I bought a sliver 2004 FX4 supercab 3 days ago. I noticed that the truck is very bumpy on the freeway (over 55mph). Is this Normal?



This is my first 4X4, So I'm not sure if that is the way it's supposed to ride or if there is something wrong with the suspension. I took it to the dealer and they said nothing was wrongs, Can somebody help? Please.

 

double check your air pressure!! several posts can be found re air pressure

 

Will do. How much air pressure do you recommend?

 

The one thing I noticed when I drove my FX4 for the first time was it sure didn't ride like my wife's Focus. But I have never felt like it had a bumpy ride on the highway either. Mine does fine at all speeds, and I've had it up to 95mph so far. But even though these trucks ride better than most 4x4's out there, the suspension is still fairly stiff. Plus the beefy frame they are sitting on adds to the stiffness of the ride. If you've ever driven in a uni-body car, then added sub-frame connectors, you would notice the same type of feel. The stiffer the frame is the more you feel all the little bumps in the road.

Perhaps the road you are driving is the problem? We have a road near where I live that always used to make me think I had a problem with my Mustang. But after driving my wife's Focus down the same road I noticed the same bumpy feel.

Is it a constant vibration? Or does it feel like you are hitting bumps? If it's not a constant bump I would say it is the road, and the fact that you are not used to the stiff suspension of a 4x4. You might also want to check the air pressure in your tires.

One way to know for sure if your truck has a problem would be to test drive another F-150 like yours down the same road.

 

I think it says inflate to 35psi on the tires, but don't quote me on that. But it does say on the tires what the recommended psi should be.

 

Definately feels like a constant up and down vibration. hopefully it is tire air pressure. I'm actually gonna check it out right now. Thanks for your help and input guys

 

If it's a constant vibration I would say it is mechanical in nature. Have you had it in any mud? If so make sure there isn't any mud stuck in the wheels.

Look at the sidewalls on the tires. If you see any bulges get the tire replaced because you have a slipped belt. You might have to look very close to see it. And look at the inside and outside sidewalls. Also, have someone put the truck in gear and move it while you watch the tread of the tires. Make sure there isn't any noticable wobble in the tread that isn't supposed to be there.

Do you feel the vibration in the steering wheel? If so pay particular attention to the front tires. If not, it's probably in the rear.

Let us know if you find out what it is.

 

I'm running about 40psi cold and I'm still prob going to drop it some more to 38psi

 

On the inside of your gas filler door it has a sticker that has tire pressure recommendations on it.

 

GET USED TO IT! I have an FX4 too, rides like a lumber wagon, I have lowered tire pressure to 32 psi, still rides rough. Oh well, I still like the truck!! As far as vibration, try driving on different roads, the supention is so stiff that it can't smooth out the little bumps & makes it feel like a vibration, mine has the same feel depending the road I'm on.

 

I also have felt the up and down vibration. It seems to be when traveling 45-65mph. I checked my tire pressure and it was 30psi from the dealer. Raised it to recommended pressure from fuel filler door to 40psi. It still has the constant movement. Not as obvious but noticeable.
I have also read about people had their clutch pack changed. Dont know if this would fix the problem but it could also be another reason.

 

,Well let me start buy saying I love my Scab,and the ride is great,I had a chevy Z71 4x4 ext.cab and it rode to spongy for me ,I even had the front end set up on the truck just to get it to ride like a truck,so that's why I love the ride on my ford,handle's great,quistest cab ever,even my wife loves this truck,after she drove it ,she said I understand why you like it so much, ,and just remember when you load it down,trust me you wont be worried about the ride any more.

 

I have a 2004 XLT 5.4 SuperCab with 5500 miles.
Not long after I got the truck I noticed several vibrations. I'm experiencing a drive train vibration between 45 & 65 mph. The whole truck vibrates at those speeds, it’s very low and fast vibration. After 65 mph the vibration stops and then the steering wheel vibrates after 65 & faster like the tires are out of balance. The dealer has balanced the tires but I still have both problems. A Ford Engineer told me that Ford is having vibration problems in the drive train and wants to drive my truck. Ford is looking a fix for the problem but he doesn't know when or if it will happen. My only option is to try and get Ford to replace the truck. Last week my steering wheel started to vibrate when stopping like the rotators are warped. What next?

 

I feel this is the best riding truck of its class you'll find. Better than some cars and SUV's. My only complaint is a shaking or shuddering feeling after hitting a bump. Kind of like a lingering after shock than runs through the whole vehicle. Then it smooths back out.