Ever since forum members started taking delivery of their '04s, there have been a continuing series of threads under differing titles related to ride/suspension issues. Before that, some auto journalists noted rear end 'skittering' over rough surfaces during test drives. And, many folks have commented on the tire pressure issue. To me, it appears there is a singular source to the ride complaints...rear shocks, to keep it simple. And, if the shocks are not the single contributing component, then it's some combo of spring rates, shock tuning, and frame engineering.

I am a positive, non-complaining owner who luvs my new XLT Screw, but IMO there is some sort of issue yet to be determined about the '04s rear suspension. Eventually, somebody will figure it out (suspension mods?) or Ford will 'fess up. My major issue is inordinate bed shake...a recent change of tires modified the frequency/intensity of the shake, but didn't cure it. My suspicions are now focused on the rear suspension and some 'shake harmonics' being generated there.

The real mystery is why some owners experience the ride/shake problem and others don't. There must be a common thread (shock manufacturer, truck model, etc.) somewhere.

 

I think the bed shake has to do with it being mounted on some sort of rubber bushings,at least on my truck,so I do not pay attention to it. Also consider that the new 150 has the current 250 model rear spring's,thus the ride or the slight bounce. But if you load it down you will be glad to have them.

 

Put me in the camp with no ride problems and I take mine over some rough dirt roads with big potholes. I have a Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 and it rides better than any truck I've ever driven.

As far as I can tell, the bed shake is the cab moving on soft mounts while the bed is bolted to the frame. I see a little apparent movement over 6" bumps, but only about 1/2" or so. I had a 71 F-100 that was rear ended and the cab was dented when it moved back into the bed then returned to its normal position.

The rear end skittering over rough surfaces is common with almost anything that has a live axle on the rear end. I test drove a Mustang and when I went over a railroad crossing the back end got very happy. It didn't take much in the way of bumps to upset the back end of the car.

 

I don't have mine yet (on order) so I can't speak to the F-150 shake...but good lord!...has anyone ever drove a 2003 Dodge Durango? I rented one for work one time because I needed the space. I swear that thing felt like it was ready to jump right off the road every time the rear axle hit a nice bump. It was rather annoying. I wonder how it would be on a slick road when it wants to jump sideways after hitting a good bump? I didn't like the ride at all.

 

Better the bed shakin than me in the cab. Sweet ride. Too bad you don't feel the same. Go buy a mushy Chubby.

 

Flame me if you want, but I want the old truck - just like my 1999 F-150, 5.4 4x4, off-road with the new engine. Actually, I would be happy with the 2003 version of the old 5.4 in the Heritage edition. At least the spark plugs have more threads.

I see no reason yet why Ford thought it necessary to beef the new truck up to it's new weight. I know the crash tests were ugly before, but they were mating the truck against another vehicle of the same weight. All things considered, that's not all that likely.

Did it take all this extra weight to make the truck crash worthy? I somehow doubt it. Toyota hasn't had a problem with U.S. crash testing yet and they still make pretty good, fuel-efficent trucks. I also think instead of making the new F-150 nearly a 3/4 ton truck, Ford could have better used the money making the Ranger into a real mid-size Dakota fighter.

Just my two cents. Hope I don't have to buy a new truck any time soon as I don't really like any of them.