I love my brand new, 2001 Supercrew Lariat 4x4 with 5.4. But problem is (as I've asked about before on this particular board) when it upshifts when I'm stepping on it, or climbing a hill, there's a terrible vibration/shudder. Enough so that I back off and let it shift slowly. When driving really sedately, I have no problem whatsoever.
I dropped it off at the dealer today. They said they've reproduced the problem, and that I have a definite mechanical malfunction of my tranny or drive shaft. They're dropping it tomorrow to figure it out. I'm bummed. It's only got 2000 miles on it (I never stepped on if for the first 1000, and it's been there since the first time I did). So in other words, it came bad from the factory. But from reading other posts about rebuilt engines, I'm afraid Ford's going to try to give me a rebuilt tranny? Or fix this one, when it might not be good enough? What if it's my driveshaft? Do any of you have any experience or other reason to know what I might expect? I'd really like my new truck to be new -- tranny and all. I intend to keep it forever. Thanks in advance.

p.s. I posted this on the "Transmission" board as well, but thought I'd also post it here, seeing as I "know" some of you, and fear you might not see it over there.

 

Longtime,

I've not had any problem with my SCrew, but a friend of mine that had a 2000 F-150 ext cab had a problem with the rear diff. The symptoms sounded exactly the same. Have the dealership take the drain plug out of the rear end and see if there are metal shavings on the plug. Make the dealership let you watch. If that is indeed the problem, insist that they replace the rear. Hopefully that is the problem instead of the tranny, because the dealership will probably give you a rebuilt tranny instead of a new one unless you really gripe at them for it. Also start looking at the lemon laws in your state (if there are any). Any model car, including Mercedes and BMW produce a few cars that roll off the line with defects, so several states have enacted legislation to protect new car buyers. Just some info for you to think about.

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2001 SCrew XLT 5.4L
4x4 Offroad Pkg
Oxford White
17" wheels
K&N Filter
Rhinoliner
6-disc changer

 

The problem with the vibration is from the trans staying in high gear or overdrive and not down shifting. If you watch your tach you can see that it does not down shift till you apply 3/4 throttle and then the vibration stops. I am not sure if this is a problem yet but it is definatly annoying. I would like to here if anyone else is having the same problem. Also, I noticed on my 2001 SCREW it has a sticker on the trans unit indicating a 1800 number that is now disconnected and a TSB#0019 "Please call before servicing"

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• 2001 Lightning on order!
• '90 Pro Street Mustang GT 1/4 7.50ET@185MPH.
• '23T Altered 1/4 8.90ET@150MPH.

[url]http://www.group1320.com[url]

 

2001Bolt,

I believe that sticker has something to do with Ford's quality control unit.

I think what they would do is swap your tranny out for a new one and take the original back to the factory for a full rip down inspection for any defects and causes when/if it failed before the date on the tag. It's done quite frequently when design/mfgr changes are made. My last truck had one and the trans never gave any trouble.

TL

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AS OF 10-10-00: 2001 Supercrew, XLT 4x4, Island Blue & Silver Frost. 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17 inch 10 spokes, Capt's chairs, Moonroof, 6 pack CD Changer, keyless entry, cab steps, Box Extender, Huskys all around, Duraliner, Outland Sport Bumper Guard, Excalibur 1000 Security system, Lund Grill Screen and A.R.E. LSII Tonneau.

Teds_Crew

 

I had a very similar problem with my 4x4 5.4L Screw. You can see my story at the Quality-Not in this Truck discussion list. The very first problem i noticed was the shudder/cough when going up a hill. The check engine light came on at the same time too, which you did not mention. When i drove it in lower gears it was fine, it started hacking only when it was in overdrive or when I stepped on it. They replaced the main processor, and found out that three cylinders were not firing, that was causing the horrible shuddering. They replaced the coils. Then it started clinging/banging everytime the torque converter hit. Again, mostly in the higher speeds. It was upshifting/downshifting constantly at speeds over 50mph. and the tach was showing a 1500-2000 rpm change with each shift. Very rough, got rougher over the first 9000 miles. Then, I stepped on the gas entering the freeway one afternoon and lost overdrive completely. Got it down to the dealership, almost made it in their driveway when I lost the tranny completely. It fell apart totally. They have had the truck for almost 3 weeks this time, its been in the shop close to 40 days now since the day i bought it, with only 9500 miles on it. They ordered a new tranny, it came in, and they realized it wasnt the right one for the truck, and the correct one is on order now. I am going to call and be sure its not a rebuilt, as that's unacceptable. My truck has been a major lemon to say the least. I hope your gets better and that you didnt get a truck like mine. Good Luck! Incidentally, mine was built 6/00 at the KC plant, which they are saying is Generation I...perhaps they rushed these thru due to high demand?

L Robbins
Sweetwater, TN