6th-Gen Explorer Differential Setup & Why Bracing Matters

[peterk9]

Edit: Pardon my grammar.

Welcome to the Forum.
I didn't notice any problems with your grammar. It was better than some I've read.

Peter

 

[SClark08]

My wife’s 2020 Explorer XLT 2wd 2.3 Ecoboost with 95k miles on it was delivered without the one bolt recall not having been done. I noticed this and mentioned it to our sales rep who said all recalls are completed on certified used cars before they are delivered. Two days later the dealer’s shop manager called all humble and asked us to bring it in to have the one bolt recall done. They gave us a loaner Bronco. Three days later and we haven’t been called to pick it up. Any idea what the hold up is? Now the 4th of July weekend.

Echoing Dale5403; low availability of the replacement differential bolt is common. I had the part number saved so I could buy one in advance. However, Ford will not accept parts from customers...

This was a great write up! I'm curious though, should I need to put this on my 2025 ST-Line 2.3L? Is installing this something that would break the warranty?

It shouldn't avoid any warranties - Ford would have to prove that the brace was the cause of a powertrain failure to void your warranty.

Can’t install it on the 2.3L. Different rear differential.

I got away with installing on my 2.3L because I have a Timberline (TORSEN differential). In all likelihood I shouldn't need one either. However, I wanted peace of mind for the times where I get a little rambunctious and give it the beans on logging roads and dunes.

 

[Baysider]

I wonder if they did not have the parts in stock. I would call them when they reopen and ask. In the mean time, enjoy their Bronco.

I'm going down there Monday, only 1 mile away, and see what's going on. We could have waited until they got the parts to bring it in.

 

[Baysider]

I wanted to update my story as it may help others. The car is still at the dealer’s. I got a promise of Tuesday mid-morning delivery. By noon no call. I had enough and went there. When I pulled up in their loaner the shop manager was out front having a smoke. He was surprised to see me. I told him someone made a promise they didn’t keep. Second promise not kept. This is supposed to be a half day recall now has taken 3 and a half days with a three day weekend 6 and a half days. They’ve had the car longer than us. So now he promises by the end of the day, they are putting it back together as we speak. Third time I heard that. He apologizes profusely and says he will call just as soon as it’s done. He mentions they are putting the rear back in (???). Later, he calls and tells me the splines on the drive shaft are not to their liking so they will replace it under the recall (it’s also under dealer’s warranty). So now it’s another day I’m waiting for a call. What’s the deal with all this? I made sure to mention alignment and he says of course they will do an alignment. Side note: My grandson is a Virginia Trooper. He drives a 2023 PIU. I had him make sure the recall has been done. He says he is good. I said he should look into one of the brackets mentioned in this thread. Thanks for listening.

 

[Baysider]

Hopefully the end of the story. We got the car back and it seems fine. I gathered from the parts list the bolt was fractured and there was related damage to an axle assembly requiring replacement. I can’t help but think what could have happened if I had let them slide even though the recall should been done before we got the car. A manager told me this is the first car where the bolt had actually broken. So case closed on this one.