I have a 2003 F150 SCAB 4.6 V8. 32,000 miles. This has been going on from a couple of months now. Accelerating on a turn from a dead stop, a reasonably sharp turn. I experience a chatter from under truck feels like the rear end. I took the truck in yesterday for 30,000 mile inspecton and complained about the chatter. picked it up several hours later and they said Ford has issued a TSB#04-01-06 the order is to pull the drive shaft and grease splines. This was done and in my opinion it still feels like it chatters on the turn, not always but sometimes.
Does anyone have an opinion on what other item it could be? Time is running out on the warranty so I have to make sure I get it back in time.
Thanks for your help

 

I think just about everyone has gone through this garbage with their trucks. The grease TSB works temporarily. I had them replace the clutch packs in my rear about 400 miles ago, and it went away. There is a TSB for that also.

 

Thanks for your quick reply are the clutch packs in the rear end and do you know the TSB, what happens if I ignore it will the axel fall out?

 

Yes the clutch packs are in the rear. Don't know the TSB #, but im sure someone on here has it. The axles won't fall out, the problem will just continue. Made a world of difference, and got it done just before the warranty expired. Like a brand new truck again.

 

Thank you! I'll be back to the dealer first thing Monday morning. I appreciate your help!

 

BTW, you only have clutch packs if you have a limited slip differential. Open diffs have none.

In other words, if you have an open diff, the noise is coming from elsewhere.

 

Thanks 92merc I dont know if I do since I dont have the window sticker that was on the truck. Is there another way to tell?

 

There is an axle code number on the drivers door jam sticker. Post the number and the guys here can decifer what you have for the rear

 

you look at the sticker on the drivers door. There should be an axle code listed there. If the code has a letter in it, then it's probably limited slip. Just two numbers, probably open diff.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...de_Chart_.html

You can also look at the tag on the axle. You won't likely see the first number, because they drilled a hole through it to mount it to the axle. So on mine, I only see 73, not 373.

 

The axle code on the drivers door says H9

 

You have a 3.55 LS differential. The chatter is from the clutch packs. H ave the dealer replace them.

 

Yep, 3.55 Limited slip. If they do warranty service, you might want to make sure they document it well. There's a chance they might just throw in some friction modifier. That may work short term. But you could be faced with the same issue in 6 months. Then you'll need clutch packs for sure.

 

Thanks for the great information especially about friction modifiers which I quess is some formula they put in the rear end to quiet it. Everybody has been extremely helpful. Now I have some qood ammunition when I face the dealer.

 

the dealer that told you it was the drive shaft aint too bright. if you get chatter while turning it is ALWASYS the LS clutch. you should really have them put the friction modifier in, that will fix quite a few and not temporarily, it is the fix. itf the clutch is damaged now, that is a different story. if they are replacing for free thaen get the clutch if you want. if you are paying, put in $10 of addative and see what you think.

 

It is under warranty till August 2006 or 4,000 more miles, my complaint to them was chatter from rear end while making a sharp turn from a dead stop. Their fix was TSB#04-01-06 repair order says Check OAIS TSB/SSM's repair as per above TSB Lube Splines R&R Drive Shaft. I have an appointment with them on Tuesday and will hear what they say. Thanks for your input