Temp fixes for rear differential grinding?

[JoeR]

I just finished repairing both front and rear heater blend doors on my '02 XLT (V8 with towing package), when I start getting the grinding noise/sensation at low speeds. Mechanic says to replace the clutch packs and bearings ($1500), which seems to match with information on this board http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395890&highlight=differential

With the holidays and two kids in college, I don't have a spare $1500 sitting around--and I'm just so sick of dealing with problems with this vehicle. Especially when I find out that every one one is a common one with 02s! I know I'm probably dreaming, but is there any cheap, temporary fix that will get me by for a while? If not, what happens if I ignore the problem? How long can I get by, and how catastrophic might the result be?

 

[icepickjazz]

I had similar binding when turning. I drained the rear diff and refilled and put in a bottle of friction modifier. Binding is now gone. Wish I had done it a lot sooner. 2 bottles of gear oil and 1 bottle of friction modifier was a pretty cheap fix and if it doesn't work for you not out a lot of $$. I still have the whine, but the binding is gone. Good enough for me for now.

 

[JoeR]

Sounds worth trying! Any recommendations on gear oil and friction modifier?

 

[chopperb]

Go to ford and get the friction modifier. We used royal purple 75w-140.