I've been asking around the forum about this and may have something to add that may influence things. I have a fan howl/roar that comes on about 10 seconds after I start my 2001 Supercrew with a 5.4 L. It's really bad when it's cold, but I hear it all the time. The rpm's of the sound go up somewhat to a point, then don't go any higher. I don't think it ever stops. It does sound after its warmed up like it can't make up it's mind whether to run or not at idle. The more I listen to it, the more it sounds like an electric fan. I didn't buy the truck new, so I don't know if the fan is the OEM centrifigal clutch or an electric one, although it came from the Phoenix area (read HOT). It looks like stock (single fan). Haven't even thought to see if it's hooked up to the front of the engine or at the radiator. The more I type, the more ideas I think of. I'm guessing that the stock fans are hooked up to the motor and the electric ones are at the radiator. Does that sound correct? I had a 3" body lift done, and that is when I started hearing the noise. They have had it back 3 times, but can't find anything wrong. They suggested I take it to the dealer.

 

If there is a belt driving the fan , then it's not electric. It sounds as if it's the fan clutch. Nothing to do with the lift.

Good luck

 

Yep, the fan is being run by the belt. Thanks.

 

u know it is not that common of a problem, but take ur fan, when the engine is off of course(unless u feel like losing a limb), and spin it by hand, if it spins smoothly, then it eliminates a problem wit the bearing. like i said its not that common but when i t happens it sounds like ur situation that u r having oh when u do that, have the engine ran for bout 15 mins b4, so it is warmed up as u call it.