Hole in Front Differential
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Hole in Front Differential
I just bought a used 1997 Ford Ranger, where the previous owner lifted it. I was replacing one off the U-joints when I noticed a hole in the front differential. It looks like it was caused from hitting one of the plates when the wheels flexes. I have no idea what to do about this. Any suggestions? Oh and I attached pictures of what the hole and plates look like. Thanks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
I think I agree with grandmas77f150 on replacement. There's no telling how long that hole has been collecting dirt, or how many chunks of metal are in the diff, and how much it's been driven in that condition. I'd be surprised if the gears and bearings aren't trashed. When you replace the diff you also need to install a suspension travel limiter so that it doesn't happen again.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2012
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Yeah, I figured I was going to have to replace that, but I was wondering what I should do to stop it from happening again. If I put bumpstops in there so it wont hit anymore, it looks like it will severely limit the travel, considering there is only a couple inches between the diff and the plate that ripped a hole in it. Any other ideas?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,376
Likes: 605
From: evansville in
Or form a large thick metal patch.maybe 3/16 or 1/4. Clean diff and make sure it will live first.then use some body panel bonder to glue it on .it would get you by for a while and the steel would not fracture like cast alluminum.
Replacement is the right way dont get me wrong.a plate on a new one along with limiter is good insurance also...
Replacement is the right way dont get me wrong.a plate on a new one along with limiter is good insurance also...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
A bump stop won't limit your travel as much as you think (at the wheel) since the link travels in an arc. Besides, you really don't have any choice...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Saratoga, NY
JB Weld! used it to patch my rusty leaky oil pan, has held for 4 months so far haven't leaked a drop. Beats pulling the motor, and cost some time, a grinding disk, brake clean and about $5
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Jackson, MO
I hope you're kidding.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
JB Weld would probably fix the hole but not the internal damage that's probably been done. Something I hadn't thought of before is that the impact that created the hole may have cracked the diff case, too (visible or not).
Putting that hole there must have been like swinging a sledge hammer on the case.
Putting that hole there must have been like swinging a sledge hammer on the case.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
You still have to remove the third member(the damaged piece that has
to be replaced) anyway to get all the rubbish out, let alone look for
any other damage.
Although replacing damaged pieces is best, I did repair a cracked oil
pan on a Contour with JB Weld. You would not think that it would
work, but it did hold up.
Reptar, you could patch it, but donʻt engage the front axle.
to be replaced) anyway to get all the rubbish out, let alone look for
any other damage.
Although replacing damaged pieces is best, I did repair a cracked oil
pan on a Contour with JB Weld. You would not think that it would
work, but it did hold up.
Reptar, you could patch it, but donʻt engage the front axle.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Jackson, MO
Most junkyards would have an axle
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Saratoga, NY
Nope. I bought the truck for $500, the engine had been neglected, it knocks when cold, but runs strong. To change the pan it would be easiest (so I have read) to pull the motor. If I pull the motor it's getting a rebuild and i'm not in love with the truck enough to do that....at least not yet. I was tired of oil spots in my driveway, and that was a cheap and easy fix. Guys all over you tube have done this so it was worth a try, so far so good!