Hey guys first time poster. I recently bought my first X. Let me start and say that I absolutely love this truck. Most amazing all around SUV/Truck I've ever owned. I own a construction company and a small parts/custom shop plus have 2 kids with me half of the week, its a mans mini van .

That being said it has some issues. When I first got it from the auction I did all the fluids immediately, noticed that the rear diff was dry. I have a mystery whirring noise coming from what sounds like the rear (its hard to tell in these things....) when I go over 65. I thought at first it was a U joint going bad, which may be the case but I also have a significant leak coming from around the yoke of my rear axle. So needless to say a rear end rebuild is immanent. Turning wrenches is my life but i've never really dove into a 3/4 rear axle as in depth as I want to do now.

When I changes the fluids when I first got it the diff itself looked ok (as far as I can tell) so my question is can I get away with just changing the ring and pinion (with all bearings and seals) and this will fix the problem? What causes the actual diff to go bad and how can you tell?

2nd question. Is there a specific type of U joints that should be used or are better than other ones on these things?


Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

I like either SKF or Spicer u-joints.

 

Well i've already decided that im going to buy the tools and learn how because I'm tired of this gaping hole in the knowledge of turning wrenches. Are there any more you can think of that would be useful? Know of any good youtube videos?

 

Awesome thank you! I'm new to the forum and had no idea that existed. I need to know this magic, no way around it.

 

Thanks! Are there pros and cons of each?

 

 

There aren't that many videos on a Ford 10.5 but there are plenty of videos on the Ford 8.8 which is set up the same way as a Ford 10.5, only difference being the 10.5 doesn't use c-clips, and is bigger obviously. Eric the car guy has good video series on setting up an 8.8. It really isn't that difficult, but it can be time consuming.

 

Hope it is ok to post a link to another forum. Camo, I know you would agree this is a good knowledge base to start with. This is not a Sterling 10.5 but you will learn a lot.
https://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup

in my rockcrawling days I felt the same way as the OP, "I can do this!!" And I did. My first setup was 5.38s in an Isuzu 12 bolt rear, followed by a D44 front with arb air lockers. Graduated to a dana 60 then a GM 14 bolt. All of these were mine except the GM. All of these were operated in the worst conditions possible, high speed/locked up stuck in rocks... you name it, without an issue. The dana 44 front and Isuzu rear got the most abuse and miles before I sold them and were used by a buddy for many more miles of abuse with no issues.

Take your time, plan twice as long as you think you need and be patient.....very patient, and don't accept, "good enough."