Rear differential loose
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Rear differential loose
89 F150 XLT Lariat 4x4
The rear differential has a good bit of slop in it. If I let off the gas and then get back into it, I can feel the slack being taken up and can hear it "clunk".
The truck is a bit of a beater, but still a damn good truck. I was wondering if anyone else has had this situation and if anyone knew of a way to take up the slack. I figured I could always adjust the pinion gear see if that might help.
I am going to open it up at some point and visually inspect it to see if there is any bad damage (hope not), but until then, like I said, I wanted to know if anyone else has had similar and ask for any suggestions.
Thanks in advance!
The rear differential has a good bit of slop in it. If I let off the gas and then get back into it, I can feel the slack being taken up and can hear it "clunk".
The truck is a bit of a beater, but still a damn good truck. I was wondering if anyone else has had this situation and if anyone knew of a way to take up the slack. I figured I could always adjust the pinion gear see if that might help.
I am going to open it up at some point and visually inspect it to see if there is any bad damage (hope not), but until then, like I said, I wanted to know if anyone else has had similar and ask for any suggestions.
Thanks in advance!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
My 89 is the same way...in my case the two bearings on the pinion gear are gone, allowing the pinion gear to move.
Chances are, you're bearings are gone and need to be replaced. Rear ends are often overlooked, but they need maintance too. Typically around the 100k mile mark, the bearings start to break down and loosen up causing slop. Also, the side/spyder gears are probably worn adding to the slack. On a new rear end, that pinion gear shouldn't turn more than 1/8" before the axle shaft turns. I bet you could turn my F-250's about 2-3" haha.
Chances are, you're bearings are gone and need to be replaced. Rear ends are often overlooked, but they need maintance too. Typically around the 100k mile mark, the bearings start to break down and loosen up causing slop. Also, the side/spyder gears are probably worn adding to the slack. On a new rear end, that pinion gear shouldn't turn more than 1/8" before the axle shaft turns. I bet you could turn my F-250's about 2-3" haha.
