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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 06:04 PM
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Unhappy How bad is this ?

Hi Ford Truck enthusiasts,

I purchased a 2017 F350 6.2L with 190,000km for 16,000$ last night and did not get it inspected to my own detriment.

What would be involved in fixing the front differential myself ?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 06:58 PM
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Welcome to FTE.

Find an entire unit at the junk yard and swap it in.

With the pinion flopping around like that I would bet the case is broken or badly damaged. No repair--you must replace.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:15 PM
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Thank you for your reply.

Just to clarify, you recommend replacing the entire front axle ?

I am going to take the diff cover off on the weekend and have a look.

Sorry for all the questions I am a bit frantic , it is a horrible feeling buying a broken truck.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:18 PM
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I'm pretty sure you are headed for an entire new axle. I don't see how some part of that casting can't be broken with parts flopping around like that.

Others will chime in.

Who did you buy it from?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:21 PM
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Okay that is tough to hear.

I checked the pick and pull near me and they hardly have any f250's or f350's.

Looking at ebay now

I bought it from a guy on Facebook who said it was the wheel bearings making that noise and I believed him like a fool !

My brother is a helicopter mechanic so he might be able to help me through a re-build if that is even possible.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by BoltSnappedAgain
Hi Ford Truck enthusiasts,

I purchased a 2017 F350 6.2L with 190,000km for 16,000$ last night and did not get it inspected to my own detriment.

What would be involved in fixing the front differential myself ?
coparts or something. swap it out.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:28 PM
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Yeah throw a used one in it and move on. Just make sure the gear ratio matches.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:30 PM
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That housing might hold the bearing race, but it will not hold the seal. The cost to repair would be more than replacing with a used one and replacing the bearings and seals in it. Just be sure you get a 2015-2022 replacement to make future repairs and parts buying easier.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:32 PM
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Thanks for the support folks, really appreciate it.

What are some options for sourcing a used one ?

- Online ?
- Scrap yards
- Pick and Pull

What should I watch out for when buying a used one ?
 

Last edited by BoltSnappedAgain; Jan 20, 2026 at 07:41 PM. Reason: added question
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by BoltSnappedAgain
Hi Ford Truck enthusiasts,

I purchased a 2017 F350 6.2L with 190,000km for 16,000$ last night and did not get it inspected to my own detriment.

What would be involved in fixing the front differential myself ?
Assuming you are in Canada? If so, there might be an implied warranty that the car is reasonably durable and matches its description. If you didn't wave that, I'd go back at the seller for some financial relief. Maybe you have an attorney friend give him a call? If you didn't waive any such rights, you could make a case.

If you are in the US, I'd small claims court the seller. Even if you waived your rights via contact, I'd suspect you have sufficient prima facie that the seller lied to your which might move the seller towards settling.

I'm not an attorney. Talk to one. The dbag that sold it to you lied and very likely knew it was a ticking time bomb. Good luck. Sorry this happened to you.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by BoltSnappedAgain
Thanks for the support folks, really appreciate it.

What are some options for sourcing a used one ?

- Online ?
- Scrap yards
- Pick and Pull

What should I watch out for when buying a used one ?
do a search on google. I searched 2017 Ford f350 used front axle for sale. Many options like this popped up.

https://veldmansautoparts.com/parts/..._(4WD)/895184/
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:52 PM
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I am in Canada, the truck was sold as is so I am not sure if there is anything I can do about it. I will talk to my parents lawyer and see what they say.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by davidpacificnw
do a search on google. I searched 2017 Ford f350 used front axle for sale. Many options like this popped up.

https://veldmansautoparts.com/parts/..._(4WD)/895184/
Right on thank you, that will set me on the right track.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by BoltSnappedAgain
I am in Canada, the truck was sold as is so I am not sure if there is anything I can do about it. I will talk to my parents lawyer and see what they say.
Even if it was sold "as is", there is still a potential misrepresentation claim. First blush, I would run the circumstances through Chat GPT. where you bought it, what was told to you by seller, what the contract says. honestly, if seller told you it was a wheel bearing and knew, or should have known it wasn't, you might have some recourse.

There is a very high likelihood that seller know the front axle was going to grenade. If they didn't disclose that, it might be worth dragging them off to small claims court of having a lawyer shake their tree and see what falls out.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2026 | 09:03 PM
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Try Facebook Marketplace and even Craigslist, lots of scammers but if you've got the time and patience deals are out there.
As for what to look for pull the diff cover give it a whiff and look for doom glitter! If they won't let you pull the cover walk away fast

Also if the gear ratio is correct a 250 front axle should work, and if you have a DRW, the necessary parts should transfer to a SRW axle.

Obviously due diligence on your part to confirm what you're buying will work as you expect it to, otherwise I recommend taking it to a competent and trustworthy mechanic and let them do it for you.

Sidenote a proper wrecking yard/auto recycler will be able to cross-references most parts ask they may charge a small fee but the info may be well worth the cost.
 

Last edited by kayakingpoodle; Jan 20, 2026 at 09:15 PM.
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