2002 Open Diff Eaton True Trac an Option?

[davebuck8]

My first post ever to any forum, so please forgive me if this is in the wrong place
I have a 2002 Explorer with the infamous rear end whine 40-65, goes away under de-acceleration.
I recently changed the gear oil and added LS additive as a "possible" fix. No luck. So My next move is to "do something" with the diff and that is where this post comes in. I have has reasonably smart people tell me not to attempt a ring a pinion change due the specail tools needed. Used Rear Diffs are not an option as this is a systemic problem with this design. Is the Eaton TrueLoc an option and will it fix the whine?
As an aside I just now found out the I have an open diff, axle code 45, so I guess the LS additive was unnecessary
I have no doubt in my ability to do the work, just trying figure out the best course of action.I'm not interested in flaming Ford for the problem, just working out a solution.
Thanks
Dave

 

[jrford]

for the most part, from what i've read, some have had luck in replacing just the bearings in the diff, the R&P usually are ok. I was thinking getting a Eaton Detroit Truetrac, Limited Slip, 31-Spline, Ford, 8.8 in. until i found it would be $500. . .and thats if you can reuse the R&P.

 

[gijoecam]

I'm not too familiar with the rear housing on a 2002... What holds the stub shaft into the differential? If it's held in with a traditional C-clip setup, it should work fine. However, if it's held in by circlips on the shafts/gears, it won't work.

But in and of itself, it won't fix the whine. The problem is a bearing issue. There is plenty of info out there on the issue.

 

[davebuck8]

I'm not too familiar with the rear housing on a 2002... What holds the stub shaft into the differential? If it's held in with a traditional C-clip setup, it should work fine. However, if it's held in by circlips on the shafts/gears, it won't work.

But in and of itself, it won't fix the whine. The problem is a bearing issue. There is plenty of info out there on the issue.

I appreciate the info
Well actually then that seems to be even better news. I think. If you could point me to a thread on replacing the bearing, I would appreciate it. I have already had the back end apart once to replace the hub/bearings. I can't imagine that replacing the bearings in the housing can be all that difficult.
Thanks again to both.
Dave

 

[gijoecam]

Basically it's a bad pinion bearing, which requires a rebuild of the gearing and replacement of the bearings.

Search for TSB 05-23-3 for the detailed specs and parts lists. They have kits with all the parts needed for the rebuild depending on which axle and ratio you have. The time for the rebuild is listed as 6.6 hours, and that's if you have all the tools and know what you're doing. Setting up gears is something that takes a fair amount of know-how and some special tools to make it all go together nicely. It's one of two things on any vehicle I'd rather leave to the pros.

 

[jrford]

it sounds like you have the same problem as in this
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263368

there are circlips on the half shafts where it fits inside the diff. .