Hey,
I just had to have my rear differential replaced on my 2001 Super Crew truck.... it started howling really bad, and it turns out the pinion gears were shot and I had to have to whole thing rebuilt. I thought is was a freak thing, but now I know 3 other guys that had the same thing go bad. Anyone else out there have this problem? Anyone heard of a possible recall. I got screwed being over the warranty mileage, but I know some guys had to replace already around 20,000 miles... that just doesn't sound good.

Thanks.

Mr. Iowa

 

I suspect that many of the differential problems on late model F-150's could possibly be from lazy people de-burring the axle housing (center section) of the differential assembly in the manufacturing process. ARE YOU LISTENING--FOMOCO PEOPLE?

By the design and quality of the internal components of OEM ford differentials, I cannot see any other reason for rear axle assembly failure (other than continued abuse, neglect or human error).

Comparing 8.5" GM rear axle to 8.8" Ford rear axle; 8.5" GM axle fails approx. 30 times to one 8.8" ford axle. Reason why--GM axle is designed weaker.

 

Yep, 2000 chiming in. Just had all the work done yesterday. 21000 on the odometer. $359.00 parts/labor, but still under warantee.
At least it has the proper fluids for the LS now, because the clutches have chattered since about 1000 miles.

 

I had the same problem 2001 F 150 4.6, 7700lb towing 8.8 rear end.
The dealer replaced ring and pinion as well as racers and bearings. No questions asked one quick test drive and they knew. 15,500 miles on truck.