I'd also like to know more about why Ford claims a fully boxed frame is superior. I mean I understand the idea that a boxed frame is stronger. But if that's the case, then why dothe new 2008 Super Dutys have a c-channel frame??? If fully boxed is so much better/stronger, then why not give a truly heavy duty truck a heavy duty (fully boxed) frame?

I think there's got to be more to it than "fully boxed is superior"...

 

The new Super Duty has a fully boxed front frame. The frame is thicker, with additional gussets providing even more strength and durability in high-stress areas. This is the thickest gauge steel in any pickup. So although only the front frame is fully boxed, the frame is the thickest and the strongest.

 

This is getting off topic. If it was a frame issue it should be acting up right from the start, no? My 04 5.4L Scab steering wheel shakes just started to develop around 57K mi. I thought it may have to do with the 2.5" leveling kit I installed a while back causing ball joint issues. So I removed the kit, realigned the front end, and had all 4 wheels rebalanced. The shaky wheel happens with stock 17's with Hankooks and my 20's with Goodyears. I've never had an issue until recently. Which leads me to believe there is a wear problem with some particular part. I will be looking into this further and post my results. How many people with the nibble have leveling kits installed and at what mileage did it start to shake?

 

I have been following this issue for quite a while. The problem it seems, is that the stiff frame, or some other common part, may cause the steering nibble if anything is just slightly off. That's why everbody's "solution" is different, but at the same time never eliminates the potential problem all together.

 

My 04 STX also has the nibble. I've had my tires balanced 3 times in the past 6 months... no change. One shop told me to have all my rotors turned. But it doesn't shake when I hit the brakes like warped rotors do. I crawled under the truck this morning and my driveshaft has a bit of play in it. I'm hoping my nibble is just a U-Joint. Anybody else's driveshaft wiggle at all?
FYI, My truck does have an AS 2.5" Level Kit.

 

Well I got rid of my nibble. I got an 2007 Expedition. No nibble and rides very smooth.

The nibble machine will be up for sale Monday.

 

I did not have the nibble until I did the 2.5" leveling kit install. I thought during the installation I must have nocked a weight loose or something. I just had new tires and wheels installed today and it is much worse at 55~70mph. I will try and get them rebalanced and poss. road force balanced tomorrow. I still have the kit installed.

 

I've heard this story so many times it makes me sick. I have the same problem and have changed and balanced everything without a change. Let us know if you find the magic solution.

 

The only people that I have heard about that cured their true 'nibble' problem have had the steering rack and other components replaced. This is next to impossible talk the dealer into doing. It stinks.

I think some people have tires out of balance that think they might have the nibble problem. The true nibble problem does not go away with tire balance, new wheels, alignment, etc.

 

My thoughts exactly. I call mine a nibble, but it may be more of a shimmy. The steering wheel giggles back and forth a good 3/8 to 1/2 inch or so at its worst. Its not just a vibration.

 

Yep. Thats the one. Ford knows about this but has no intention of spending 2K plus on replacing the steering rack, etc. Kinda sucks.

 

In addition, I don't think Ford Can fix it. The proof being that they are still making them with the problem. Obviously they are incapable of a resolution if they can't make them right to begin with and have acknowledged that the problem exists for years.

 

I wasn't aware that the new trucks still have this problem. That sucks even worse.

 

I have read reports on 2006's having the problem, not sure about 2007 and above. If they are using the new rack and pinion design with the new stiff frame, the trucks will be more sensitive to the potential problem. After reading hundreds of posts about this on numerous forums, I have found that this same problem can exist on every model of the F150, short bed, long bed, 4WD, 2WD, 4 door, 2 door. The Fixes have run the gamut from sticking e-brake cables to drive shafts to wheel balance. But, those have been band-aid solutions and never revealed the source of the problem. When you start to weed out the little things you are left with two components, the frame and the steering rack. After taking everything into consideration, I conclude it must be the frame that works as a conduit to the steering nibble problem. A result of anything capable of producing a vibration that is slightly out of whack. Ford made a giant tuning fork connected to your front end whose resonant frequency just happens to occur at 65 MPH. Genius.

 

Has anyone one tried a steering stabilizer to see if it helps at all?