awd tire size

[jamm123456]

i got a 99 explorer awd and i went to firestone for new tires they only had 2 and put them on the front and was going to call me when they got the other two in. well firestone 235 75 r15 are bigger than the 235 75 r15 that was on the back(the back was not wore alot) well my front end went out. and my transmission then after i got it fixed i drove it for about two weeks then the front end went out for the 2nd time. i had it replaced drove it 40 miles and for the 3rd time the front end went out....the transmission shop told me it was the firestone tires that are bigger and firestone told me 235 75 r 15 is all the same. well i have them and the firestone tires are bigger not much. firestone replaced all my tires for me. do you think it could be the tires? or the transmission shop? something has to be wrong for this to happen three times.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Tires of a distinct difference in size can affect the transfercase. I'd like to know what you mean by "the front end went out". I'd like to see what the shop actually did to be able to help you.

 

[jamm123456]

the front end differential went out three times. after the frist one went out the transmission shop put a rebuilt one in. the last two was brand new ones..the shop only charged me for parts the last time that is the only deal they gave me.the transmission shop told me firestone should pay me back for everything because they only put on two tires and not all four as i wanted. (they only had two on hand at that time and when they got two more in they did call me but my car was broke by then). the district manager at firestone told me there is no way the tires broke it. i put almost 4,000. in this.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Different size tires shouldn't affect the front differential- the trans case maybe, but I've never heard of the front diff "going out". What were your symptoms that lead to that diagnosis? Do you have a detailed invoice for the repairs?

I wish you'd been here before, we could have saved you some money on unnecessary repairs.

Just how big of a difference in size are the tires?

 

[jamm123456]

it was jerking when it was trying to go to the third gear.took it the transmition shop and they said the transmition needed replacement and the front end diferrential. the difference of the size of the tires 2inches.yes i have all the paperwork done on my car.what are possible causes of making the differential go out a lot. this place that i brought ,y car in is a tranmition place they specialized on tranmition and drive train. but they think fire stone is to blame of all this problems in my car. so far the car is running fine we had complete tune up im hoping it is fixed this time.
by the way how do i get to the rear passengers side plug out.change all spark plug but one.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

That's what I am saying- the differential probably wasn't bad- the transfercase was probably binding and slipping causing the jerking. Your tires do need to be matched within .5" front and rear, side to side. However, even 4" of difference shouldn't cause the front differential to go out. They wouldn't affect the transmission either, the transfer case is before the trans. I think you've been taken for a ride.

But, always keep matching tires on an AWD.

To be clear, you have a 5.0 right?

 

[jamm123456]

yes it is a 5.0... thank you for your input i think i need a lawer. this suck you would think a transmission shop would know what to do to fix this drive train. i am thinking about taking it on along trip so if it brakes now they will know it was them and not the tires. i am just not wanting to brake down far from home. i know if i wait they will say it was not them and i will be srewed

 

[Turdle]

Take the front drive shaft out and go for a spin right quick, if you don't mind.