Hers's a little info some of you might find helpful in getting your truck fixed
TSB # 04-3-3
ISSUE:
Some 2004 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds. The vibrations will typically be felt through the seat and/or floorpan.

ACTION:
The purpose of this TSB is to simplify the process for diagnosing vehicle vibration and avoid unnecessary repairs. Refer to (Figure 1) and select the symptom and speed that matches the customer description of the condition and perform only those diagnostics steps.

NOTE: BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PROCEDURE, ENSURE THAT THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE FLAT SPOTS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR UP TO 30 MILES TO ELIMINATE THIS CONDITION. IF THE VEHICLE'S CONDITION IS CORRECTED AFTER DRIVING, THEN RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. NO FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS ARE REQUIRED.



NOTE: WHEN EVALUATING THE CONDITION IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE OPERATED ON A FLAT SMOOTH-SURFACED ROAD THAT HAS MINIMAL OR PREFERABLY NO EXPANSION JOINTS, SUCH AS ASPHALT. ROUGH ROAD SURFACES MAY MASK THE CONDITION OR GIVE A FALSE FEELING OF VIBRATION.



SERVICE PROCEDURE (Refer To Figure 1)
FIRST ORDER TIRE/WHEEL DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE 10-12 HZ, 88-105 KM/H (55-65 MPH)
NOTE: FOR 4X2 VEHICLES GO DIRECTLY TO STEP 2.



Check the integrated wheel end (IWE) on 4X4 units. Raise the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground), engine running, vehicle in 2WD mode. The front half shafts should not turn when wheels are rotated by hand. If the IWE is functioning correctly proceed to Step 2. If not, refer to the Workshop Manual Section 308-07 to repair IWE first. Then proceed to Step 2.
If road force measurement equipment (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent) is available, proceed to Step 3. If not, mark the original tire/wheel location on each tire. (i.e. LF, LR, RF, RR) and remove from the vehicle. Check wheel balance, and rebalance as required to achieve less than 0.25 oz. (7g) of imbalance. Reinstall wheels and road test vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
If road force measurement equipment is available (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent), measure the tire road force variation on all four (4) tires, following the manufacturer's instructions and TSB 03-20-8. If any wheel assembly measures more than the values listed below for R1H or R2H then proceed to Step 4. If not proceed to Step 5.
Tire Types:

P Metric Tires, (R1H 26 lbs.) (R2H 18 lbs.)
LT Tires, (R1H 39 lbs.) (R2H 27 lbs.)
Using the tire road force measurement machine, determine the low spot of the wheel run out. Match high point force variation on the tire with the low spot of wheel run out. Re-test the wheel assembly force variation. If the wheel assembly is now acceptable, rebalance and road test vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, replace the tire and re-check, then rebalance and road test vehicle. If the condition is corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
Condition is due to vehicle sensitivity. Obtain Damper Kit 4L3Z-5D008-AA and refer to the instruction sheet included in the kit for installation.
NOTE: THE DAMPER KIT WILL NOT HELP STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE CONDITIONS.



FIRST ORDER DRIVELINE VIBRATION DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE 30-40 HZ, 64-97 KM/H (40-60 MPH)
Drive Vehicle at speed where 1st Order Driveline Vibration is most pronounced, typically 64-97 km/h (40-60 MPH).
Once peak vehicle vibration is reached place transmission into neutral.
If the vibration remains with transmission in neutral, the source is most likely the driveshaft. Replace the driveshaft and re-evaluate.
If the vibration is eliminated, the source of vibration is either transmission or rear axle related. Proceed to Step 3.
NOTE: IF POSSIBLE, PERFORM STEPS 3 & 4 WHILE GOING UP A SLIGHT GRADE TO INCREASE LOAD ON ENGINE.



Achieve peak vehicle vibration and set vehicle Speed Control.
Unlock transmission torque converter by hitting overdrive cancel button.
If vibration remains with transmission torque converter unlocked, source of vibration is most likely the rear axle. Replace rear axle and re-evaluate.
If the vibration is eliminated, the source of the vibration is most likely transmission related. Refer to the Workshop Manual Section 307-01, Diagnosis By Symptom, Other Concerns: Noise/Vibration in Forward or Reverse for continued diagnosis. Repair as required and re-evaluate.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
4L3Z-5D008-AA Damper Kit

Shudder TSB # 04-1-6
ISSUE:
Some 1998-2004 F-150 4X4 vehicles with a one piece drive shaft may exhibit a clunking or grunting noise and/or a shudder sensation from the driveline. The condition will typically occur during light to moderate acceleration from a stop and/or braking. This may be caused by the slip yoke not sliding smoothly on the transfer case output shaft splines.

ACTION:
To service, lubricate the slip yoke with Teflon Grease (D2AZ-19590-A). Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Road test the vehicle to verify the condition.
Remove the driveshaft per Section 205-01 of the Workshop Manual.
NOTE: INDEX (MARK) THE DRIVESHAFT YOKE TO AXLE FLANGE FOR REASSEMBLY.



Lubricate the slip yoke with 7-13 grams (0.25-0.46 oz.) of Teflon Grease (D2AZ-19590-A).
Re-index and reinstall the driveshaft per Workshop Manual.
Check the transfer case fluid level and add MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX if necessary.
Road test to verify the condition is corrected.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
D2AZ-19590-A Teflon Grease

 

Nice post of info, thank you.

 

I even specifically asked for them to look for TSB 04-3-3...they said it doesn't exist....

Nice post

 

great info thanx

 

print it and stick it under their noses. then ask for the general manager if they give you crap.

02RegularCab4x4, where'd you find that? It doesn't seem to be on ODI. Is there a better source for TSBs?

 

Great information! I'm printing to take with me to the dealer. Thanks!

 

Good. As a perspective F150 buyer I'm glad to see Ford respond. The new ones being produced from now on should be fixed from the factory.

It appears that the start/acceleration shudder is only on 4x4's.

 

Before I get excited, where was this info retrieved from?

 

Well I am looking at Fords, Dodges, Chevys and maybe a Titan

But after reading the posts on the vibrating Fords FORGET IT

That TSB says it could be driveshaft-Rear End and or transmission
In other words a general disaster

For a new issue truck supposedly tested 100,000 of miles and one that Ford is heavily banking on this is a COMPLETE DISGRACE and inexcusable

How the hell didn't this show up in testing

This is NOT A MINOR issue

Owners complaining they can't stand driving their trucks is plain ridiculous

Ford better get their act together damn fast before this becomes common knowledge

My neighbor down the street was considering a new one also and I have warned him off

 

But UncBob, your going to find this same sort of stuff on every manufacturers vehicles... Almost just a reality of modern vehicle manufacture. Best of luck with your non Ford purchase.

 

Great info. The diagnoses re: engaging neutral/locking-out OD hits the nail on the head with my vibe/buzz around 55 mph and 1500 rpm (plus/minus).

I was nearly certain that engine vibes were getting through the motor mounts, but it appears Ford doesn't agree...at any rate, there must be a problemo in the tranny or rear axle.

 

Every MFG has issues/problems. I bought a 2002 Toyota Tundra thinking that I'd have it forever only to dump it a year later due to brake problems and driveline vibrations that they couldn't fix in over 10 visits to the dealer.

Luck of the draw.

 

Yeah well my wife bought a brand new Dodge in 2002 and no problems like this mess

This ain't solmething like a minor irritation and it is widespread

 

The source of these TSB's is Ford Motor Company. If your dealer says they don't exist, they are either lying or ignorant.

UncBob, Don't take the vibration TSB the wrong way. It is simply a diagnosis TSB designed to help the technician fix the problem right the first time. It doesn't mean the the new F-150 is having all of these problems on a large scale. In fact, it is basically stating the opposite. Yes some trucks may have a tranny vibration, others it's the rear diff, others could be the front diff or axels. This is probably the largest truck forum of any brand on the internet with the discussed truck also being the best selling, there for it will seem like there are more issuses. If you could break it down in a ratio you would find this truck to be competing with the best of them in terms of trouble free/Build quality. Example, Nissan sold 4,300 Titans in Jan. and 4,600 in Feb. It will take them a year to match Fords F-150 December sales, so chances are you won't hear of Titan troubles.

The 2nd TSB about the shudder on take off is probably what is wrong with 90% of the trucks meeting that criteria. There is also a TSB about "steering wheel nibble" I could find if anyone is interested. I do remember it is only pertaining to early build date trucks.

 

I am interested in the Steering Nibble TSB

Thanks for the post.