Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ruined my rear diff

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 02:24 PM
  #16  
pirate4x4_camo's Avatar
pirate4x4_camo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by ShelbyHauler
I installed an "Add-a-leaf" to the factory springs, lifted the rear end 2". When I put the trailer on with WD. it drops the rear about 3-4



.

I am guessing the driveshaft vibration stater right after the rear add a leaf. By changing the vehicles ride height you changed the drive shafts operating angle. If you do not measure and then shim the rear axle to spec you will get a drive line vibration, which as you are experiencing eventually ruins the t rear end and transmission.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 02:30 PM
  #17  
pirate4x4_camo's Avatar
pirate4x4_camo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by ShelbyHauler
All the sources I am looking at state the rear axle has to be from a EX, SD F250 from 02 to 05?
  • 2002-2005 Ford Excursion - (10.50 RG), 4.30 ratio
  • 2002-2004 Ford Pickup f250sd (Super Duty) - 4.30 ratio
  • 2002 Ford Pickup f350sd (Super Duty) - 10.50 ring gear, SRW, 4.30 ratio (SRW), (tag V421 series)
  • 2003-2004 Ford Pickup f350sd (Super Duty) - 10.50 ring gear, SRW, 4.30 ratio (SRW), tag V421 series
there are more that which will work but to keep it simple, yes. any SRW F250-F350 from 99-2004 and 2000-2005 Excursion will work.
the difference between say a S410B and S412B model sterling axle in the Excursion is the configuration, In this case likely a limited slip versus open, Sterling gives each configuration a different model number. stick to the years I stated and it will work.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 02:46 PM
  #18  
trk pny's Avatar
trk pny
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
Not sure if this info helps but I have been researching some on my 01 / 6.8L / 2wd, for a rearend upgrade. From what I can find, Ford used the same "Sterling" rearend housing for the Excursions.
Some variances Ive seen are: gear ratios and the ring/pinion size. The 430 gear was on many of the early models but then when Ford had some customer whining on the gas mileage, they went to more 373 ratios.?
Ive also found that the ring/pinion on the gas models were the 10.25 and the diesels got the 10.5 (better able to handle the torque). Most people still just call the "Sterling" rearend a "10.5" but the size / bearings in them can be different.
A tech at Yukon gears told me the "diff id tag" will read 10.25 or 10.5 right before listing the gear ratio. per this, I know my 01 has the 10.25 with a non-posi 373 ratio. You can of course change out the gears and bearings as long as they all match (10.25 or 10.5)
As for the driveshaft being different , I have not found anything on this.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 02:50 PM
  #19  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo
I am guessing the driveshaft vibration stater right after the rear add a leaf. By changing the vehicles ride height you changed the drive shafts operating angle. If you do not measure and then shim the rear axle to spec you will get a drive line vibration, which as you are experiencing eventually ruins the t rear end and transmission.
Add a leaf was added a year ago, no vibration until I recently changed the u-Joints. I have made 3 trips to Tn from Miami and had no vibration. I believe I have bent a U-Joint ear.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 03:05 PM
  #20  
pirate4x4_camo's Avatar
pirate4x4_camo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by ShelbyHauler
Add a leaf was added a year ago, no vibration until I recently changed the u-Joints. I have made 3 trips to Tn from Miami and had no vibration. I believe I have bent a U-Joint ear.
could be, a driveline shop will be able to replace that and balance it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 04:35 PM
  #21  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by trk pny
Not sure if this info helps but I have been researching some on my 01 / 6.8L / 2wd, for a rearend upgrade. From what I can find, Ford used the same "Sterling" rearend housing for the Excursions.
Some variances Ive seen are: gear ratios and the ring/pinion size. The 430 gear was on many of the early models but then when Ford had some customer whining on the gas mileage, they went to more 373 ratios.?
Ive also found that the ring/pinion on the gas models were the 10.25 and the diesels got the 10.5 (better able to handle the torque). Most people still just call the "Sterling" rearend a "10.5" but the size / bearings in them can be different.
A tech at Yukon gears told me the "diff id tag" will read 10.25 or 10.5 right before listing the gear ratio. per this, I know my 01 has the 10.25 with a non-posi 373 ratio. You can of course change out the gears and bearings as long as they all match (10.25 or 10.5)
As for the driveshaft being different , I have not found anything on this.
Thank you for the info. Everything I am reading tells me the V10/6.8L has the 10.5" in both the 3.73 and 4.30. Mine has the 3.73 posi. I will have to crawl under and look for the tag to see what it has on it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 04:40 PM
  #22  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by ford390gashog
Your best bet is right here car-part.com remember that axle is super easy to get and superduty axles up to 2016 will also swap.
Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo
there are more that which will work but to keep it simple, yes. any SRW F250-F350 from 99-2004 and 2000-2005 Excursion will work.
the difference between say a S410B and S412B model sterling axle in the Excursion is the configuration, In this case likely a limited slip versus open, Sterling gives each configuration a different model number. stick to the years I stated and it will work.
Sometimes, the given information can get a little confusing. :-)

