12 problems related to rear suspension have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer stated that while he was driving rear end shifted, causing the shifter to look toward the driver seat. Also the pin that held the rear end was rounded off.
Leaf spring assemblies middle left rear leaf spring separated after proceding past stop sign. Once separation occured, middle leaf spring rotated into left rear tire, causing damage down to metal belt of tire. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership would not cover damage of leaf spring or tire, repair cost: approx. $450. 00. Recall 98v161 was performed on leaf spring assembly to prevent leaf striking gas tank, but did not prevent leaf from rotating out to tire. Middle leaf spring was rusted on broken end and had been broken for some time, maybe even when recall service was don on it.
No summary.
When driving at a speed of 40 to 45mph there is shaking coming from the rear of the vehicle. Dealer can't find solution.
When accelerating to take off truck jerks and causes consumer to go sideways. Mechanic said that it was a problem with the rear end.
Vehicle was making noises while driving. The entire rear was making high pitch noises. Took to dealer & mechanic replaced rear end & rotated tires.
Mr. Ridgley, this is in concern to the e-mail I received from you about the overload springs on my truck. My truck was bouncing real bad, so I took it to the dealer about 4 weeks ago. They supposedly looked it over real good and found no problems. I had a blowout on the highway and noticed the spring was cocked about 20 degrees in the wheel and the overload spring was broke. I called the dealer the next morning and he told me to bring it back in. When I took it in, they finally conceded that something was wrong and ordered a new spring assembly, but told me they couldn't give me a loaner car and said that it would be okay to drive. I had a new spring assembly installed a week later. Today, while installing new shocks, I noticed that the right side is now broke in the same spot, where the spring assembly bolt is at. I called the dealer and they said that they are having problems, but that I shouldn't worry about it, unless it gets worse. I guess they want me to wait til I wreck the damn thing. I know of alot of people who are having these problems. Feel free to call me anytime. By the way, I really need to know if it is okay for me to drive the truck?.
Consumer had 2 defective rear ends on vehicle in less than 1100 miles. Now at 5k miles vehicle needs another rear end. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. Consumer states that the paint on the rear end is burning off. The dealer synthetic high performance oil to endure the temperature. The rear end is taking more heat but the end still gets hot.
Rear passenger side wheel broke off the shaft.
Right rear axle shifted, causing rear end of truck to sway out of control.
Rear end suspension locked up causing consumer to hit windshield.
After I purchased my truck, it developed avibration in the rear end. I replaced the tires that were on it when I purchsed it with multi mile wild spirit. The vibration continued. Next I replaced all the rims with new Ford expedition rims, and the vibration continued. Next, I replaced the shocks on all four corners, and the vibration continues. The tires have been balanced a total of 7 times in 10 months. The vibration occurs between 58 and 75 mph.