04 Limited AWD, Front Differential Question

[*04limited*]

Ok long story short. My front differential blew up and pierced holes in the pumpkin cover. I had a new diff put in as well as all pads and rotors. I drove home about 30 miles and out of no where the ABS, Service Engine Soon, along with a little wrench and the nice warning "engine failsafe mode" came on. I am racking my brain trying to figure out just what is wrong with this thing.

I no longer have a door tag (driver door replaced), I pulled the ratio of the tag on the front differential. At the top right it says 3.55 and STD next to it. It has a dana part number of 6108332. Would this be a 3.55 ratio differential? This is what was put in the truck. I am hoping this is correct and it is not a 3.73 ratio diff that was needed. Would this cause the CEL and failsafe mode?

 

[swetrid]

Does it have class 3 trailer hitch if so it would have trailer package with 3.73 gear.

 

[*04limited*]

there is a trailer hitch outback, but im not sure if it is a class 3. How would I tell? Pardon my lack of knowledge when it comes to these trucks. I actually have a great bit of automotive knowledge when it comes to 4cyl imports. This is my first SUV.

 

[swetrid]

Class 3 has large opening for receiver, class 2 is small. Also 3.73 gear has posi rear 3.55 has open rear for rear differential.

 

[imp]

Counting Turns!

Yes! If front diff. ratio does not match rear, ABS WILL indicate unequal wheel speed. (And, eat up the viscous coupling in the transfer case, pretty quick).

IF REAR IS NOT LOCKING TYPE: Hold one rear wheel immovable, chalk-mark the other tire, lifted free to turn, mark rear driveshaft, count driveshaft turns, rotating it by hand, to make free tire turn ONE turn; write down the result.

Do this for FRONT, then compare the two results. If the two diffs are of different ratio, you should be able to see the difference, if you work carefully.

Be aware, holding one wheel stationary will cause DOUBLE the number of shaft turns, for one tire rotation, than the gear ratio. So, a 3.55 would make 7.1 driveshaft turns, with the one wheel held stationary. This same process CAN be used with a LOCKING DIFF., except BOTH rear wheels must be free, and assuming the clutches in the diff. are still working at all, (not slipping), the shaft turns will equal the gear ratio.

imp

 

[*04limited*]

I was able to limp this thing to my in-laws today so I could grab my obd2 scanner from my toolbox. The code I pulled was P2106, I replaced all 4 brakes and rotors and had a mechanic friend do the front differential. Before that the truck was completely fine with no lights or issues (even with the old differential being punctured and leaking gear oil).

 

[*04limited*]

Ok I think I have narrowed it down to being an ABS speed sensor issue. Apparently the ABS speed sensor malfunction can trigger the CEL along with the code p2106. Now I just need to figure out which on of these *******s is causing the problem. Has anybody had the abs light illuminate after a 4 wheel brake job?

 

[pet575]

I've had it happen on its own and then when I took everything apart I found that the ABS sensor wire coming out of the wheel bearing had some missing insulation and an exposed wire. Could only correct it when the bearing got replaced. Might check to see if you have any exposed wires. Maybe when you did your brake job you inadvertently re-routed an ABS cable that is now being rubbed or got crimped. I'd start there-a quick and cheap start.

 

[*04limited*]

I left work on the 11th, got in the truck and started it. All the lights were on and within 60 seconds they all went out and haven't been back on since. These are quite possibly the touchiest, most fragile, junkiest vehicle I have ever owned. I can honestly say I am one and done with Ford. This is my 27th vehicle and the only one I have had countless problems with. Thanks for the input and responses!!!

 

[Exproblems]

These are quite possibly the touchiest, most fragile, junkiest vehicle I have ever owned. I can honestly say I am one and done with Ford. This is my 27th vehicle and the only one I have had countless problems with. Thanks for the input and responses!!!

>>>>>>>>>>>

I agree with you 100% on the "touchy and fragile" issues you have with your Ex. I feel the same about mine. I've been driving and buying vehicles for close to 35 years and never seen so many little, but very expensive parts break so early in the life of a vehicle as in my Explorers. I like the look (except the BS crack in rear tailgate panel) and some of the features it has otherwise. The engines tend to last long, but the Ford transmissions are $hit! I can't stand these "O/D or Overdrive" tranny's, they suck! I had better luck with a simple 3 or 4 speed automatic transmission and could make it last for the life of the vehicle and get better gas mileage than these O/D ones. Maybe this is why Ford never needed a gov't bailout, because they knew they'd be getting a ton of money back to them thru the replacement parts these vehicles would need in such a short time after the original purchase date or mileage on the vehicle.

 

[*04limited*]

^^^ Absolutely, I learn quick and I learned never again for Ford. Now that the truck is fixed and 100% its time to sell.