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Rear axle shutter problem

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Old Jun 22, 2008 | 12:04 PM
  #1  
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Rear axle shutter problem

Hey,

I have been having some problems with the rear axle on my 2001 F-150 SuperCrew. When I take off from a stop, especially while turning a corner, the rear axle shutters. My dealer tells me that this is a common problem and Ford is not doing a recall due to it not being a safety issue. He claims it is something to do with the limited clutch in the axle. He also tells me that they maker a repair kit to rebuild the axle. Does anybody have any knowledge of this problem and/or the correction?

As always, any help is appreciated.

-John
 
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Old Jun 22, 2008 | 06:33 PM
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Change the fluid and add friction modifier. It's quite common.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2008 | 07:20 PM
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I second that!!
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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I neglected to mention this in my original post, but I have already performed that task. Should I try to do this again?? Any other options? Or knowledge of this problem?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 11:36 AM
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Did you add the friction modifier too?

The chatter comes from the clutches in your limited slip differential. When you are turning, the outside wheel of the rear end is going much faster than the inside wheel. The clutches
allow for that to happen. The friction modifier's job is to allow the clutches to slip more easily. If you added the modifier and you and you are still getting the chatter, then you can try another bottle of the modifier. If that doesn't help, then you may be due for a rebuild of the rear differential. Good luck!
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 11:46 AM
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Actually, I used the Royal Purple, with stated the the modifier was already in the lube. Would it hurt to drain it, and put more Purple in WITH additive??

It sounds like a lot easier job than rebuilding the pig.

-John
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 12:58 PM
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The chatter is normal for a LS rearend. It means it's working. Put another bottle of Friction Mod. in there if you are concerned. I filled up with Mobil-1 80W-90 and one bottle of Friction Modifier from Ford and have just a little bit of chatter. Fine with me
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 01:45 PM
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My '98 FORD specs state "SAE 75W140 High Performance Synthetic" for the rear. Mobil happens to sell just such an oil:

Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-140

Mobil claims that in most cases adding special friction modifiers to this oil is not needed.

If you just changed it, why not just try adding the recommended friction modifier? Its less of a chore & won't "hurt" your wallet as much.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 03:44 PM
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I'll third this post!!! FOllow my posts from before....I had the chatter as well, and I ended up having to put more than the 4oz in there. Now its quiet as a church mouse.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Club Wagon
My '98 FORD specs state "SAE 75W140 High Performance Synthetic" for the rear. Mobil happens to sell just such an oil:
Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-140
Mobil claims that in most cases adding special friction modifiers to this oil is not needed.
If you just changed it, why not just try adding the recommended friction modifier? Its less of a chore & won't "hurt" your wallet as much.
They do make the correct weight oil, but it is 2 times more expensive than any other weight for some reason...?
I beleive Redline makes 75-140 full syn. for about $7-$8 a quart.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2008 | 04:38 PM
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90weight has been used for years in these rear ends with no issues.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2008 | 06:50 PM
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OK, new developements. Today, I noticed the truck shuttering as I drove up and down highway hills. I took the truck out of OD and it stopped shuttering. Although, I do think I have the typical rear-end shutter, as I feel it around corners, I think the biggest problem now lies somewhere else. I hope it is not a trans problem!!! I was reading some other posts and one was suggesting U-joints. I don't understand why I would only feel it in OD, but I am open for any suggestions.

Thanks,

-John
 
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Old Jul 12, 2008 | 07:34 PM
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you can have converter shudder also. have you changed the transmission fluid lately?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 05:36 PM
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Yes, the trans fluid was changed about 30,000 ago. I also had the dealer "flush" the system and put in a new filter. The truck has 118,000 on it. I was reading some other posts and others suggested adding shudder guard or lock guard, some type of additive. Some say it works well, others say it worked for a while, then the problem returns. I don't know if I want to add something into my trans until I gather some more knowledge. Anybody have experience with this additive??

-John
 
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