I got my truck out of the shop last week after they replaced the ring and pinion and bearings. I had a whine that started about 60 and was really bad about 70. All this with 3200 miles on it. Today I finally got off work early enough to go talk to the mechanic that did the work on my truck. It is a small dealership and I have gotten to be friends with the mechanic over the last few years. He told me that the rearend was built with the clearances set too close. He said he has fixed 4 more since he fixed mine. All have been the 3.73 LS. He told me that Ford told him if someone brings in their truck complaining about a noise coming from the rearend they must change out the ring and pinion. So if anyone is having similar problems, they should take it in to get it repaired because Ford is aware there is a problem. Other than this, I still love my Lariat!!

2004 Lariat SCab
Aspen green/Arizona beige
3.73LS
Trailer pkg.
Westin CPS nerf bars

 

I had mind replaced also, but it was 355ls I think its the Ls is the problem. From what I've been reading from previous f150 models this has been a problem for awhile. It pisses me off that ford didn't change the rearend for the 04. But I still like my Lariat.

 

My '99 sang a little song between 45 and 60 mph but it was still going strong when I sold it last week with 72,000 miles . Ring and pinion gears are subject to harmonics and having the bed floor as a giant sounding board doesn't help .

 

Adding to this...

My truck is going in this Friday for the second time. The first time they replaced it all in the rear end ($950++... not my expense). The noise went away.

Exactly one month later, its back and even worse than before. Not only do I have the noise but when I make turns you can feel a real bad vibration from the rear end.

Not sure what there plan will be this time but I hope they can fix it. Even though I have this problem, my 2004 Black Lariat Screw is one nice truck!!

 

Probably not the right day for me to be posting because I'm pretty pi$$ed off at my Ford dealer.

I've got a 2004 F150 XLT, 4x4, SuperCrew, 6 weeks old. At 1500 miles, there was a terrible vibration coming from the rear end when making a turn. Turned out to be a bad clutch in the limited slip rear end (3:55 gears).

Ever since they replaced the clutch, I've had the dreaded 'whining' noise starting at about 40-45mph. Truck has been back in the shop all week. Service advisor told me today that Ford has told them to wait until Ford has come up with a solution prior to attempting repairs. I kind of blew my cool. He is now getting with the Service manager to come up with something. From what I have read, it could be anything from pinion gears to the incorrect weight rear end oil.

I'm trying to keep it in perspective but spending that kind of money on a new ride, I just want it fixed.

Mark

 

Mark,

As you mentioned too, I shouldn't be posting this at this time either BUT I am. As I wrote, my truck is going in again for the same problem. I just received a call from my service advisor and he told me the same. Ford advised him to not do a thing. I blew my lid.

I called Ford Customer Service to vent and find out what their plan is. I've been told that Ford Engineering is investigating this problem. I was told that this can take up to 6 months. That's BS.

I love my truck but the noise and vibration is annoying! Not to mention how embarrassing it is when you have friends and family going for a ride. What's that noise?? Oh, that's Ford quality Job 1. Yaa right.

Well, the new 2004 design at least LOOKS real nice!

Steve
2004 Lariat 4x4 Supercrew

 

Sounds like Ford still hasn't changed their philosophy about fixing their problems. I have a 2001 F150 Harley Davidson edition and it had to have the hood and left front fender repainted because the Kansas factory can't seem to get the paint right. Now, I can see sand marks in the fender where they did a pi$$y job!.

This is my last Ford. I am going back to the Chevy. I like the new 1/2 ton supercrew they just released and when I decide to trade, that is what I am going back to.

Sorry to all the die hard Ford fans, but I get really pissed with major problems on high dollar vehicles. My last Chevy with 183k miles with no serious issues.

But I do love the looks of the new F150 except for the squared of bed/tailgate area and the center located Ford logo on the tailgate.

I read an article recently about Bill Ford and how he plans to take Ford into major profitability while disregarding market share. I think this is a mistake because they will cut quality (IMO) to achieve that and Ford quality can't take that hit.

Thanks for the rant.
RickC