Vibration - '04 F350 4x4 Crew - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Pennington · 02-10-2009, 18:24

Hello Everyone - This is my first diesel and first truck larger than an F150. I have a vibration that is really noticeable over 35 mph it is driving me nuts.
It is a 2004 F-350 4X4 Lariat Crewcab 6.0L with 185K. I just put new "E" rated tires on it and I have had them balanced and the rims checked by two different shops. Both shops have said the balance and tires are true. I replaced the steering knuckle on the front passenger side and the U-Joint in the drive shaft. Both shops did recommend that I get new shocks and front rotors. While these are good things to know and I will replace them, I doubt that is the source of the vibration.
You can feel the vibration at around 35 MPH and it gets worse as you increase the speed. The vibration is still there at all RPM's and if you put it in neutral at 55 the vibration is still there. The vibration vibrates the entire truck and just at a loss as to what to look at next. Also every once in a while the front end appears to hop and the tire seems to grab the road a couple fo times. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

**360ci** · 02-15-2009, 19:59

I'd say either a wheel bearing, or an out of balance drive-shaft would cause an increase in vibration as speed continues, even coasting with the transmission in neutral. Chances are that the truck was previously a tow vehicle, as it's a F350 4x4. If the wheel bearings and shafts are fine, you either have an out of square frame (unlikely, or they wouldn't have been able to sell it to you, but you never know), or something in a differential or transfer case is causing the vibration.

To rule out some of the items, find a road that is NOT busy and make sure it goes downhill. Bring the truck to a stop, put the transmission in neutral and then the transfer case in neutral and coast down the hill with the engine running. If the vibration goes away then it's obviously drive-train related. Then be sure to stop completely and reengage the transfer case and transmission.

Pennington · 02-21-2009, 12:40

Thanks Everyone who looked at the post and thanks for the post 360ci. The problem was the clutch pack in the Rear Differential. The fiberglass on the right side was completely worn away. So a new clutch pack and a couple of new pinion bearings and all is good.