KS12.....Great Post...Thanks. I am fighting the same thing. My question is this: Did you pull the front driveshaft? I did, and when it made no difference in the vibration felt thru the steering wheel, I thought that PROBABLY cleared the transfer case, but maybe not. A front axle U-joint makes sense, but it also seems that the vibes would be more noticeable in turns...maybe not. The vibe is matched to road speed, started around 63K miles, and has increased til now (69K).
I should still be covered under my extended warranty, but like most everyone I talk too, my feelings about taking it to the dlr., are not that good.
I have great sympathy for all you have gone thru! As much as I enjoy this truck, the vibration sure takes the fun out of driving it.
Thanks again.

 

did you guys test drive these trucks before purchasing them? seems like if it has a serious vibration I would have noticed it before singing the papers and taking the truck home.

 

Just speaking for myself, There was absolutely NO vibration until 60+,000 miles, and gotten progressively worse until the current 69K. Also, FYI mine is a shortbed.
Additionally, I will add that in speaking with Brandon at Geno's Garage, he mentioned that he had just read an article stating that for some unknown reason, the 04.5s were susceptible to a vibration in the steering and pedals that is being caused by the power steering hose, and there is a special "vibration dampening" hose available......anyone hear of this??

 

Just a quick update. After reading many posts discussing uncurable vibrations, I was starting to think that it was just going to be that way with my truck. As stated previously, mine did not start shakin until around 64K on it, and it just made no sense to me why it should have gone from very smooth to so annoying in the last 5K. I reluctantly called the dlr. and scheduled an appointment....$100. deductable, no loaner cars, probably a "standard inspection charge of around $110 more..?", 2 hour drive each way, distrust of dlrs., etc....ARGH!
And then a little encouragement from one of the good people on this forum got me to slide under the truck again...this time with a breaker bar. I pried at the U-joint at the rear of the main drive shaft, and SHAZAAM...that sucker moved a ton! 4 bolts later, the shaft was in my hands, I ordered a couple of premium joint from NAPA and a tube of Lucas Extreme grease. Total price...$35. I can't say that my truck EVER felt THIS smooth! I am 1 very happy little guy!
A Big Thank You to SBishop.