Hey everyone. New to the forum and first time Super Duty owner. I have a 2020 CCSB Lariat FX4 7.3 w/ 3.55. I had some funky shifting the first 1000 miles and took it to the dealer. Happy to report they did a relearn and it has drastically improved. At 2500 miles now and I’ve had this click/clunk when taking off after being parked for a while. I am scheduling a service appointment but can’t get there for a couple of weeks. Looking for some help to make sure the service department does a thorough check. What could this be?

Here are the symptoms:
initial startup, shift into drive (hear the usual shift into 1st gear, no loud pops or clunk), go to take off and within the first 5-10 feet I hear a click. It is easily noticeable with the windows up and a/c on. It usually only happens on initial start from park when vehicle is cold but I do occasionally get it when starting from a stop light. Also get it it when accelerating out of a rolling turn, mostly always in 3rd gear. I can get it repeat the 3rd gear click pretty reliably. They could be 2 separate issues. Gonna get a camera mount soon and see if I can narrow it down but until then looking for some help. What else should I check?

Thanks for the help


Love the truck with the exception of this issue. Other SD owners I’ve talked too don’t seem to have the issue.

 

could be U joints, Back lash in differential, shocks, bed movement...can you narrow down and confirm its from the rear portion?

 

Still hard to tell if it’s coming from the rear at this point that’s what I hoping to figure out with the camera. Right now it sounds and feels like it’s coming from right under my seat. But I know sounds can travel up the driveshaft.

 

differentials dont use any more than .010" lash. thats not nearly enough to cause loud clunks

 

Do a search. Its been covered with no answer from Ford. Mine has done it on rolling starts, full stop then start and sometimes when shifting gears. I think if you search " driveline slack" it will pop up. Mine has done it since day one, I was told at about 1000 miles it is normal. BS. It has gotten progressively worse. I am at about 5000 miles now getting ready to bring it in for my first oil change. I will revisit this issue with them but I dont have high confidence. If I get told again " its normal" I am opening a complaint with Ford. I have intentionally waited until 5000 miles because I didnt want to hear some BS about the truck "learning".

PS: its not the drive shaft splines. I had them lube them and it did not make a difference.