I have a 2004 FX4 SCREW with 35,000 miles and I have the dreaded whine in the rear end at 50-55MPH. Has anyone used an oil that reduces the whine, or is a ring and pinion replacement the only option. I thought of trying the $16 a quart mobil 1 80W140 for the rear. I don't have the money for the major repairs. Thanks in advance. Matt

 

There is already synthetic in it and changing it won't help. Many whining rears go hundreds of thousands of miles while whining (but some don't). I wouldn't do anything until it gets much worse. Turn the radio up.

 

I had a whine in my rear end as well, diagnosed as bad ring and pinion in the 'o4 model. I hope you have an extended warranty as mine cost $1925.00!!! Good luck...

 

Ring and pinion is the only fix. Ford did have a problem with them call and complain with the mileage on the truck they may help you.

 

A friend bought a used assembly (3:73 with LS) for $750 and swap-out is not difficult.

 

Lol, hey, i'll tell you that it is not just a Ford thing. GM has issues also. I know on their TSB it says that most have "inherint" noises, and basically if the customer raises a fuss, there is an updated driveshaft with noise dampners on it to reduce it. I hope Ford will bend on it and help you out.

 

Thanks for the heads up guys, I complained at the service desk today and the dealership is reimbersing my $1925.00!!!! I guess that gives me some cash for a few mods!!!

 

WOW! That must have been some pretty good complaining! It usually takes alot for a dealership to shell out $2,000.00. Any raised voices or anything?

 

Not at all, I just pleaded my case with the sales manager, service manager, general manager and finally the owner. As a matter of fact I had check in hand before I left plus a free oil change and fill up...I also spent $20.00 on lottery tickets!!!

 

Do you think Ford will help me even if I am the second owner?

 

I had a whine in my 04 from almost new. Dealer drained out the synthetic rear oil and put in the non-syn oil plus the needed anti-slip additive. Anyhow that ended the whine and now have 70,000 on the truck , still no whine and no problems. I,m satisfied...

 

Had the whine inmy 04 from almost new. Dealer drained out the syn oil and replaced it with non-syn plus the need anti-slip additive.. That was the end of my whine, now have 70,000 on truck, still no whine and no problems. I'm satisfied.. Dealer said this cures about 80% of the whine problems???

 

slparry: Do you know what brand and viscosity oil the dealer put in? Ford has had some noise problems with other axles too (the one that comes to mind is the Eaton S-110 in the Super Duty) that reputedly can be cured by doing the same thing. I'm wondering if this isn't a lubricant issue as opposed to an axle issue. I'm interested in the oil side of things. My own truck (10.25 axle) is fine, though I did swap out the OE oil for new oil at 10K... just as a maintenance thing.

 

I was a second owner as well. It shouldnt matter, if there is a problem it needs to be addressed fairly by the dealership and Ford!!!

 

Jim Allen, don't know what brand or weight, but i assumed it was the old regular 80-90 gear oil??? In my case I guess you would have to say it was a lubricant issue..