New here and looking for help. 2004 F-150 SuperCrew V8. During acceleration, slow acceleration from a stop sign or red light for example, I hear and feel what I describe as a rubbing noise (like the tire rubbing on a wheel well, but it is not the tire). It sounds like it is coming from about the center or slightly left of the engine/firewall. It started at about 40K and I now have about 47K. It is intermittent and I have not noticed any relation to weather (it has been an issue during the winter and summer) or any other variable. It does not happen while I am driving on the highway. I have driven on the highway for 2-3 hours and it never happens. The dealer has been great. They first thought it was the 4W hubs enaging due to a faulty sensor. They replaced the sensor and I paid $60. Shortly after leaving the dealer it started again. I gave them a test drive so they could hear the noise again. They decided to replace the hubs and some other front end hardware. An expensive job ($1000-$1500?) that they (Ford) ate. I still have this problem and my concern is that it will finally break hard one day and of course it will not be at the most convenient time.

PS - During the most recent test drive the mechanic thought it may actually be an engine problem. We also felt a "bang" in the drivetrain and a slight hesitation. The "bang" has been an issue since very early on but they checked things out and said it was "normal". The bang I talk about feels like a loose u-joint. The dealer said they would like to get a rep from Ford to check the vehicle out. I am waiting on a call for an appointment.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!