But thank you all for your input.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 05:58 PM
  #23  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by trk pny
Not sure if this info helps but I have been researching some on my 01 / 6.8L / 2wd, for a rearend upgrade. From what I can find, Ford used the same "Sterling" rearend housing for the Excursions.
Some variances Ive seen are: gear ratios and the ring/pinion size. The 430 gear was on many of the early models but then when Ford had some customer whining on the gas mileage, they went to more 373 ratios.?
Ive also found that the ring/pinion on the gas models were the 10.25 and the diesels got the 10.5 (better able to handle the torque). Most people still just call the "Sterling" rearend a "10.5" but the size / bearings in them can be different.
A tech at Yukon gears told me the "diff id tag" will read 10.25 or 10.5 right before listing the gear ratio. per this, I know my 01 has the 10.25 with a non-posi 373 ratio. You can of course change out the gears and bearings as long as they all match (10.25 or 10.5)
As for the driveshaft being different , I have not found anything on this.

2 tags, and yes, one of them has the "10 5" on it.


 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 07:30 PM
  #24  
Zack2001's Avatar
Zack2001
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: South Pittsburg
Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo
3.73 and 4.30 they take the same driveshaft. the only different drive shaft I am aware of is there are a few people who report having a double carden rear shaft but I have never actually seen one in person on a Ex or looked into which ex would have them. if your has a single joint on each end that is what the majority of Excursions have.

EDIT, this applies to the 4x4 models, I do not have first hand knowledge of the RWD shaft length. ( But I can look into if you like )
either way, I would take your shaft to a local driveline shop and have it balanced for your piece of mind however I am certain the vibration is a result of your increased ride height.

So this is unusual to have?
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 08:03 PM
  #25  
pirate4x4_camo's Avatar
pirate4x4_camo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by Zack2001
So this is unusual to have?
not if you have a 2000-2002 V10 or a 2005 6.0
all my Ex's have been 7.3s
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 08:18 PM
  #26  
pirate4x4_camo's Avatar
pirate4x4_camo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
[QUOTE=ShelbyHauler;19016442]2 tags, and yes, one of them has the "10 5" on it.
]


all Excursions use the 10.5
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 08:29 PM
  #27  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by trk pny
...
Ive also found that the ring/pinion on the gas models were the 10.25 and the diesels got the 10.5 (better able to handle the torque). Most people still just call the "Sterling" rearend a "10.5" but the size / bearings in them can be different.
A tech at Yukon gears told me the "diff id tag" will read 10.25 or 10.5 right before listing the gear ratio. per this, I know my 01 has the 10.25 with a non-posi 373 ratio. ...
Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo
Originally Posted by ShelbyHauler
2 tags, and yes, one of them has the "10 5" on it.

all Excursions use the 10.5
I thought so, but trk pny has stated differently, as noted above. ↑

Edit: but I see, his is an 01, and everything I have seen states I need an 02-05, so his may be different, but his statement about the gassers being 10.25 might be pre 02?
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 08:45 PM
  #28  
ShelbyHauler's Avatar
ShelbyHauler
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 644
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by Zack2001

So this is unusual to have?
I found these on RockAuto, and they say they are the front shafts for a 4WD Ex. Is this on the front or the rear?
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 09:01 PM
  #29  
Zack2001's Avatar
Zack2001
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: South Pittsburg
Originally Posted by ShelbyHauler
I found these on RockAuto, and they say they are the front shafts for a 4WD Ex. Is this on the front or the rear?
this is the rear.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2019 | 09:45 PM
  #30  
Nicmike's Avatar
Nicmike
Veteran/Sheepdog
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Club FTE Silver Member

In 05, the SD trucks went to a 6" wider rear axle. Make sure you stay at 99-04 on the pickup truck axles if that ends up being your source. Those 05+ axles would create back spacing problems for your rims, and the brakes would be too big to fit anything smaller than a 17" rim.

00-05 Excursions are all the same as noted above...Sterling 10.5. I don't believe any 10.25 rear ends were put into any Excursions by Ford..maybe an owner installed one somewhere. You have to go back to pre-99 super duty trucks to get a 10.25
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:40 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE