Eight months and over 10K miles have really broken this truck in. The rear end shudder is now completely gone without any clutch pack replacements. Acceleration seems stronger than ever. I've never had any throttle delay or front end vibration. The hood doesn't vibrate even with the bug shield. My gas mileage is 13.5 since adding the tonneau cover. That's about 60/40 city/highway. We're taking a long trip in July and I'm looking forward to much better mileage. I've found that the truck actually rides and handles better with 37-38 psi pressure in the front tires. In short, I love this truck.

2004 F150 SuperCrew Lariat

 

Sweetness! I love to hear the positive things about this great truck! I'm 8,000 miles behind you and feel the same way!

 

8600 miles and I feel the same way. Still a bit of rear end LS shudder, but that is ok, don't want a softened up clutch pack installed. No mechanical defects to date. Rides like a dream with about 38psi all around, probably does a bit to help fuel economy. No rattles, no squeaks, no fit and finish problems. Have not run mpg figures in a while. Ford did a great job.

 

Amen to that! Every Posi rear end I've owned will chatter a little bit on slow, sharp turns. It's just the clutches grabbing a little. No big deal. I don't know why you'd want to add a friction modifier that'll just make the clutches slip easier and not get the benefit of a Posi-rear end.

I seriously think 1/2 of the people that opted for the LS shouldn't have gotten it since this bothers them soo much..... JMO.

Obviously a shudder while going in a straight line is a problem. I'm not denying that or anything...

What sucks is the Market "thinks" they need a LS but they don't want ANY of the clutch grabbing feel when turning, so the Manufactures make the Posi's with Weak clutches which sucks for those that Really want a Posi that works. It's kind of like putting Independent rear suspension on a truck. Come on people. Let those of us that want a TRUCK continue to have one. Let's not make them into Big cars with a bed.

 

BHibbs,

I wasn't going to go that far, but since you said it, AMEN!

I got the LS because I use it, on both my trucks. I want it to work like it is supposed to, not a mushy softened up limited slip. I wish Ford would offer a selectable locker though.

 

just out of curioscity for those of you in the know on LS, theoretically how much would you be lookign at to add a decent aftermarket LS or selectabe locker? I have a 4WD and deal with a lot of nasty winter weather, didn't get the LS b/c my old truck didn't have it I figured I didn't need it on this one either. I was arguing with a friend who insists I should have got the LS, he said one winter and you'll want it but had no idea how much it would cost to upgrade.

 

Roughly speaking,
$300 - $500 for a good limited slip

maybe $150 - $200 for installation.
I could be off, but that was what I remembered from a few years back.

I researched this for a 1994 GMC I had. Never did it, but made darn sure I ordered it on my next truck.

 

Just hit 1000 miles and still awesome. I could use better mileage (13.7 since new) and better performance would be a nice bonus after a few thousand more miles.

 

that's exactly what i needed to hear, better with age. Just turned
1300 miles and loving it more and more with every ride. The looks i get from the chevy and dodge owners makes it even more enjoyable..

'04 f-150 xlt 4x4
reg cab flareside
drk toreador red

 

My milage went up .5-.7 mpg in the last 2,000 miles.

THe looks are priceless. I almost want to get stopped by red lights so those poor bastards driving a chebby or duh-duh-duh-dodge can admire my ride.

 

ya you do !

 

Guys: I've got the 3.55 LS w/ rear end shudder and listening to these post has about made me think twice about taking it in for repair! I am one who indeed needs and uses the LS. My prev. 1999 F-150 had LS, but never shuddered. I assumed with my 04 that this was a problem that needed to be addressed. Mine shudders worst when starting from stop, especially on left hand turns. It also shudders worse pulling my 20 ft. skeeter bass boat. Some of you act as if this shudder gets better with time? So, what to do? I as well do not care for a "softened" LS, but also want what $33,000 should get you. My truck has 5,000 miles and I was thinking myself that the shudder was getting a little better. Give it more time, or take in for new clutch packs????

 

Head Hunter,

I was debating whether to have the slip yoke greased on my next oil change as some have mentioned that this eliminates the shudder to some extent. The shudder has never been bad and was really only noticeable when turning from a stop. It lessened gradually over time and finally one day it was gone. It happened after one morning of fairly aggressive acceleration due to my mounting frustration with idiots who kept cutting me off because they didn't want to be behind a truck.

 

Some of you may be misunderstanding the effect of the shudder on the LS and I'm sure it comes in different degrees of severety. I also have had limited slip on every truck I've owned (4 in the last 25 years) and none have shuddered like this one did. When my clutch pack was replaced after 2500 miles it showed noticeable wear and evidence of excess heat from too much slippage. Also keep in mind that the problem will be worse in cold weather. Ford did a great job of correcting my problem quickly and without argument.

wwblueScrew,
Sounds like yours is about the same age and mileage as mine and I totally agree with the on the truck.

 

I just checked my mileage yesterday 16.1 average for 70% hwy. 30% city , it's getting better ! I was kinda bummed at first but I was comparing apples to oranges as my '99 4.6 scab did about 19 mpg but lacked the power to pull the skin off a pudding .