I own a 1996 Ford F150 4X4. The truck has not been used for any type of commercial duties that I'm aware of and the vehicle shows no signs of abuse. I had purchased the vehicle in 2004 in very good condition. Recently I noticed the left rear corner of the bed had dropped approximately 3/4" which has increased to over an inch. Further examination revealed that the rear spring support bracket had rotted through. The spring is presently supported by the truck bed. I have inspected the remaining rear spring supports and they are all in need of replacement. Apparently the materials Ford is using to manufacture these components is not up to the task and the coating used to protect these supports only masks the problem until it's to late correct the problem. I've owned a number of Ford trucks in the past with considerably more years on them than this vehicle and I've never had to replace the spring supports or any structural component. This vehicle has only ten years of service and structural parts such as these should not be rotting away. I own three other Ford truck products and they are all showing signs considerable deterioration (heavy rust) on chassis components coating process Ford it using ( looks like powder coating) to protect the components is actually masking the problem until it's to late. I'm hoping that I can purchase replacement parts to correct this problem, otherwise I will be forced to procure a used set from a auto recycler. These supports provide attachment point for the rear suspension as well as maintain the rear axles alignment within the vehicle. These items should be able to provide a service life greater than ten years. There is a considerable safety issue in the fact that the average driver may not realize there is a problem until it's to late and the driver looses control of the vehicle.

- Estell Manor, NJ, USA

Loud cracking or creaking sound wheneveer making a turn at any speed - started about 2 years ago very minor but now creaks quite alot - a tsb appplies but Ford will not pay any money toward the repair despite the fact that this seems to be a common problem according to the shop manager at the dealership don izzet - the tsb states that rivets on the frame come loose and must be replaced with bolts - I think Ford should pay for the repairs as it is a defect in the manufacturer.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

Each time when making a turn it sounds like a popping noise coming from the frame that is falling apart.

- Winder, GA, USA