Anybody notice the lack of quality (cost cutting) attention to detail on the chassis? I just bought a 2004 SuperCab FX4 with all the bells and whistles. Like my old 1998 F-150, the factory does not apply paint to many of the chassis parts. On the FX4, the drive shafts, steering box, steering knuckles, etc. all are not painted. They appear to have been installed as a carbon steel bare forging or wrought material with no corrosion protection. The paint quality on the rear axle is also spotty, with rusted areas showing through (not enough coverage with the spray gun). Ford may feel that the paint is not neccessary to eliminate rusting and not inhibit the life of the vehicle. I asked the dealership (and Ford Corporate customer servce, with no help) and we examined 11 other 2004's on the lot. They all have these unpainted parts.
This is just a detraction from a already fine truck. My truck was manufactured at the Virginia plant.
Anybody notice this? If you climb under the pickup you will see what I mean. I live in Texas and undercoating is not needed, but I question Ford's commitment to quality, especially for you guy's up North.

 

Yep...thats why every new vehicle I purchase gets undercoated...some folks think its a waste ....and to them it might be....but 100.00-200.00 bucks and the underside of the ride stays nice and black. Granted it gets touched up every year...(worked out a free undercoat touch up deal)...but it just makes the underside look so much better in my opinion.