Differential on '01 Sport Trac, $1700??? Help

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Rachel Sweet

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Dec 9, 2008
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Location
los angeles, CA


Hi Everyone,



Not even sure if I'm posting in the right 'message category' but I could use some advice.



Ford Dealer is quoting me $1700 to fix differential that is "about to go."



I feel like I should just take it to a rear end diff specialist (I have a referral), because this smells like a ripoff --



What do you think? Any advice on what I should ask the specialist to sound like I remotely know what I'm talking about.



(Took it to Ford dealer after hearing big whine like an airplane taking off!)

Thanks

Rachel:unsure:
 
best value would be to get a junkyard axle swapped in if you can find one. rebuilding the stock axle if it needs new gears or bearings is a lot more labor and expense than swapping out the whole unit. an explorer 8.8 31 spline with limited slip should be easy to find in a junkyard for less... since you have an 01, you can look for one with disc brakes too as an upgrade
 
Not knowing what is broken. I would take it to a good independent. I always found better deals on parts and labor at shop, that specialize for racers, for rear end work.
 
Ford 8.8" differentials are very good units. They have been using them for years. IMO, the dealer is trying to screw you because you are a lady.



Too bad you do not live close to me. I would head up to Pull-a-part and grab you a unit for next to nothing and swap it out.



Take it to an independant shop They will be much cheaper. They could also swap the rear end with one out a yard for next to nothing.





Tom
 
Even Here in NY.... ( I know your in CA) a Racing setup installed is only about 700-1,000 bucks...



Go somewhere, Find another shop and let them look at it..



We even have some CA members that have shops, Maybe they are near by you...



OHH and WELCOME TO THE SITE !!!!





Todd Z
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Buy used you may just get anouther bad Diff.

I just had my stang gears changed from 3.55 to 3.90, was 599 out the door.

You may need new bearings (recomended) would be 800 max.
 
I might be in this position soon. My pinion seal is leaking and from the research I've done usually that means the pinion bearings are bad aswell.
 
Welcome to the site Rachel....



The dealer will always try to rip you off for what they charge on repairs/parts. I would take it elsewhere to get what you need done/fixed.
 
Example..I have a local performance shop that will charge $250 labor. To install a ford racing limited slip in my trac. He will sell me the the unit at a discount over my price. Never use the dealer.
 
Thanks, thanks, everyone!



I found an independent shop that only does rear end stuff (also for racers). Dropped off the car around 4pm.

They just called me back...

$610 bucks -- ALL IN -- parts AND labor, for the same work the dealer was going to do.



I'm glad I posted.



Rachel:cool:
 
That's good news Rachel.....



Whenever you need help or advise, this is the place to ask or get it regarding your truck or other stuff. :)
 
Best thing is to Drive it about 30 miles around 55 MPH.... Let cool for 4+ hours, Then repeat 2 more times....



Good to go....



Also What exactly was wrong with the old one ???



Todd Z
 
90 miles total will not be enough for your new gears JMO, you need at least 500 miles to get them to wear in properly at low speed I;e hwy speed.
 
Bill,

Every gear manufacturer is different...... and everyone has different ways of doing it...



All the rears I build I do it that way.... Some street cars/trucks and some 9-12 second race cars...



This is also a ST not a race car..... Probably could beat it to death from the box and not have an issue... LOL :rolleyes::rolleyes:



Todd Z



 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good for you Rachel! Always good to shop around, not all dealerships are out to get ya but we do have to be careful. Plus dealership labor costs can add up. Glad you got it rollin right again :)



Welcome to the site! :D
 

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