With the hubs unlocked, do the axles turn freely?

You'd better fix this before you wind up upside down in a ditch...

 

I recall problems with some Sterling axles having the ring gear bolts come loose and backing out. Pop that rear axle cover off again and inspect in there very carefully.

I doubt it's the transmission as they will just fail. Check the transfer case fluid as suggested previously.

Definitely do not drive that truck until you find and fix that problem!

 

Yeah, hubs unlocked they are free spinning without any odd noises coming from the pig. I haven't checked the rear for free spin as I do not have adequate tools Right now I'm out in Grand Rapids and all I got is the crappy OEM jack (that on another posting i would like someone to explain how it is supposed to lift my truck! fully extended it doesn't ever reach the axle housing!) and a hodge poge tool set that all the 'good tools' have mysteriously walked away from.

Anyone know any good shops in the Grand Rapids Area. Everything appears fine but my last drive scared the bejesus out of me, plus I can't afford to fix this problem, last thing I need to do is create another one.

I need to be in Flint Saturday morning, I resume classes on monday So this needs to get dealt with in a hurry.

 

When I check the transfer case fluid what am i looking for? I just changed it out not too long ago and refilled it with 2 quarts of synthetic ATF. No visible leaks, will the fluid color change if something is wrong in there?

I need to get some more gear lube before I drop the diff cover, what is supposed to go in there? Also never had a Ford rear end open before... especially with the limited slip. Is the ring gear bolts easily servicable?

 

Joining to see what the problem is.

 

If the transfer case is the root of the problem with all the banging and etc. the fluid should have metal particles in it. Drain into a clear clean bottle and let the fluid/particles settle a little.

Sterling 10.5" rear takes 75-140 gear lube, around 4 quarts give or take. Some oils have friction modifier for the LS diff and some don't. (Amsoil Severe Gear has the FM in it) You'll be able to see the ring gear bolts and should be able to get some sort of wrench on the bolts to check them. Of course you have to rotate the diff to get at all the bolts. May be too late if the bolts are lose.

 

Hey, 54L2F--

Haven't heard from you in >24 hrs, everything OK?

 

Have you removed all 4 wheels and carefully inspected brakes?

Rotors, calipers, pads, and metal shield behind wheel.

 

Thanks for checking up guys, well momma came and scooped her chickling this after noon... by which momma ford ( a nice F650 SD) came and picked the truck up and took it to a local stealership. Fox Ford in GR to be specific, if any one has dealt with them before I'd like to know what to expect.

On the topic of the brakes, EVERYTHING under the truck appeared to be in perfect working order. Things are a little rustier than the last trip under there, but nothing was out of the ordinary other than the loose piece on the center link. If anyone knows what it is I'd like to know, it has a metal loop clamp on it and looks like an L. Right now it sits right next to the driver side tie rod end and has a what looks like an orientation groove in the center link for it. about an inch or two from the DS tie rod end. Excuse me for what i call a center link, I don't know what it's actually called but that long *** bar that hooks left and right front wheels together for steering purposes.

The tow truck driver thinks I broke my ring gear in the rear end, and even though my warn hubs are in the free position they appear to be locked, because the front wheels were not spinning as the truck got pulled up on the flat bed.

On the last note, the dealership quoted me $30 a quart and almost for quarts of oil for the rear end. I'm no genious but that sound a little ludicrous, any idea how much it really costs before I have them drop the rear pan?

Thanks guys

 

15 bucks a quart.. Max Its just 75-140 synthetic....

 

I paid $17.50 a quart for Amsoil Severe gear 75w-140. Don't need to mess with modifier, has it in. Tell the dealer your not paying more than $20 a quart, thats more than fair.

 

I wonder if it would do any good to tell the business manager at the dealership you are a member of this large, influential and vocal body of Ford truck owners, and you will be reporting every step they take here for all their future customers to see?

 

If your ring gear is toast, the dealership bill will be huge compared to the gear oil unless you have an extended warranty. I would say over $1000 + easy for the tab .

 

I can add no value to this, I just want to hear what the verdict is.

 

Definitely no extended warranty, we have 141K and change and never had the money or felt the need. I hope it's the ring gear over my transfer case though. Any particular credentials I should gove the dealership? Such as a spotter crd or anything?

I'm already less than impressed with the dealership, it looks fancy but I was told on the phone at noon they would have it looked at by tonite, I never heard back from them. I don't want to call because I know how service guys get when you try and rush them... for some reason they get slower than molasses is January. I got too many buddies that work in the shop.

But thanks for the help and advice. I'm gonna be shocked if that 5.4 was actually too much for a 10.5" rear end to handle.