I've been a lurker since I took delivery of my truck in February of this year.

Prior to my purchase, I had read of vibration problems and noticed that my truck exhibited the following :

1. a slight steering wheel nibble,
2. a slight vibration which intensified at around 55 MPH and peaked at 65 MPH,
3. a preceptible 'booming' which resonated at Interstate speeds,
4. a slight pull to the right.

I expressed these concerns to my dealer on the first (of many) test drives. He was honest in his response that Ford was experencing vibration problems with the new F150 design, and if I would buy this particular truck that he would sell it to me at invoice less the factory rebate. Also, he guaranteed that he would personally refund my purchase price plus state sales tax if his service department couldn't fix any vibration problems.

So, I bought the truck, and worked with the dealer towards fixing the truck's problems.

Two months ago, the vibration intensified to the point where the dealer had me bring in the truck for a Ford Regional Rep to analyze the problem. Using some fancy electronic gizmo, the Rep found that the vibration problems came from 1) a faulty steering rack, and 2) a faulty driveshaft. The Rep had the dealer order the parts since both the steering rack and the driveshaft were being re-manufactured with NEW parts numbers

Rack # 4L3Z 3504 AB
Driveshaft # 4L3Z 4R602 TB

Once installed, and with a fresh front end alignment and a road-force balance, the vibration disappeared, and my truck no longer pulls to the right.

Although perfectly happy with the truck (and I'm very picky with my vehicles) I do believe that the truck can (and will be) improved. The truck does exhibit a 'shudder', particularily from the rear, when crossing a bump at speed. I attribute this to being in an unloaded condition, which is how I mostly drive my truck. Adding a Versacover

http://www.versacover.com/

and pulling a 3000 load makes little or no difference

I am waiting for availability of the Hotchkis Performance kit

http://www.hotchkis.net/cgi-bin/EDCstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=80317

and will have the kit installed locally.

I am hoping that the kit and upgraded shocks will make the truck a smooth and great handling ride.

Comments?

___________________________________
2004 F150 Lariat 4x2 built in Norfolk 12/03

 

It's always good to hear that someone got their vibration problem sorted out and that the dealership service department and ford reps treated them well and did not try and say its normal. Maybe there is hope for those guys out there who still have major problems. Where was your truck built, what cab config and rear end?

 

2004 F150 Lariat 4x2 built in Norfolk 12/03

Supercab, 3.55 LSD

 

Sounds like you got yourself a great dealer. Who is it? Maybe the other folks with issues can have their dealers call yours for help!

EDIT: Great post BTW & Welcome to FTE!

 

I will ask the dealer if that would be OK. If so, I will let others know the contact name. How's that sound?

 

Glad it worked out and thanks for the updated part numbers.

 

I also took receipt of my truck in Feb. It's a Lariat screw 4wd, 373 ls/ KC plant. It went in to the shop Tuesday. Thant same day the service manager called me. I was surprised to be informed that after just a few hours his crew was replacing the driveline. I was also told that there were problems with the rear differencial. He said it was related to the bearings. I suspect a loose bearing tolerence or clutch packs. I hope the efforts pay out. The dealership has been really great.

 

TRITON

I would be curious if the driveshaft part number that appears on your work order matches the one I previously posted.

Let us know.

 

Excellent post . . . I will check with my dealer as well to see if these might remedy my little problem, thanks rockstacker!

 

New driveline part # is 4L3Z*4602*KA. Thats what they installed. The 41-45 mph vibe is gone. Sadly it's at a worse 50-55mph hand numbing speed now.

 

To update :

I still have a noticeable nibble, not quite as bad, now appearing at 55 mph or so. The truck continues to do the 'jiggles' when passing over a bump. The vibration is like a sports car with a stiff 'racing' suspension. That's not the same issue, but may be related

So, it's back to the dealer, I WILL NOT REST until this vehicle drives like it should.

 

Good for you rockstacker . . . nor will I. I find out today if my situation is remedied. I will post.

 

Bought my truck 5/21/04. 4.6L 3.55 LSD. After about 30 miles I got a noticable vibration between 45-55mph. Took it to dealer today and they hooked up electronic vibration equipment. They told me the rearend was bad and it would take 3days to get a new one from ford. I will keep ya informed. Dealer told me this is the sixth rearend in the past week they have had to replace.

 

Did they say that by replacing the others it solved the vibration problem?

 

According to the service manager Ford had a manufacturing problem and the ring and pinion are out of round. The others they have done he claims fixed the problem.