1997 Ford F-150 rear differential?

MOSH4JESUS

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
224,000 MILES

It started happening about a month ago. When I put my truck into drive or reverse there is a huge slamming noise. When I was diagnosing my truck I realized that the noise is coming from the rear axle. I went to Napa and they told me it was probably the rear differential but also told me it could be a accelaration problem. I was wondering if there could be other causes. Something cheaper to try first? I heard about lubrication on the differential, could I need to do that? I have no idea how to change the differential either, is it hard?

Thankyou for all your help

7 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Have you checked the U-Joints? Is any fluid leaking from the differential?

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Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 AT 2:57 PM

MOSH4JESUS

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I don't know much about the u joints. I do know that there is no fluid leaking from the differential. Its is weird because it only slams into gear, but once in gear runs just fine. No wheezing or squeling when accelerating.

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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 AT 1:50 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

How is your engine idle? OK or a tad high? Loose or worn u-joint will also slam. But will usually squeak a bit under way!

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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 AT 3:26 PM

RD2020

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4 POSTS

I just had a u joint that was going out. It was fine when moving, but clunked hard when putting in gear. It was just 1 side of the joint. Try wiggling the u joints around and twisting the shafts, to see if there is any play where the u joints go together.

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Saturday, May 21st, 2011 AT 2:05 AM

MERLIN2021