My trucks in the shop for the third time for this vibration problem,I dont think the service department thought it was an issue till I sent them to this website,it really opened their eyes .THANKS ,today there installing a new drive shaft and the vibration damper kit.



2004 f150
3.73 ls
xlt super crew
17 in. wheels
45--60 mph
7300 gvwr
6.5 bed

 

vibration damper kit. is this a fix from Ford or something you purchased?

 

Please report to this thread on how the truck handles after installation of damper kit and other service they attempt.

 

I haven't read a single thread where the damper kit did any good. I HAVE read that a new driveshaft solved the problem on some trucks. Best of luck! Be sure to let us know how it goes.

I've got a _slight_ vibration feeding back through the steering wheel. It starts around 40 mph, is most noticeable at 50 mph, and disappears about 60 mph. It's not annoying enough to be without the truck, however. I've only got 875 miles on it, so I'll be watching it to see if it gets worse in the next couple thousand miles.

 

I have the same vehicle but in an FX4 model and the vibration was virtually undetected new and now I have 5,500 miles and appears to be getting worse.

 

2004FX4Wheeler,

That's good to know. Since the FX4 had a beefier suspension (although the same rack and pinion steering) I'd expect you to have a slightly rougher ride, but that wouldn't effect the steering "nibble/feedback" issue, which I believe is a completely different problem than the drivetrain vibration some threads are discussing. Hopefully, Ford will get a better handle on this problem.

I have to say, however, I have to keep reminding myself I'm driving a truck, not a Lexus. I guess it's because my neighbor bought a $38,000 Lexus SUV, and I didn't pay much less for this truck!

 

I agree BUT it is the Motor Trend 2004 Truck of the Year AND they continually promote how quiet and smooth this truck is. It sure would be a shame if all this vibrations and nibble stuff got out to the media would'nt it Maybe someone should contact their local paper and let them know what is going on.

 

Three weeks ago my dealer put this vibration dampener kit on my truck. He said that it was about a 50 pound weight that they attached to the frame. It did help a little with the rebounce and body noise after taking a very harsh bump. What kind of voodoo can Ford come up with next?
Three road force balances, new drive shaft and the vib kit did not help my truck's 45-65mph driveline vibration.

Here is link on the vibration damperner
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=218562

 

Is the dampening kit the solution proposed by the Technical Service Bulletin number 17169? A guy in a different forum said that his rear differential was improperly set by the factory with the wrong specs and once that was corrected it rides better than any car he has been in.

I have called my dealers service manager and intend on taking my truck back soon to get the rear diff checked and to find out what TSB#17169 is. If it is the dampening kit then I'll pass becuase it does not seem to be worth a darn.

 

Thanks for the info

 

To everybody on this subject: I guess I'm lucky but after 2800 miles I don't seem to have any vib's yet. Xlt ext cab short bed 4x4 373 L.S. riding on General TR 255x70 x17 rubber.Most all the complaints have a common thing. I feel the BIG 18" tires and wheels are a big factor. try swapping with a buddy that doesn't have 18" rubber and it might be informative.
I hope I don't get the VIBE's because have been there w/ 66 fairlane Gt conv. After 53000 miles the dealer and I both gave up. Factory was no help. This was before the LEMON law.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL WITH THE VIBE"S
caddy53 chuck

 

Guys!!!!

I've been one of the most vocal in hear but I've got some great news!!! Today they installed the vibration dampener kit which I took a picture of an put in my gallery. This thing is strange looking, but appears to take out at least 75-80% of the vibration and shudders. It's a 25 lb. round weight inside of a black heavy metal box attached to the rear drivers side frame. The weight can rotate and wobble up and down thus canceling the vibration effect. It's not very noticeable and appears to do the trick!
I was really skeptical and didn't think it would work, but so far on my initial tests I have to say I'm impressed. Maybe they have a new dampener that is working now? If you don't have this, get it! I still have more testing to do, but I'm very happy it's much better. The technician went for a ride with me because he also has the same truck and was pretty excited that they appear to have this resolved. I also had the rear end fluid changed with a new type to get rid of the take off on turn shudder. I'll keep testing, but I'm happy at this point I've got my truck back. Stay tuned....no pun intended. :-)

oh....one more thing....since I had to put the stock tires back on to prove my problem to the service department, I decided to go back and get the Nitto Terra Grapplers put on to run another test. Bought the 285/60/18
They appear to handle just fine at this point. In fact, they seem to be better than the stock tires for ride and smoothness.

 

Thenetguy,

I'm really glad to hear that you've made some progress. One question:

Is this just fixing the "aftershock" problem? I have the 40-60 mph vibration-in-steering problem, and I think the weight they installed in your truck is supposed to dampen the "ringing" effect of road shock.

Problem is, I think there are several (at least three) different vibration problems people are talking about; driveline vibration (felt in the seat, center console, etc) , steering wheel vibration (only felt in the steering wheel), and aftershocks felt after hitting a bump (what I believe your problem was).

I'm glad to hear Ford is working on these! I'm holding off going in, because in most cases, they hold onto your truck for a long time. And because they don't have the problem nailed down, Ford ends up telling the dealer they won't authorize any more work done on your vehicle.

I'm taking the easy way out, I know. A lot of you are really to be commended for going to the trouble to take it back and force the dealer and Ford to do something about it. My hat's off to you all.

My vibration just isn't bad enough at 875 miles on the odometer to part with the truck for that length of time. However, when the odometer hits 3,000 and the vibration possibly gets worse, then I'll take it in.

Thanks again for the revelation!

 

The vibration dampener kit did nothing for my 45 to 65mph driveline vibration. It only helped a little with the rebounce after hitting a large bump in the road.

 

REG CAB XLT
6.5 bed
4X2
3.55 (NO LS)
4.6L
P275-65-R17 Mitchelins)
10-03 Norfolk
No vibration issues at any speed