Been awhile since I was last here happy new years to all. Well I have two unresolved issues one dating back to last year this time.About this time last year I had some bottoming out issues with my f 350 4X4 front end,well after documenting for most of last winter as much as I could, this situation by summer had corrected itself sort of,dealer ship took the truck out and no bottoming out occurred on the test run,move forward 12 months (-37°C )& 46000kms
and the bottom out is back very harsh, this time I was able to grab the service manager and take on my test run on a known 20-30km bump.He felt that the rancho front shocks failed, Today they installed new shocks and the bottom out is still there and now a constant bang on the smallest bumps, went back and said you can have the truck until the problem is resolved. They will test drive,measure the spring / ride height next week. I have said there was an issue with this front end six months after I bought it. Well half hour after my last visit I got a call from the service manager saying he had pulled some info up and in deed there is some sort of problem with the front end and very cold weather but was thin on detail. Now would any body out there have any idea as to what this could be I would like to be some what informed if possible when I take it in on Tuesday. Now my most recent concern was the front diff outer seals,service tells me that ford will no longer replace the damaged seal is this now common for ford not to do this. I seem to feel that the seal has a purpose and should be replaced other wise I think this could lead to another issue and off course will happen of warranty. Thanks for the input...

 

Based on your previous posts you have a 2007?


Do you know what springs you have on the front of the truck?


Simple fix for bottoming out is to have Ford install heavier rated coil springs in the front. I'd recommend the 6500lb springs or 7000lb springs.


My 07 came with 6000lb coils that I could easily bottom out as well. I swapped them for the 7000lb coils and Bilstein shocks and it's night and day better than stock.

 

Check your drag link ! grab drag link and twist up / down , forward / backwards.. see if tie rods have play ! mine had same type problem, tie rod ends went out @ around 10000 miles...good luck

 

Yes I have a 2007, I am not sure of the true spring rating the tags on the springs still show red & white color but the #'s are just about gone. I will go and look at the pillar tag and give the drag link a twist. tahnk you

 

Blast it, seem's I have trouble spelling as well............it's cold here anyway run out and to gave the drag link atwist will have to wait can't tell with stiff grease. Did look at the pillar tag and if I am correct(please correct me if I'm wrong) the pillar tag indicates a GAWR of 5200lbs,pretty much thinking I'm short here. As for asking ford here in town for a heavier spring (rating) they feel this is not the issue I have the proper rated springs already installed. I could make a short story out of the spring issue with them but..............

 

Yep, you have 5200lb springs.
Way too light for a diesel, IMO

I was pretty sure Ford had a TSB out regarding bottoming out in these trucks and replacing the front springs. They only go up to 6000lbs on the TSB though.


I use my 07 hard and you can see the marks where the bumpstop was hitting when I had 6000lb coils:




I just bought the 7000lb coils myself to install. They were approx $54(US) each.
I believe book time for install is 1-1.5hrs for both.

 

I said right from the line the front end was weak,I don't do hard core 4 wheeling but from time to time I need the pull. My snubbers are about 1 1/4" if that off the diff and I am positive under normal driving this is not even enough space.
I was pretty sure it was a spring issue so I will see what they come up with on Tuesday.
DCSpecial the TSB you refer to is likely what my service guy " just " found but he did not want to go deep with me on it so I will assume that it has or maybe has been out for awhile and well we know the story ....................
Has anyone else had issue's with ford on the front diff outer seal replacement. Thanks guys.

 

Hi Rocky
I own a 2007 Out Law 350 6 liter 197000 km on it. I work this truck in the bush every day from Athabasca to ft McMoney. The truck came with 5200 lb rated front end and the steering axle weighs 4620 lbs empty, this thing when it got colder than -15 hammered on every road bump let alone the bush. At the colder temp the springs sag approx. 1/2 inch and the rubber bump stop turns to cement. The only way you will fix this thing is to convince your dealer to change the springs to a min. of 6000 lbs .
I did and the truck is a rougher ride but the problem is gone. The dealer I had it done by is Welcome Ford in Ft Saskatchawan Last Spring. Warranty covered the labour, I paid for the springs, 90.00 each. The dealer tryed changing the rubber bump stops, waste of time.
Good Luck
Don
P.S. My son has an 08 Lariat 6.4 same problem his is a 5400 lb rated

 

I also have an 07 HD F-350 and I'm having the same problem. Even driving on the highway and there is a little dip in the road, the front end bottoms out. It is really annoying and feels like the front end is going to fall out. It is booked in next week for 4WD problems (4x4 wont engage). Maybe I will get them to check that out too.

 

Hello roadtech know those two communities and the bush roads, tested alot of gas wells up there, lots of tough scaggy bush roads off the highways. I went to the city today -35°c close to -44° c with wind chill highway all the way. Banging all the way in and out. I am going to talk to them about replacing the springs they had me booked in for Thursday and moved it up to Tuesday he said just in case he needs to order parts. Hello fastball have them road test on the worst possible road you can find otherwise you may not get the attention it needs,I hit a speed bump today day at an idle and still bottomed out. And as roadtech says the colder it gets the worse it is. I find it a bit strange that there was not a consistant banging on the drivers side until they replaced the shocks. I guess I will have to wait to solve this mystery.Thanks guys.

 

005/06 F-Series Front Suspension Bottoms Out:

Some trucks may bottom out on the rubber jounce bumpers and/or make a banging/clunking noise. This condition is typically worse cold and more noticable on bumps or rough roads. There are new jounce bumpers (5C3Z-3020-DA)and larger metal cups (5C3Z-3A089-BA) to correct this problem. Install new self tapping screws (N802455-S426) to retain the metal cups.
TSB 06-6-6

I have an electronic copy of the TSB if anyone would like it emailed to them (to take to the dealership). If so, PM me and include your email address.

 

Good Luck on Tuesday, you know it is suppose to warm up to -5 by then, put your foot down. You can have the dealer call Welcome ford, the invoice will be under Roadtech Safety Services approx. april of 2008
Don

 

Thanks Don, I think things will work out I have one card left to use if things head south real fast, and I don't think they will deal with me after if I must use that card. Trying to be civil at this point. i will update this post Tuesday.

 

Well I am getting new springs installed under warranty,ford has a TSB 12-08-08 ( I think this is the number ) that oulines spring failure in very cold climates. They will only replace the springs with the same rating the truck came with (5200lbs),I am assured that the new springs should not fail so we will see what happens. Plenty of cold weather still coming our way.

 

i was wondering about these coils. my f-350 has been hitting the bump stops pretty hard. 2 questions for you dc. where did you find these coils for $54 and does it ride like a dump truck or is it a pretty nice ride. thanx for any input in advance.