pissed that you can't solve a simple suspension issue on a truck that costs more than many folks in my town's house?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
You have gotten a lot farther than I have. All they did is measure and deny any repairs to my truck. I love my truck, but so far I hate the service from Ford. Coming from a Ram truck, the truck was crap but the service was excellent. I guess Ford hasn't learned their lesson from the 6.0 motor problems.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 31
From: Idaho
Springs and weight
The trucks are not balanced front to back nor are they balanced left to right. Our trucks weighs in at 8000 pounds. Spring compress if you put weight on them. "So that is the problem". Spacer can improve the look. I think ford should add the spacers.
If you want something balanced front to back and left to right you should be looking at a sport car not a truck. I have a couple of sports cars that are more balanced. But they still are not perfect front to back nor left to right.
I know ford has high end, high dollar trucks but they are still trucks. Which means no one thing about weight distribution on the frame.
If you want something balanced front to back and left to right you should be looking at a sport car not a truck. I have a couple of sports cars that are more balanced. But they still are not perfect front to back nor left to right.
I know ford has high end, high dollar trucks but they are still trucks. Which means no one thing about weight distribution on the frame.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Did they fix the issue? If so, what exactly did they do? Part numbers would be great or whatever it says on the repair order.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
OK, nice and slow so you will understand.
NO ONE has had the issue fixed. 1 new guy said they ordered a shim and u bolt but never came back to say if it was fixed.
As I said before, Ford says this is a step by step fix, with the 1st step being the LF coil. If that doesn't work, they are telling the techs to use body shims IN THE FRONT, which will only serve to make the condition worse because it will screw up the body lines.
The only way I see to fix it will be either a new leaf pack (in the event that a bad batch was manufactured) or a small block in between the axle and leaf pack. Someone had this done on an older truck, so who know's if the part even still exists. And even if it fixes it, what will it do to the trucks geometry and handling?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 31
From: Idaho
what else
I was under my truck last night installing Billstein 5100. On the left side of the truck I saw the front diff, transfer case front drive shaft 37 gallon full tank and the def tank, def pump, and diesel conditioner pump. On the left side I see the exhaust. When you throw in the adjustment for the road crown, it no wonder that the truck leans left.
It should be a easy fix to shim left side of the truck. I mean I could do it after work after having two beers. I learned long ago if ford will not fix the issues you have to fix it on your own dime.
I think we are making mountain out of a mole hill.
It should be a easy fix to shim left side of the truck. I mean I could do it after work after having two beers. I learned long ago if ford will not fix the issues you have to fix it on your own dime.
I think we are making mountain out of a mole hill.