Has anyone been able to find a fix for the noisey rear end problem? Ford knows the problem exsists but the last time I was at the dealer they still havn't come up with a fix. ( 2002 F-150 - 5.4 L ,3.55 LS axle. Starts to whine loudly at around 60 mph under slight acceleration, does it at slower speeds but not as noticable) Thanks guys!

 

I have had my local ford dealer rebuild my rear diff. 4 times and still it's not right. I wish they could just replace it completely but I'm told it cant be had as a complete unit. I dont know what the anwser is maybe I should take it to a shop that specializes in diff. work. And submit the bill to Ford.

 

I too had rear axle whine in my 2001 Screw (3.55 ls), and the local dealership finally replaced the entire rear axle assembly under warranty after two unsuccessful rebuilds. Apparently FoMoCo engineering finally admitted that there was probably a casting flaw in the housing that would not let the pinion depth be properly set. A search of the message boards using "rear axle whine" would probably get you a bunch of interesting reading.
SM

 

My '99 was rebuilt after putting up with the noise for about 40,000 Mi. Was great for another 60,000 or so and then started up agian. It is a known problem. Hope my '03 works better!!

 

my '97 w/3.55L/S poped it's cork on the rear with it start a slight whine that gradually grew until I took it a shop I know and it ended up getting the carrier bearings and center bearing replaced...stopped that noise for 600 bucks...make sure they do replace the outside axle seals when they do the job

 

I took my 1998 F-150 (4.6L, auto, 4wd) in today due to the tell-tale rear end whine. Just got the word from the dealership, pinion barings shot, axles slightly scored. The truck has 130K on it and this is the second rebuild (first one took one axle with it.). The mechanic said that if it was his truck he would leave the axles in it as they aren't that bad (also $220 each). He thinks it will be fine. With the miles on this truck, I am going with that route. I will sell this at 150K to 160K. Thoughts?

 

Randall-
You can get repair axle bearings at most auto parts stores for the sterling 8.8 rearend. Those bearings relocate the bearing past the worn part of the axle. With those there is no need to replace the axles. I've used them in the past & had no problem with them.

 

Anyone got a fix for this yet?