It looks to me that it's just the rear axle. I doubt it has anything to do with the actual steel itself, but more likely some coating issues from the supplier. My guess is that it is a localized issue that a vendor had with either the coating formula or issues with temperature or environment when the coating was applied.

The only resolution is for Ford to recall those immediately, pull them off and either replace them or sandblast and recoat. Since most local dealerships probably don't have the facilities to do that, it looks like replacement is in order and they better do it quick, since the F-150 is the cash cow for FOMOCO...


"When I say ever thing I mean ever thing." - Frankie