Front Differential Failures Gen 14

[UncleFester]

What next,

Sponsored

 

[v8440]

I'm amazed that they don't have all that stuff stationary in 2wd just for fuel economy reasons...

 

[SALEEN961]

I'm not sure why FordTechMakuloco is saying that our front differentials aren't meant to "run all the time". There's nothing unique about our front differentials or axles that would prohibit full time use and plenty of vehicles have similar designs that work without any issues.

I would argue that the failures are due to poor parts quality and poor assembly. If you buy a few brand new front differential housings, you will be shocked by just how bad the machining is and how many parts are missing/damaged on some of them. I've seen enough variance in the front pinion gear shaft diameters that some will let the outer bearing slide on with no effort at all, and others are a very tight press fit because the pinions are 0.002-0.003" oversized. I'm also getting a lot of painted parts that are showing up without paint, there is no quality control at Ford right now.

 

[ThumperF150]

The drive shaft, differential gears and front axle shafts do NOT spin when my 2024 4x4 is in 2H.

 

[RcFlyer330]

The drive shaft, differential gears and front axle shafts do NOT spin when my 2024 4x4 is in 2H.

Okay, how did you test it?

 

[ThumperF150]

Well, ?. Not by choice actually.

Had 4.11 gears and Torsen LSD along with Tremor axles installed. Took it out to test the 4X4. It worked great. Got under it to visually look and found the tech had accidentally cut one axle boot and it threw grease EVERYWHERE.

They found the cut, cleaned up all the grease and ordered a new boot. I had to keep it in 2wd until the new boot arrived.

Drove around and again checked underneath. No grease anywhere and the cut in the boot was in the exact same spot.

I don’t recommend this method. ??

It would be easier to use a spot of paint or nail polish, drive a bit and climb under to look. In 2wd the spots will be in the same spot.

 

[hotrodmex]

I'm amazed that they don't have all that stuff stationary in 2wd just for fuel economy reasons...

It didn't make them change the MPG ratings when they implemented this in 22 (for the TOD trucks), so it must really not be an issue. Aero is likely way more important.

 

[scott011422]

It didn't make them change the MPG ratings when they implemented this in 22 (for the TOD trucks), so it must really not be an issue. Aero is likely way more important.

I cant speak for other versions, But on my 22' PB, They did drop the rating 1 mpg.

 

[cjnnewman]

Well, ?. Not by choice actually.

Had 4.11 gears and Torsen LSD along with Tremor axles installed. Took it out to test the 4X4. It worked great. Got under it to visually look and found the tech had accidentally cut one axle boot and it threw grease EVERYWHERE.

They found the cut, cleaned up all the grease and ordered a new boot. I had to keep it in 2wd until the new boot arrived.

Drove around and again checked underneath. No grease anywhere and the cut in the boot was in the exact same spot.

I don’t recommend this method. ??

It would be easier to use a spot of paint or nail polish, drive a bit and climb under to look. In 2wd the spots will be in the same spot.

Not my post, and not an expert, but I believe this is true and the front driveshaft and axles are always turning while moving, just not under power until the tcase is engaged.

Only applies to Lariat + with the 4A tcase, XL & XLT apparently still have electronic IWE.

It would make sense ... the front axles are splined into the wheel bearing/knuckle assembly. They would be turning if the wheel is turning, now that the IWE system is no more.

Can't explain your particular situation, but I would guess it was a coincidence that the cut in your boot ended up in the same position. Your components should definitely be moving in a 2024.

Quote "
They removed the IWEs in the 2022 and newer F-150s and the front CVs are constantly spinning. The actual engagement happens at the transfer case to make the front wheels driven.

In 2021 and earlier, they had IWEs and transfer case for engagement. So my 2021 when in 2WD disengages the IWEs, but my on order 2023 will just be constantly engaged.

Even if you had IWEs, they would be constantly engaged when in 4 Auto, since I know you brought up 4 Auto. Some think the IWEs engage in 4 Auto when theres slip, but the front is always engaged even with a 2021 when in 4 Auto, and power is always sent to the front. The transfer case has a clutch that allows for slip when turning which is what allows 4 Auto to be 4 Auto without having grinding or hopping when turning like with an XL/XLT without a clutch transfer case.

You may know that, but just adding some clarity since you mentioned 4WD Auto, I wasn't sure if you were saying you didn't expect the front to turn when in 4 Auto, but even if you had IWEs it would. "

 

[ThumperF150]

Not my post, and not an expert, but I believe this is true and the front driveshaft and axles are always turning while moving, just not under power until the tcase is engaged.

It would make sense ... the front axles are splined into the wheel bearing/knuckle assembly. They would be turning if the wheel is turning, now that the IWE system is no more.

Quote "
They removed the IWEs in the 2022 and newer F-150s and the front CVs are constantly spinning. The actual engagement happens at the transfer case to make the front wheels driven.

In 2021 and earlier, they had IWEs and transfer case for engagement. So my 2021 when in 2WD disengages the IWEs, but my on order 2023 will just be constantly engaged.

Even if you had IWEs, they would be constantly engaged when in 4 Auto, since I know you brought up 4 Auto. Some think the IWEs engage in 4 Auto when theres slip, but the front is always engaged even with a 2021 when in 4 Auto, and power is always sent to the front. The transfer case has a clutch that allows for slip when turning which is what allows 4 Auto to be 4 Auto without having grinding or hopping when turning like with an XL/XLT without a clutch transfer case.

You may know that, but just adding some clarity since you mentioned 4WD Auto, I wasn't sure if you were saying you didn't expect the front to turn when in 4 Auto, but even if you had IWEs it would. "

I never mentioned 4WD Auto. My truck does not have that. If it did, you could be correct in that everything still spins.

Additionally, mine still has IWE but it is electronic, not vacuum operated.

 

[cjnnewman]

I never mentioned 4WD Auto. My truck does not have that. If it did, you could be correct in that everything still spins.

Additionally, mine still has IWE but it is electronic, not vacuum operated.

Ahh, there's my mistake. I didn't actually look it up like I said - not my reply.

Yes it sounds like XL and XLT still have electronic IWE, good to know!

Sponsored