FORD SUCKS. how do i make my differential cheaper

[bpl09]

F-FIX
O-OR
R-REPAIR
D-DAILY


sorry yall, i thought maybe ford fixed the terrible reputation when i bought mine a few weeks ago. but nope, ford still sucks. i need 1800 bucks for a new diff.

how can i make this cheaper? can I order the part myself and do it myself?

or do i sell the piece of crap?

help

 

[Dannyboy]

I'm sure there is a cheaper solution than the dealer. Why don't you start with a reasonable explanation of the problem vs. saying Ford sucks.

 

[eXcali]

Any vehicle can be great, or crap regardless of the manufacturer. Except of course the Chinese trucks that completely smash the cabin @ 25mph crash.

The key here is to properly inspect a vehicle before you purchase it. If it needs to be replaced after a couple of weeks, either you wrecked it or it needed to be replaced when you bought it.

The most cost effective option is to pick up the differential at your local Junk Yard. You should be able to pick one up under $400, I've seen them them for $150-200 in my area.
I have had vehicles of all the major US manufacturers and with regular upkeep and not abusing them they all last.

 

[bpl09]

i did have it inspected before i bought it. i cant wait to have a word with that shop.

 

[bpl09]

how do i go about finding a used diff

 

[bpl09]

and does it have to be specifically fora 2002 ford explorer xlt?

 

[Dannyboy]

you can use the edit button instead of posting every 30 seconds.

and your differential does not have to be for your year and trim package exactly.

So, are we talking front differential or rear? what issues are you having?

 

[bpl09]

rear diff needs to be replaced.

 

[99ex22]

is it making a whining or humming noise? BTW alot of shops don't even drive the vehicle when they inspect it. They just let it run in the garage, check all the fluids and make sure all the interior options work like the power windows and stuff. Also buying used vehicles is always a gamble. Alot of people trade there vehicles in because they don't want to pay to fix the problems it's having which is usually caused by lack of maintenance. So usually your just buying other peoples problems.

 

[bpl09]

whining and humming

 

[Dannyboy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

there is a complete assembly for $175 with $18 shipping. I've never worked on a 3rd gen explorer, but I would say a guy with some mechanical skills could install that in about 8 hours total. A good mechanic could be


you may want to read this thread. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157872

"I guess if anyone has a early production '02 explorer who is still running off their factory 75w-90 oil they should immediately switch to the 75w-140"

 

[kert0307]

Wasn't there a recall on this problem? Might want to check if there are any still out on your truck.

 

[Evil Eye]

Wasn't there a recall on this problem? Might want to check if there are any still out on your truck.

Not a recall since it doesn't affect life safety. There is a TSB about it, which is in the link that Danny posted.

 

[bpl09]

wow you are awesome dannyboy. thanks a lot man

is that one a sure fit on my ex?

 

[LVmounty]

wow you are awesome dannyboy. thanks a lot man

is that one a sure fit on my ex?

most likely, if not, your not out much!

 

[JTX]

Just make sure its the same gear ratio

 

[Limited02]

I think first and cheapest would be to drain out all the old fluid and replace it with friction modifier and new thicker gear lube. I put two tubes of friction modifier in and whatever amount of gear lube that's needed(look in you owners manual). I used 85W 140 full synthetic lube for the diff. I also bought a little hand pump to pump the fluid into the diff, made it MUCH easier plus it was like 12 bucks. After doing that, my rear didn't shake anymore and it's nearly perfect

 

[Dannyboy]

alright, I removed all the BS in this thread, we all know Fords are superior to GM and mitsubishi, blp09 is new here and I'm sure he learned his lesson to not bash ford on a ford enthusiast site because for every constructive answer you get 13 answers about how much more GM sucks.

Good luck with the diff repair bud.

 

[Joe Dirt]

GM sucks?














(had to...)

 

[CDW6212R]

FYI, the 2002 was a new model from Ford, and as always the first years of a new model are iffy. The rear diff's did have problems, I hadn't heard that they had cheap light weight fluid in them.

The 4WD control modules for the TC had issues then, and keep an eye on the rear coil springs. Those springs evidently would randomly break, and they aren't obvious until you look closely at them.

BTW, buy the best gear oil you can(I use Amsoil 85W-110), that's the best insurance there is. Maintenance is far more important than who built the vehicle. Take good care of it, and welcome.