After reading and talking to people with these trucks (and not just on the internet), it's seems to me that this is a common problem. If you don't have it now, it may appear later. I've had people tell me that they didn't start to get it until 3K, 5K, or even 15,000 miles.

I would bet that IF Ford knows the problem(s) they will quietly put the fix in on the 2005s (maybe a frame redesign). They won't advertise it since it will cost them warranty dollars for the 2004s. With the TSBs the customer has to complian first.

That's big "if" though. It may be a general design flaw.

In any event, it's enough to keep me away.

 

This is a little blown out of proportion, most of us dont have these problems, I dont know how many times this is going to come up but do a search rather than complain about the same thing over and over, because you arent going to get anything from it. This subject has been beat to death and if you are looking for opinions and input then do a search and read one of the 100 posts previously made.
Again MANY owners do not have this small problem. But if you want to stay away, fine with me.

 

That's my point Eddy. It may not be so small. I'm amazed at the people that I talk to personally that have it. Heck, even my potential salesman admits that there are serious problems.

Also, if it's so small, why are there numerous TSBs about it?

I'm hoping that someone at Ford will read about people like me and address it once and for all. Then, I'll buy one because I do like the truck.

 

Don't look for a hasty fix from Ford. I can tell you now that it took us YEARS before they'd do any kind of recalls/TSBs for major issues on our Lightnings (leaky intercooler, a-arm clunk, poor head design causing blown spark plugs, etc).

 

A dissatisfied customer tells ten of their friends. A satisfied customer tells two.

As far as bad vibes go, my '04 has been pretty much trouble free. I get a slight steering wheel nibble every now and then, but it's a truck. I think for every truck that you find that's got some serious issues, you'll probably find six or seven or more than run fine. I might be overstepping my bounds, but I'm thinking the '04 F150 vibration issue is getting blown way out of proportion, sorta like the fiasco involving the power ratings on '99 Cobras.

Yes, there are trucks out there that have some fairly serious problems. And everyone at the dealership level is doing their damnedest to fix it. But don't forget that there still is a very good chance you'll end up with a good truck, especially towards the end of the build cycle for this model year. I know "chance" isn't very inspiring, but remember all those other brands have their issues as well.

 

just hit 5k and my truck seems to have a slight vibe at idle but it isn't bad at all... also every once in awhile my steering wheel whobbles and my brakes squel.....still the best damn vehicle i have ever owned and i'm sure when i go to talk to my service guy he will take care of whatever he can but at the end of the day... its a truck its gonna bang rattle shake and make loud sounds from time to time.....