Why modify new 2004?
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Why modify new 2004?
Question to you body and suspension lifters
I agree that BLKBUTY has a great looking truck. However, don't you realize that if you ever have anything go wrong with this truck they are going to blame it all on your modifications? Eventhough making modifications does not invalidate the warranty the warranty specifically states that Ford is not responsible for any malfunctions to any parts where modifications have been made. In the case of suspension and body lifts, tires, etc. you are changing the entire ride dynamic of the vehicle and essentially giving Ford a way out of fixing everything, or at least making your life much more difficult with respect to getting warranty claims honored.
Why would'nt you wait until your warranty expires, or, better yet, save the cash and avoid all modifications?
Again, I love the way modified trucks look but don't understand the thought behind putting yourself at risk.
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save the cash and avoid all modifications?
But in the end I decide that if I only wanted function and logic in my life I would have become Amish.
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Don't get me wrong, I love the look and have the same desire to change things BUT it is just not worth the risk of having a dealer tell you that your mods are the source of any problems you encounter with your truck and thereby invalidating your warranty coverage. An example: I took my truck in this morning to get an alignment and told them of the excessive feedback in the steering wheel so many of the folks in this forum talk about. The first thing he did was look at my tires and start rubbing the tops of them and then said "I think the problem is your tires, these are the tires that came stock are they?" In fact they were the stock 18" BFGs I rolled off the lot with and after telling him that he said "okay, we'll get it taken care of". The dealer will look for any reason to avoid a warranty claim and ANY modifications will invalidate your warranty regardless of what someone else tells you. At a minimum, modifications will make it much more difficult to get a warranty claim taken seriously.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chesapeake VA
I may be a bit naive here, but doesn't the dealership get paid by Ford for any warranty work? Wouldn't they be trying every trick in the book to honor the warranty so they get the work?
Am I completely nuts?
Am I completely nuts?
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paid by Ford?
They get reimbursed for expenses but not paid so their mechanics are getting tied up with unprofitable hours and work that they could be using the work on cars/trucks that will earn them a profit. Also, dealerships are incented to resolve issues in the most cost effective manner so anything they can do to avoid warranty claims they will (i.e. blame your mods on your problems).
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I can't speak for everyone but I have always had a love affair with modifying all the vehicles I have ever owned.
Void warranty? Maybe... maybe not. One thing I have learned over the years - become friends with the service advisor/manager and take your vehicle to dealerships that are mod friendly.
In the end, you have to pay in order to play. If not don't do it. As my grandfather once told me, never bet more than you can afford to lose.
I know these trucks are expensive but if done right, you won't have any issues - and typically a better performing vehicle. If it is weighing on your mind though, don't do it. If you are not comfortable doing something, then you shouldn't.
Void warranty? Maybe... maybe not. One thing I have learned over the years - become friends with the service advisor/manager and take your vehicle to dealerships that are mod friendly.
In the end, you have to pay in order to play. If not don't do it. As my grandfather once told me, never bet more than you can afford to lose.
I know these trucks are expensive but if done right, you won't have any issues - and typically a better performing vehicle. If it is weighing on your mind though, don't do it. If you are not comfortable doing something, then you shouldn't.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Tulsa, OK
I used 1/2 of the Daystar kit and got 1 3/4" of lift and it looks alot better! I don't see it causing any problems in the next 36 months.
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From: Chesapeake VA
2004FX4Wheeler,
Thanks for the education! I thought Ford paid them for parts and labor when it's covered under warranty. See, I was naive!
Thanks for the education! I thought Ford paid them for parts and labor when it's covered under warranty. See, I was naive!
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I've got one for you guys....
Yesterday when I was at the dealership....again, but with much better results....they had a Black 04 F-150 FX4 with a 2.5" leveling kit, new shocks, and new 20" wheels with 35" Nitto Terra Grapplers on it. I asked the sales guy how they can do that and sell it as new and he said nobody will usually pay for the price tag they are asking for the modifications so it's more for show. I think if you guys check with your dealership they can do just about anything and then your warrantee is not so much in question. Last year I had them take my 02 Screw and put in 4:10's so that my warrantee would not be in question. Even though it might seem outrageous to pay the price to have this done....it's well worth it in the long run. Or at least if I make modifications like they did at the dealer ship I can say...but they did it. Oh...that only worked when I was a kid. Do you think it would work again?
Yesterday when I was at the dealership....again, but with much better results....they had a Black 04 F-150 FX4 with a 2.5" leveling kit, new shocks, and new 20" wheels with 35" Nitto Terra Grapplers on it. I asked the sales guy how they can do that and sell it as new and he said nobody will usually pay for the price tag they are asking for the modifications so it's more for show. I think if you guys check with your dealership they can do just about anything and then your warrantee is not so much in question. Last year I had them take my 02 Screw and put in 4:10's so that my warrantee would not be in question. Even though it might seem outrageous to pay the price to have this done....it's well worth it in the long run. Or at least if I make modifications like they did at the dealer ship I can say...but they did it. Oh...that only worked when I was a kid. Do you think it would work again?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Michigan
2004FX4Wheeler - In my situation I am friends w/ the owner of a dealership, so they'll fix pretty much anything on my truck and still find a way to get paid for it.
I can't speak for everyone who mods, but myself... I can't stand my vehicle being exactly like hundreds or thousands of others. I need a noticable difference between my vehicle and others that were originally built just like it.
I can't speak for everyone who mods, but myself... I can't stand my vehicle being exactly like hundreds or thousands of others. I need a noticable difference between my vehicle and others that were originally built just like it.
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Differential gear ratio. the lower the ratio, the more torque to the rear wheels, however, the higher the engine RPM and lower the gas mileage. It's a fine art to get the right combo for each person's needs as well as matching with the tire diameter.
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thanks netguy
Netguy -
I chatted with the service manager this morning about my vibe problem. Luckily, he has an 04 Screw that is experiencing all the same problems as mentioned in these threads and is as upset as anyone about it. I directed him to this forum, to the TSB links, etc. and expect it will be a great help. He seems like a good guy and I am hopefull that he gets his truck fixed. It is encouraging that he is experiencing the problems because he will be motivated and sympathetic to assist his customers.
Thanks for all your feedback netguy. I can't express how valuable this forum is.
I chatted with the service manager this morning about my vibe problem. Luckily, he has an 04 Screw that is experiencing all the same problems as mentioned in these threads and is as upset as anyone about it. I directed him to this forum, to the TSB links, etc. and expect it will be a great help. He seems like a good guy and I am hopefull that he gets his truck fixed. It is encouraging that he is experiencing the problems because he will be motivated and sympathetic to assist his customers.
Thanks for all your feedback netguy. I can't express how valuable this forum is.