Rear differential began to leak at 65,000 miles of standard use, nothing hard excessive. The cover and all fluids were replaced and it appeared to fix the problem. Around 85,000 miles it began to make a whining noise in the rear wheel area. The noise became louder and again replaced cover seals and fluid. Around 90,000 miles the noise was much louder and sounded like metal on metal grinding. Sure enough the entire rear end went at 112,000 miles. Looks like this is a widespread problem that Ford just doesn't care about. - literally paid it off and the rear end went 2 days later. Mechanic who is a friend of mine can repair for $1300, however the strut towers are done, and the frame is rusted through on the drivers side all the way from front door to bed of truck. Not issues I would expect from a well taken care of vehicle with no hard use.

MY LAST FORD EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have driven this truck like a little old lady only to have the rear end turn to crap for me.64000 miles and I have to replace the rear differential.In the neighborhood of $2800 bucks for new parts. I am 54 years old and can remember running the crap out of our farm trucks. Change the oil add gas and drive like you stole it No Worries. Looks like Ford will never sell me another vehicle.Maybe Ford should have taken some of the Government money an hired some people that can build a Tough Truck.. Well I guess as soon as you get your truck paid for unload it before it eats you alive in repair bills. Lesson learned .Looks like GM gets the next sale. Happy wrenchin 150 owners.

Premature bearing failure is not surprising! Substandard bearings used and tolerances are definitely too tight and has caused the failure! I never thought I would say, that Japanese bearings would have been a better part! Ford has laughed about this and has told me about all of the premature failures. I find it offensive, that Ford keeps all of these parts in stock, due to the outrageous amount of customers that are entering the service department with the same issues, and that have been denied any type of warranty. Also the bad window regulator that I replace and they managed to have 26 of the driver window regulators in stock.(Parts guy did not even look up the part number, and went right to the shelf and grabbed it). How about the right front axle boot that has broke!(4x4) This truck spends most of it's life in my garage in Southern California and has never left the pavement! 100,000 mile warranty on fuel injectors that have failed and Ford has no answer for preventing premature failure. Vaccuum line recall to prevent booster failure! (This is a problem that has existed since 1997). COME ON FORD! FIX YOUR PROBLEMS! Ford Motor Company looks for loyalty, but shows non towards thier customers!!!!!!!!!

Randy Branch

I just wanted to add my vehicle to the list of complaints about the differential. Mine makes noise and has made noise for quite some time. I thought it might be the tires or rotors. I found out today that it was coming directly from the rear differential. I took it to the Ford dealer I bought the vehicle from, and the only answer I got was to bring it in for a half day so they could find out what the problem might be. It would cost me 90.00 to hook it up to a machine so they can tell me what it is. Based on the complaints I have heard, I am pretty sure this is the same thing. The noise sounds like metal running on metal. It gets louder the faster I go, and let off the gas. I believe this should be something Ford should pay to fix. If I have to pay for it, I'm definitely not using Ford.

Very dismayed. As soon as my warranty expired problems have started popping up. The latest is this whopper, "rear differential failure". Started hearing a large and growing whining noise eminating from the rear axle. Dealer wants $1,600 to overhaul the whole unit. At a quandry as to what to do. Part of me wants to find a reputable mechanic besides Ford to give my money too. I think this is terrible that it is not covered under warranty. If I had the resources I would sue them just because of their attitude about the whole matter.

Very disappointed with this issue! Only 51K miles on my vehicle, out of warranty and stuck with this kind of repair bill!

This is a known problem with Ford Motor Company, as they have even issues a TSB on the problem (# 05-23-3, issued November 28, 2005) entitled "Drivetrain - Rear Differential Whine/Hum Noise". Ford has even put together a kit of parts needed to fix this problem (P/N's 5L3Z-4209-A through F). If anyone else on this website has had to repair their Ford truck for similar reasons, I would like to hear from you. Please contact me using the comment link below with details.