Soon to be raptor owner in New England

[FordTechOne]

Thanks for your input Grumpy Car Stereo Guy. The sales rep (young kid, 22) gets a callout when the truck is started warning that the vehicle is speed limited to 70mph and was told he needs a second "programmed" key give to the new owner. I guess he'll find out one way or the other, probably the hard way. I give them credit for making sure I have two sets of keys ready for the purchase. I'm sure making a new one isn't cheap...

That is the MyKey feature. It allows a key to be programmed so it limits various parameters like audio volume, top speed, etc. It was available across most Ford vehicles and designed for young drivers. To erase the MyKey a master key is required, that is why they can’t disable it with the existing key.

A reference to the valve body (lead frame?) causing a catastrophic failure is troubling. This sounds different than the OSS recall the Ford Dealership is handling. Nothing about a lead frame that I can see. More research

The recall is a software update that prevents the transmission from downshifting into 1st gear in the event of an OSS failure. It doesn’t prevent a lead frame failure, but does prevent it from being a safety issue.

 

[gusser]

Thanks for the clarification FordTechOne. Appreciated.

I've done a bit of research on the LeadFrame subject (I suspect it is pronounced "Leed"frame as there is no lead/metal in this part that I can see or know of... Correct?) and most recommend to replace it as a matter of course. If the dealer doesn't do a tranny fluid/filter replacement I will do that for sure for peace of mind.
Should I plan on a leadframe replacement as well to be sure the sudden downshift scenario never happens? Or is the recall designed as a cure all?

I thought I read somewhere the sensor is replaced as part of the recall as well, but I must be mistaken if the recall is merely a reprogram of the transmission control's computer module.
I will look at the paperwork the Ford dealership provides once the recall is complete.

 

[gusser]

Test Drive and Inspection is happening Saturday.

 

[FordTechOne]

Thanks for the clarification FordTechOne. Appreciated.

I've done a bit of research on the LeadFrame subject (I suspect it is pronounced "Leed"frame as there is no lead/metal in this part that I can see or know of... Correct?) and most recommend to replace it as a matter of course. If the dealer doesn't do a tranny fluid/filter replacement I will do that for sure for peace of mind.
Should I plan on a leadframe replacement as well to be sure the sudden downshift scenario never happens? Or is the recall designed as a cure all?

Correct, no lead metal. The recall will prevent the sudden downshift scenario, but it doesn’t prevent any possible issues with the lead frame in the future.

I thought I read somewhere the sensor is replaced as part of the recall as well, but I must be mistaken if the recall is merely a reprogram of the transmission control's computer module.
I will look at the paperwork the Ford dealership provides once the recall is complete.

Yes, just a reprogram. The lead frame had extended warranty coverage for 10 years/150k miles from the warranty start date. Since this truck is a 2011, the coverage would have expired in 2021.

 

[gusser]

Thanks for the info FordTechOne. Appreciate the clarification.
Yes, I saw the lead frame had the extended 10 year warranty, but has since expired.
As a preventative measure, should the lead frame be replaced to avoid a failure, or, if the truck seems to drive well with firm shifts, no shudders, slippage, or vibrations on part or WOT and during downshifts when stopping, should I leave well enough alone?

 

[FordTechOne]

Thanks for the info FordTechOne. Appreciate the clarification.
Yes, I saw the lead frame had the extended 10 year warranty, but has since expired.
As a preventative measure, should the lead frame be replaced to avoid a failure, or, if the truck seems to drive well with firm shifts, no shudders, slippage, or vibrations on part or WOT and during downshifts when stopping, should I leave well enough alone?

No need to replace it unless it fails, but if you’re going to be using the truck to travel or visit remote areas, you may want to be proactive and have it replaced with the updated part.

 

[gusser]

Good advice. No long distance driving. Local only 30 mile radius max and I have AAA.
Thanks!

 

[gusser]

Inspection complete:

Pros:
Engine runs strong and smooth
Tranny shifts quickly and firmly under WOT
Shocks in great shape. Suspect recent replacement or rebuld. Shaft looks new..smooth and shiney
Rides great, tracks straight with no pull either way during aggressive braking
No unusual sounds (clinking/ticking) while driving or when turning the wheels stop to stop
Engine bay looks good (they detailed the truck since the original pics were taken)
AC works
Electronics work (for the most part)
No leaks
Main frame is clean and rust free, some surface rust here and there but main structure is solid.
Tires look fairly new. Need rotation though
Rotors look clean. No scoring. Hard to see but pads have some life left
Transmission Speed sensor recall completed
Carfax show consistent maintenance was performed during it's lifetime by the previous owners. Even the front and rear diffs were flushed.


Cons
rocker panels shot. tape over holes either missing or flopping around, stopped sealing a long time ago.
A sad attempt at covering some of the breakthrough with filler evident. they didn't even sand it down and try to paint it!
cab corners shot.. bubbling under the paint but hasn't broken through
Lots of work to repair but expected for a 12 year old truck

backup camera glitchy. probably only needs connector cleaning
some body scratches, a gouge on one fender flare, mainly aesthetics
right front outer cv joint boot torn. Looks recent as the grease looks new
front seats leather/pleather are cracked but still comfortable
Driver side rear has wear. center and pass sides look almost new
Fuel door won't close (but found easy fix on YT)
ugly aftermarket rear bumper, looks tweaked, brackets are probably bent

Bottom Line:
A great project truck for me and a fair trade straight up for my Firehawk, IMHO.
The owner of the dealership (kinda young at 37) was impressed with the Hawk and the WOT pull to 60 had him smiling from ear to ear, albeit, he knows basically nothing about the 4th gen f bodies.
After both inspections were done, I am convinced the raptor was well taken care of and most issues are cosmetic, so I am ready to move forward with the trade.
After all was said and done, he asked for some time to do a deep dive on all of the documents I sent the sales guy last week showing build numbers/stats as well as a list of all the repairs and maintenance work I had done. He was traveling last week and was waiting to see the Hawk in person before reviewing everything sent.
I also gave him a thumdrive with pics and vids of most of the work I did in lieu of receipts.

He mentioned something about determining if the Hawk could be sold before the winter... something he needs to consider.
He committed to connecting with me Wednesday to discuss the result of his research and what our options are.

So now I have to wait and see...

Good news or not, will update when I hear from him.

 

[RdR2027]

Looks like this Raptor will find a good home. Nice looking truck.

 

[gusser]

Looks like this Raptor will find a good home. Nice looking truck.

Thanks. Fingers crossed!