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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:23 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by itsnotanova
I second what Mark said. That's the easiest way to go. But, if that didn't work I would go find a junkyard axle. 3.73 gear ratios I believe is the most common ratio and finding one with a LSD isn't that hard either. That's one thing I love about Fords, they put a tag on their axles letting you know what's inside. I bet you could find one with low miles for under $500 with no problem.
I found a huge inventory of these for about $800.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 11:39 AM
  #17  
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For now get a bottle of this and dump it in the rear end and see what happens:




When I rebuilt the rear end in my 89 the clutch packs only cost me something like $240 from ford.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 11:47 AM
  #18  
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Rich, there have been 3 sets of axles on craigslist for the last couple of months. Located in Yakima, and one in Wenatchee actually if I remember correctly. I think prices varied between $750-1000 per SET.

However I agree with everyone. Change your diff fluid and add the right amount of modifier and see what happens. My guess if you havent changed it before, or had it changed, its more than likely you just need fresh oil.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 01:42 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Snowseeker
For now get a bottle of this and dump it in the rear end and see what happens:



I completely agree. When I got my current truck it had a noticeable chatter when cornering, specifically after any amount of highway speed. I already had an 08 diff cover waiting to go on... so I went ahead and flushed the (what I believe to be) stock 130k stuff out, and filled up with the required 75-140 (if my memory serves correctly) and LSD additive. I've been around the additive for many years, always needing it in mustangs after gear swaps, or broken axle replacements. I strongly recommend going to the dealer and buying the Ford labelled stuff. Other brands are sold at local parts stores, but I prefer the Motorcraft ***stink. (no scientific reasons here... I just know what I like)

Anyway, after changing the fluid, my chatter has NEVER returned.
FYI: You may want to open the filler FIRST, before pulling the cover, as there's a chance it's never been opened...

Good Luck Rich!


***(You've been warned)
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 03:01 PM
  #20  
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Same thing on my truck Rich. A few years back when I first started pulling our 5th wheel, every time I stopped for a signal light or stop sign and then made a right or left turn it chattered like the carrier bearings fell out and the pinion gear turned sideways in the case.
Changed the gear oil and added the modifier, hasen't chattered since.
Worth trying.

Tom
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 03:05 PM
  #21  
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Opps. Ring gear not pinion gear.

Tom
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:06 PM
  #22  
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It's Done. I'm tired. More after big project tomorrow... I have a surprise guest.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:36 PM
  #23  
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Ford says two bottles of modifier but start with one, if you need more add to it. I used amsoil and there modifier only because a friend used it and the temps really droped quick after pulling a long hill with his 38' 5er.

Chet
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 07:20 AM
  #24  
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It would be fun living next to Rich, just to see him playing with something on his truck every day.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Snowseeker
It would be fun living next to Rich, just to see him playing with something on his truck every day.
Wellll... ya gotta put ear muffs on the kids.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 08:09 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Bonanza35
Ford says two bottles of modifier but start with one, if you need more add to it. I used amsoil and there modifier only because a friend used it and the temps really droped quick after pulling a long hill with his 38' 5er.

Chet
I read somewhere that Ford says 4 ounces, but I have the second bottle on the bench... it's not expensive. Guzzle says you can overdo the modifier, so I'll see how this plays out with the one bottle. I tried to get Irish differential oil, but they didn't have the correct stuff. Ford got my money, and it was only $2 more per quart than the best that the Irish had... plus I'm confident it's the right stuff to have the prescribed amount of modifier added. Aftermarket stuff sometimes includes modifier, then it becomes an exercise of "Oops, too little. Oops too much.".
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 10:00 AM
  #27  
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I'm not sure what the big deal is here.

I have "re-clutched" quite a few of these Sterling rear differentials and the kit used to do it (at least on our three-pinion differentials) is only about $180. As long as the bearings aren't shot, it's an hour ordeal at the most and there aren't any special tools required.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 10:47 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by cleatus12r
I'm not sure what the big deal is here.

I have "re-clutched" quite a few of these Sterling rear differentials and the kit used to do it (at least on our three-pinion differentials) is only about $180. As long as the bearings aren't shot, it's an hour ordeal at the most and there aren't any special tools required.
I have no clue... I'm stoopid to the bone on differentials. I can say I did a little reading and learned how to recognize a three-pinion setup (insert party favor noise here).
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 11:15 PM
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Tugly Ford told me 2 bottles when I had trouble when the truck was new. I also called amsoil and they said the same thing. I forget how much is is a tube but my son put one in then later had to put in one more. Worked great for him. He tows very heavy and has know problems even off road.Its hard to add to much unless you get careless. Just start with one after oil change then see how it goes. Go two if you have to and stop there. Use only synthetic diff oil 70-140. Let us know.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 08:20 AM
  #30  
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Yeah, pretty much you put one in, try it, and if it still acts weird you put in another.
 
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