View attachment 1544023 Prefer my current 240hp awd variant.
I just wish Ford did a better job with the rear quarter panel pinch weld design. It’s been hell to keep it in good shape.
It's weird for sure. I send them to my Google Hangouts, redownload them onto my phone and they work again.Apparently iPhone pictures are too large for the server to host
While I agree, I've come across this on a few other sites I'm on. I'll send you a PM.There is zero chance I’m doing that JUST for this site. Absurd for 2019 actually.
Absolutely.
I guess it’s not really a pinch weld.
The rear fender lips are made up of two layers of steel lapped over each other in parallel. Like this equal sign = except touching. There is a spot weld every 2 inches or so. On the inside seam of this joint Ford runs a 1/4” bead of sealant.
Except there is ZERO protection on exposed face of the abutted surfaces; and no way to clean in between them. However water and salt permeate the small opening and imperfection. They then rust internally and swell between the spot welds.
What is super fun, is you can’t really tell just how rotted things got until you start digging in and finding the inner layers rotted halfway from surface.
It’s a HORRIBLE design and unfortunately nobody sells a flare to even cover it; the lip or just after doing some bodywork.
Ford I believe has a TSB based repair; but it’s out of your own pocket. It’s about $1400 a side and replaces the lips with a SINGLE piece of steel; so that nothing can be trapped.
I ended up making my own... I’m sure I’ll have to do the other side in short time.
This, aside from my other complaints - but this is the real kicker. Driveline is super stout. I had an 01 v6 XLT awd before my 11. It was near flawless until high mile when it exhibited the tell tale trans issues.
The updated engine and 6spd auto are faster and more efficient. It’s a very comfortable and useful vehicle. I guess this is just a downfall.
View attachment 1544023 Prefer my current 240hp awd variant.
I just wish Ford did a better job with the rear quarter panel pinch weld design. It’s been hell to keep it in good shape.