Notices
2015 - 2020 F150 Discuss the 2015 - 2020 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Front axle interchangeability/front diff burned up

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 6, 2024 | 10:56 AM
  #1  
bleeds blue's Avatar
bleeds blue
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
Front axle interchangeability/front diff burned up

Good morning all. What years of these F150's have the same front axles? I've searched the old interweb high and low. I cant come up with anything concrete.
My son has a 2018 F150. I'm pretty sure the front diff just smoked itself. I haven't torn into it too far yet so this isn't confirmed. I'm just playing the what if game and looking at used 8.8 IFS axles on ebay.

All but 1 cv boot split and slung grease everywhere. Started smoking while he was driving down the smooth paved highway, not in 4wd. I had to trailer him home. Pulled the front skid plate. The plastic oil "diverter" tray directly above the diff was completely melted and dripping onto the ground. The front diff cover is discolored now too. I'm assuming it was from heat. I pulled the fill plug and stuck my finger in the oil. It has oil, but I was rewarded with a LOT of fine metal shavings as well. The truck has 148k on it. Eventually I will pull it apart further and do a more thorough investigation. He leaves to boot camp this week so I'm not in a rush. What years of F150 8.8 IFS axle housings will work? Getting the correct gear ratio aside that is.

Thanks all-
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2024 | 11:31 AM
  #2  
JKBrad's Avatar
JKBrad
Moderator
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Club FTE Gold Member
I know the suspension up front is the same from 2014 and up. I'm not sure about the axle itself, but 2015 -2024 for sure. Could be the same axle back to 2004, but that would require further investigation.

Here's an guide written about 5 years ago. It states that the 8.8 front axle is the same from '97 up. But again, I would want more solid confirmation. If you're buying a used one, get the newest, lowest mileage one you can find.

https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-...uck-suv-axles/

So what happened to the axle? Was one of the IWEs stuck locked? Is it lifted with extreme CV angles?
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2024 | 12:02 PM
  #3  
bleeds blue's Avatar
bleeds blue
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
I haven't taken anything apart yet. Just took the skid plate off and inspected everything. It's still sitting on the trailer. I'll check the IWE's when I dig into it. He said it wasn't making any strange noises though.
It has a 2" leveling kit on it. Before I got my eyes on it, I thought maybe the cv axles were just old and tired. But both sides splitting at the exact same time would be quite the coincidence. And they surely wouldn't have made the diff so hot it melted all the plastic around it.
I'll check that link out. Thank you.
 
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2024 | 07:23 AM
  #4  
bleeds blue's Avatar
bleeds blue
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 583
Likes: 46
From: Utah
I ended up buying a front diff from a 2020 Navigator off Ebay. Everything I can find indicates it will work. Same axle code numbers on the tag and everything. If I find any super carnage when I pull the diff apart I'll post them.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
atillett
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Dec 29, 2007 11:36 PM
Pele
1997 - 2003 F150
11
Dec 17, 2006 10:05 PM
guessrow
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Apr 1, 2005 08:37 PM
Malone Loner
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Oct 24, 2003 01:47 PM
FORDWRENCHHEAD
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
3
Jan 17, 2003 12:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:56 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