Truk,

I got the clutch packs replaced, like you, but I still get a noticeable shudder/"not smooth" feel from the drivetain everytime I accelerate from a stop (turning or not, sometimes can feel it even while coasting and then stepping on it). It feels exactly like something just isn't greased properly, like its sticking.

There has been some talk on here of a TSB for lubing the splines on the driveshaft with some sort of Teflon grease that has been the miracle cure for this sort of thing. I already contacted my mech. and he says that he is very familiar with the procedure for the '97-'03 F150, but didn't think it was applicable to the new '04. But quite a few guys on here confirmed that lubing the splines help completely alleviate that rough start.

Hope this helps.
- Justin

 

Justin,
That sounds like what I have. It lasts for maybe a second but mine doesn't do it everytime. Only at a kind of medium acceleration you might say.

Thanks for the info. It'll help me talk to it right the next time I take it in. I'm thinking that there has to be some sort of unneccesary wear involved with this sort of thing just as in YellowFX4's situation.

 

Didn't think it was applicable?? A ford mechanic? Tell him it is am '04 F150 TSB and no thinking is necessary. It is there in black and white and it is the first, easiest, solution to try. Cured mine. Good luck.

 

YellowFX4SCrew

I hope you are not dealing with stillwater ford. They suck.

You will not get any help thru another dealer as they have the information that Ford already looked at the truck. You will need to file a lemon law claim to get them to fix it. (Ford is of no help unless there is a lemon law claim filed.)

I had to do this because of rusting on a 98 f150. Started to rust at 8 months old. The replaced the doors and tailgate. I sold it as soon as the work was done.

Good luck.

 

gerrys

No, I live in Rochester so I am speaking of Rochester Ford Toyota.

I am going to take my truck up to Zumbrota Ford (about 20 miles away) and see if they can do anything different for me.

 

I have a 2004 f150 FX4 Screw, 5.4 Triton. 1500miles on it. No howl. I agree with previous post, that it is the rack and pinon gears. I had another truck did the same, they replaced the rack and pinon gears and the noise went away.

What is the clutch pack everyone is talking about?

Good luck getting it fixed.
b

 

Just had the rear end LSD shudder problem fixed. My truck was smooth for about the first 2000 miles but developed the "shudder" on take off from a turn. Took it to the dealer at around 5000 miles and they ordered the new clutch pack AND a ring and pinion. It was installed about a week ago and everything is smooth and quiet so I know that the shudder can be fixed without the rear making noise. However the repair was not without incident, as I was washing it yesterday I noticed that one of the wheels had gotten scratched, looks as though the impact wrench may have gotten away from the mechanic. It's always something!! My wife says let it go... we'll see.

 

Yellow,

You got me excited when I saw that you were in Rochester. I haven't found another '04 member from there yet. But alas, you are from Rochester, Minn. not New York.



-Justin

 

You mean ring and pinion gears? The rack and pinion is in the front end.

Ford limited slip rear differentials have a clutch pack that engages when one rear wheel spins faster than the other rear wheel. Otherwise, only one wheel would get traction. A good limited slip system doubles the traction at the rear end.

 

Hey YellowFX4SCrew,
I too have been having "A LOT" of issues with my Scab Fx4. I bought mine at Rochester Ford as well. I'm currently having it serviced in La Crosse, WI. I'm not impressed with this Blue Oval Certified group at all. I do have a contact at Rochester Ford, and want to know if they did take care of you. If you have not gotten anywhere, I would be happy to call my contact for you and see if he can look further into this for you. If you need me to try to help you, send me your info. at lkalis@hotmail.com.
I wish this buying experience could have been better for me as well. I don't have the howl, but lot's of hesitation, and loss of power. The throttle body was just replaced and the latest PCM applied. My last Chevy ZR2, 6 cylinder had more pick up that this 5.4 v8 at this point. I wish I would not have bought FORD's beta test vehicle.
Best wishes.

 

I guess the '04s are experiencing the same rear end howls that the 97s-03s are. My '03 FX4 Screw also has that rear end howl. However, the dealership is going to replace the entire rear axle, and they admitted to servicing "some" Ford trucks with the same problem. Hope you get your truck fixed. I like that yellow, it's great! Good Luck!

 

Last monday (4/26/04) I took my truck in for a driveline and steering rack replacement.

I noticed a new (or near new) F150 was on a lift with the differential open and gutted.

Hmmm...