I think I found a thread on this subject before, but I need to get some feedback from others before I see the dealer.
I own a 2004 F-150 Screw, Lariat model with 18 inch BF Goodrich tires. I bought the truck in Dec 04 and have about 1,800 miles on it. Since the day I drove it home from the dealer, I have noticed the bed vibrates. Everything appears to be secure, but I believe there is a flaw in the design of the bed. Has anyone eles experianced this problem and what corrective action if any was accomplished? Thanks.

 

As far as i know they all do this at least every one i've owend or drove behind did it
all so. some more then others
2004 Screw

 

Welcome to FTE. The beds definately flex on these trucks. No doubt about it. You have a MUCH stiffer frame, with the bed solidly mounted to it. Also, the 18"s dont help. Since the aspect ratio is smaller, that doesnt allow for much road vibrations to be "eaten" by the tires. I dont think you will get any recourse through Ford. I actually have two 70lb. sand bags in my bed. One on each corner of the rear section. I think Ford has some sort of goofy counterweight out for this, but I dont think it helps.

 

I have the vibration also. If it is normal it is definately not acceptable. I have been to the dealer once and it is still just as bad. I am going back monday. Good luck.

 

Thanks to all that resonded. I love the truck so I guess I will have to live with the bed vibration, or load some ballast. Thanks guys.

 

I driven an XLT before and my FX4 definately moves around much more but I would attribute that to the shocks. I have a set of Lariet shocks waiting for it once it warms up. I really loved the ride quality on the XLT. The FX4 is a tad rough, In my opinion.

 

I had the same problem with the bed vibration after new wheels and tires, new driveshaft, new transmission mounts, and new rearend I still had the vibration. The dealer steped up and said they would give me my money back. this truck only had 2000 miles on it. since the dealer did the right thing I decided to buy a f250 powerstroke and this truck has no vibration and is much more truck than the 150 with heavy duty payload package and it had the 5.4 and a 4.10 rear end. Good luck with your problem and I hope they fix it.!!

 

My bed shakes too. Only over rougher roads.

 

Ditto on bed shake/vib. Mine's an '04 scab with 2k on it. You can see it shake pretty good in the rear view when you hit a little bump or get on a road with a little wash board. I noticed when I had the spare removed that it was worst so extra balast would seem like a good idea.

 

I highly recommend the dual sandbags to anyone. Its only a $10 investment from your local hardware store.

 

No offense WheelMA1, but I'll be darn'd before I carry around sand in my bed to keep it from shaking. I brought mine back in yesterday and took my salesman out for a ride. We then compared it to another 150 on the lot (most similar setup we could find) and it had easily half or less the shake in it's bed, mine would "wiggle" even on smooth roads. They gave me a loner and were not able to come up with any fix for it today. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

 

No offense taken. The slight wiggle that my truck produces under suspension flex doesnt bother me one bit. I have not had to deal with any of the other vibration issues that other uses have. For all I know, it could be these other vibs that are accentuating the bed bounce. For $10, my truck rides better than a caddy.

 

I have the same issue. 2004 Lariat SCrew 4x4 with 7,700 miles. This will be my third trip to two different dealers. I'll let you know.

 

I have a 04 Lariat 4x4. I noticed the bed vibration too mainly because I haul a mountain bike mounted to the side of the bed. I looked in my mirror (on a smooth road) and noticed my bike had come loose from the mount. I had a 98 F150 and hauled that same bike on the same mount for years - it never vibrated loose. I assumed that this was just because the 98 wasn't a 4x4 and maybe this had a stiffer ride but that just isn't the case. That bed almost looks like it is loose on the frame, but there is no rattle. On cases like this, I am taking a "let it develop" attitude. I will let it develop into something that I can easily show the dealership before I go to the trouble of taking it in. But good lord that bed vibrates! I had to remount the bike on a 2x4 laying across the front of the bed it vibrates so bad!

 

Why wouldn't the vibration damper that came standard on my 2005 remedy the problem? I don't have any vibration whatsoever.