Well hopefully have found the root of my axle seals always leaking. Dealership says the front right axle tube and bearings have to be replaced (along with the seal again). This will be about $1200. I am going by in the morning to see exactly what they are talking about. I know that is where the vehicle was wrecked many years ago but does not help that it has been in about every 6 months to get the seal replaced again and this is the first time they looked further in to the problem to hopefully find the root. Plus one of the sway bar ends I replaced they say is bad, so will see if I can borrow an impact from one of them and head over to NAPA after I get it off. But, by the time I am done, in the past year I have put new brakes (all around and rotors in the front), new battery, new alternator, new tires, radiator, sway bar ends and pinion seal. Hopefully i wll be set for a few years after this. Only concern is the plugs since I am now at about 52k. Dealership said they don't deal with many 4x4 Expys, so may be why they have missed this a few times. Looking forward to save some $'s up to start doing some mods, but for now keeping normal health of the vehicle up keeps taking the paychecks. Oh well, still absolutely love this vehicle and can't wait to get it back after we negotiate these labor prices some. Thanks for the pointers I have received on here I have been able to do some of the other things on my own, Mike.

 

I would seriously consider a second opinion. The bearing and seal I could see, but the axle tube?? I don't know what's up with that! If the bearing seat is no good they can install a repair sleeve.

 

Yea-I stopped by ford this morning and he said they were not used to dealing with 4x4 expeditions and were not sure how much was going to have to come apart to fix it. They also have not given me a solid price yet. So am going to take it to the Lincoln dealership instead. I don't mind paying for the work but I can't keep throwing money at it while they try to figure it out. I am trying to stay with major dealerships because it will get a one year warranty. But I may end up going to an independent instead.

 

Small shops warranty their work too ya know!

 

realize this is old - but just wanted to give an update. My Expy is now clicking, clunking and popping free. Wife gave me the ultimatum that either it get fixed correctly or it had to go. (was tempting with the reviews of the 5.0 in the new supercrews - but I own this). So apparently I got to the right guy at the dealership on sunday afternoon. They replaced left strut, sway bar bushings and a gear in the steering. I am still trying to get used to being able to turn my steering wheel all of the way because I knew at what point it would pop before and always over compensated to save the embarrassment and noises (it scared people and they usually thought I hit a car). I am happy as can be with this thing again. Thanks, Mike