Hello. It appears I will be purchasing an 04 F150 possibly this next week, but I do have some questions. I could search for hours, but if someone could just give me a brief list of all known issues with the 04, I would appreciate it. I know there were some vibration issues, throttle lag, rear end setup problems, etc. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks


Rich

 

Puchased a new 2004 SCrew the first part of August. I have had none of the problems that you mentioned. I see a lot of complaints about those problems on this forum. Some people have tried to tie the problems to the place of manufacture indicating that trucks built in VA had the problems. My truck was built in KC. So, for what it is worth you can check that out. Maybe by now all the kinks are worked out. My truck has abut 1,000 miles on it now and no problems ...yet....crossing fingers.

 

Rich....Congrats on a wise choice!! (Make it a Flareside!!)

I've been tracking this board since before I got my truck in Mar04, and these issues are what I remember seeing discussed. Amazingly, my truck has never had any of these (except for needing a PCM reflash)!!

1) Steering wheel nibble - in many cases, fixed by road force balancing. There was a real interesting post from a Ford Tech who said the preload on the steering box was set incorrectly, and that fixed that particular issue.

2) Driveline vibe - most common 40-50 mph. Many people have had driveshaft and even entire rear end replaced. Another interesting post from a different Ford Tech said that the angle of the driveshaft into the pumpkin needed shimming, and that got rid of the problem in that case. But several folks still have the driveline vibe to this day.

3) "Other vibes" - may be caused by tires/wheels not concentric w/ hubs. Road-force balancing seems to help in alot of these cases.

4) Suspension Rebounce - several posts on the vehicle's suspension rebounding endlessly after hitting a bump. I can say that my FX4's suspension is tight, no rebounce, no slush. Whether this affects a certain model (non-FX4?) who knows.

5) Throttle lag - My PCM's original programming gave pretty anemic response. Since I brought it in for the 5000 mile check, and asked them to hook it up to the computer to see if there's any new programs, they found one and reflashed the PCM. Throttle response is greatly improved, as is gas mileage.

6) A/C not cooling enough - Not sure if this is still an issue, but there may be an issue with the Lariat's programming; seems some people say it won't cool. I may be wrong, but I think this is more common in the Lariat...with the climate control system.

7) "Slip/Clunk on acceleration" - Ford's knee-jerk response is to shoot the slip yoke with Teflon grease. Worked for me, but I'm skeptical over the long run.

Also, some have had their LSD service with a friction modifier (first step) and if no help, got their LSD clutch packs replaced. Not sure if this is more common in the 3.55 lsd or the 3.73 lsd. (Note-the new clutch packs are reported to have smaller surface)

8) "Safe mode" or "limp home" - a few trucks went into safe mode for no apparent reason. I know earlier posts had a fix in r/r the throttle body, and at least one other post had a bad oil temp sensor in the pan (r/r good fix).

There's been other gripes, some ridiculous (my tires throwing stones as I drive??), but these are the most reported on this board.

The vast majority of '04 F150 owners have had NO PROBLEMS, so again, CONGRATS on your new truck....and many happy miles!!! -Don

 

Thanks for the list Don! The truck I am looking at is a styleside (flareside units are so rare around here). It has everything I want (an FX4 without the goofy center floor shift...40/20/40 bench). If anyone else has anything to add, I would appreciate it. Flagator, I think the truck I am looking at is from Norfolk, but I dont know what the build date was. I'll have to call the dealership tomorrow, see if I can get any more info. Thanks


Rich

 

No problem wheelMA1...j/k about the flareside/styleside thing...they're both great trucks! (but I like the rare breeds!)

If you get a chance, take the truck home for the weekend. Run it through traffic, on the highway, wherever you normally drive. Maybe even throw some weight in the back to see if something is more pronounced or lessened (vibes). You'll know by the end of the test drive if she's a clean vehicle or not.

Glad to hear you're looking at an FX4! I have the same setup (40/20/40 bench) and I think it's a great vehicle. Best of luck, let us know how you make out!

 

Mine was a August delivery that was coming in by rail. Built in KC and have really had no problems. Had small AC problem but it was easily fixed. Maybe the KC builds are better. I did not get limited slip and glad I did not. Had an 03 King ranch with limited slip and had the dreaded slip/klunk that is often discussed on this forum. My truck has been great!!!

 

I ditto the comments about no problems. Mine is an FX4, purchased in March, built in KC.

 

Go For It!!!!

I got mine in Nov 03 and not one problem, gets better and better. I have had many F150's and this is by far the best one.

 

Just bought a FX4 supercab 08/04 build date I have not had any of these problems. As for the throttle resonse, the throttle is controlled electronicly and will never feel quite like the old throttle cable controlled throttle body. You will get used to the feel. Great choice you will love the truck. I have owned many ford trucks and this is the best one yet.

 

I purchased my '04 Lariat SCrew in May. Love it! No problems or issues. Towed my travel trailer to Yellowstone in July and the truck was great. I commute to downtown Dallas and last week's gas mileage was 18 mpg. My low, while commuting, was 16 mpg.

Enjoy your new F150....

 

I have 1200 miles on my '04 Fx4 built in VA. Not a single problem yet as mentioned here in this web site and mine is a June build truck. Great Truck. I got 16.2 mpg on a trip from upsate of SC to the high mountains in the Blue Ridge of NC

 

I just bought an 04 FX4 myself and ended up driving 3000 miles in it after having it two days... getting roughly 15MPG still on highway after all that with just me and my girlfriend. Is it possible I need to have my PCM software updated? How many have had theirs flashed with positive results? Was thinking I should see some MPG improvement after 2000 miles or so.

somegeek

 

I have almost 8000 miles on my XLT, only problems are... I had to have rear clutch packs replaced. Took them about an hour at the shop. Also, the AC is not cool enough for me, but I am very warm natured so.... it has to be really cold for my liking.

 

Well I finally gave the truck a proper test drive today. The only complaint I had was some bed movement, which could be felt throughout the truck. I figure its a fair trade off for having a much stiffer frame, and the FX4 package. The throttle seemed fine (will be enhanced by my motorhaven-supplied Superchips Micro Tuner). If all goes well, I will sign early next week, and officially be an F150 owner again.


Rich

 

wheelMA1...forewarned is forearmed, so I'm glad to hear you wrung it out on a good test drive and will "sign zee paaaperrz" next week! It's a great truck, and I wish you alot of good miles on your new ride! Post pics soon!

Do I smell a new F150 forum mod approaching the gates????