So I thought it was just the wheel bearing, well have had to replace both front ones, and after the 2nd one on the passenger side still hear the bearing, but only really when i accelerate or at low speeds when going up hill, and does not make the sound when in 4 wheel high, friends ford mech says its the pinion bearing, any thoughts? and if it is, any one have an idea how hard it is to replace or how much, ball park?

 

It wouldn't be a front pinion bearing as it doesn't even turn when in 2 wheel drive. I would look at a bad IWE as a possibility (not totally disengaging) first. Assuming this is the NBS trucks

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...then-some.html

 

NBS trucks?

 

New Body Style - as opposed to Heritage. Both were available in 2004.

 

ah, ok, so what is the IWE then and how does it contribute to this noise i get when i accelerate that sounds like a bearing grinding?

 

Read the link I posted.

 

ok i understand whats goin on with the 2nd read through but what does IWE even stand for, and how hard you think that is something i should go to the dealer or should most mechanic shops be able to fix this?

 

Integrated Wheel End.

 

This is not a difficult job to do..here is a link to the write-up on the how to do section. You or a competent mechanic can do this pretty easily: https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...replacing.html

 

well thanks a lot you've made me slightly less ignorant than i was. I'll show this to my mechanic buddy and see bout it.

 

Your not ignorant by any means..this how we learn things. You at least came here for some insight into what was wrong with your truck instead of just throwing parts at it.