Rear Diff whine repair 3.73 LSD

[jav1]

I'm finally going to address the rear diff whine on my '03 explorer 4x4 with 3.73 lsd - IRS.

I called my local ford dealer looking for 5L3Z-4209-C as called out in the TSB. I was also going to replace the LSD clutches (due to the growling on slow sharp turns). The parts guy clearly had no clue and told me that number was not available???? When i pressed, he said his computer broke it down to individual parts which all had to be bought seperatly. I asked how their service dept. is handling these issues on the older explorer and he said he doesn't ever remember this as a problem.

OK- so what are folks doing these days? I did a search and now I'm not clear if it's just the bearings that are failing or of the ring and pinion gear are also being replaced.


Can anyone offer any current insight?

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.revbase.com/BBBMOTOR/TSb/DownloadPdf?id=131011

http://www.bbbind.com/tech_database.html

 

[jav1]

Swshawaii-

sorry but I'm confused... the link you posted is of the TSB I got the kit part number from (5L3Z-4209-C) ... am I not understanding something?

 

[swshawaii]

Just wanted to link the TSB for you. If you have the 75W-90 tag, I suggest
changing to the heavier 75W-140 and adding the XL3 friction modifier before
doing the TSB. Only recalls are a required dealer repair for a specified amount of time.
TSB's are usually paid for by the customer after the vehicle is out of warranty. GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297392

http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1h/bl608h.htm

 

[jav1]

Sorry- still not following.

I'm not questioning that I'm paying for this- I understand this isn't a recall. I'm referring to the part number for the repair "kit" specified in the TSB. Shouldn't that kit be available for purchase, or some superceded equivelant?

I'm just wondering if it has been determined that this kit is no longer the appropriate repair approach to this issue , which is why Ford may no longer be offering the kit???.

 

[swshawaii]

Sorry, should have read your OP thoroughly. Try Torrie @ FPN.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/dto_vendor.php?do=click&id=1024

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/in...year=&model=&submodel=&searchText=5L3Z-4209-C

 

[icepickjazz]

Sorry- still not following.

I'm not questioning that I'm paying for this- I understand this isn't a recall. I'm referring to the part number for the repair "kit" specified in the TSB. Shouldn't that kit be available for purchase, or some superceded equivelant?

I'm just wondering if it has been determined that this kit is no longer the appropriate repair approach to this issue , which is why Ford may no longer be offering the kit???.

I talked to several parts places regarding this issue. The fix still applies, however there is no bundled kit. They just have to order the parts separately.

 

[jav1]

Thanks Icepick!

I hate doing things twice. I've read every single post on this issue and at best- it seems like new pinion shaft bearings (installed and torqued properly) cures the whine problem for good but the LSD clutch weakness remains. Others suggest that even with new bearings, gear set, seals, cluthes seals etc.... the problem(s) will eventually return due to inherent weaknes in the carrier.

Just to consolidate all i've read and perhaps get a correction if I've misunderstood anything-

Apparently- 2006 and newer diff's don't share this design weakness but are not direct replacements due to ABS sensor/tone ring differences and an additional mounting hole. They will fit and can be modified to accept the ABS sensor and tone ring but it requires machining. Also- they are available with 3.73 gears but a question remains about how LSD works on the newer diffs.

I guess I'm going to try new gear set, new bearings, new seals, new clutchs and change to the new heavier oil and hope for the best. This really sucks on a car that was bought new, babied (driven by my wife) and started whining/growling at around 50K miles (only has 78k now).