2017 front differential replacement - Platinum EL

[Quiver2003]

The dealership recently informed my I need my front differential replaced or rebuilt. I took it in for the growling noise others have posted here. They indicated they pulled some fluid from the differential and it had a significant amount of metal shavings. I changed the fluid after the trip to the dealership. Replacing to fluid had no affect on the sound as it was still there. I will try looking at the wheel hubs and the IWE's to see if any noise is coming from there.

Question , has anyone replaced the front differential ? I know they can be rebuilt but I prefer to just buy the full unit and swap it out vs replacing individual bearings, races, etc. I found the link below where this guy is removing one on a F150. I assume its similar but I don't want to get into the project without understanding the full picture.

2011 - 2020 Ford F150 XLT Build 8.8 355 Front Diff Rebuild Part 1 of 2 - Tomorrow Part 2

youtu.be

Also has anyone bought a differential from US Powertrain? There are some used on ebay but I would pay a bit more and have the peace of mind.

Remanufactured 2015-2017 Ford Expedition 8.8 inch 3.31 ratio | US Powertrain

Remanufactured Front Differential 2015-2017 Ford Expedition 8.8 inch 3.31 ratioEngineered for durability and peak performance, this part ensures reliability for your vehicle. Perfect for OEM replacement or upgrade needs Direct OEM Replacement for Proper Fit 100% replacement of all parts that do...

www.uspowertrain.com

Thanks

 

[Quiver2003]

I entered this into ChatGPT. Not a bad write up​

​

1. Raise and Support the Vehicle​

• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts.
• Jack up the front of the Expedition and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels.

2. Remove CV Axles (Both Sides)​

• Disconnect the axle nuts.
• Remove the brake calipers and rotor if necessary for better access.
• Use a pry bar or axle puller to gently remove the CV axles from the differential.

3. Disconnect Driveshaft​

• Unbolt the front driveshaft from the differential.
• Mark the position if you plan to reuse it to maintain balance.

4. Drain the Differential​

• Place a drain pan underneath.
• Remove the drain plug (or loosen the cover bolts if no plug is available) and let the fluid drain out.

5. Unbolt and Remove the Front Differential​

• There are usually 3–4 mounting bolts securing the differential to the subframe.
• Support the diff with a jack or have a helper assist.
• Remove the bolts and gently lower the differential.

6. Install the New (or Rebuilt) Differential​

• Raise the new differential into place.
• Align and torque the mounting bolts to spec (check your shop manual).
• Reconnect the driveshaft (use marks if reusing).
• Reinstall the CV axles.

7. Refill Gear Oil​

• Fill with the correct type and amount of gear oil through the fill plug until it begins to seep out (usually about 2–3 quarts, but double-check your specs).

8. Reassemble Everything​

• Reinstall the wheels, tighten lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle.
• Torque the wheels to factory spec.

 

[Utah Driver]

My 16 has a ratio of 3.73. That link has possibly the wrong ratio.

 

[GlennSullivan]

My 16 has a ratio of 3.73. That link has possibly the wrong ratio.

The correct ratio can be confirmed by looking at the label affixed to the drivers door frame.

 

[Quiver2003]

I completed the front diff swap over the weekend. I went ahead and swapped out both CV axles as well. The Ai instructions I posted above are fairly close. The upper ball joint does need to be removed and can be difficult. Its a 21MM . Some instructions and videos indicate to back the nut out partially until you can free the upper control arm from the ball joint. The issue with that is the ball joint bolt may spin when you stop and try and fully remove the 21MM nut. This happened to me on both sides. I tried a 10mm to hold the bolt on the bottom while I used a 21MM wrench or crescent wrench to turn the nut. The nut has a plastic binder in it . The only option that worked for me was heating it up with a torch.

The other difficulty is getting the differential back in there. I have a transmission jack I used but it still was not easy. I found out there are notches in the driver side of the oil pan that helps you line up the differential drive shaft connection . It needs to be reinstalled at a slight angle to get it back into place.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Where did you end up getting the replacement dif from?

 

[Quiver2003]

Sorry for delay.

I got it from this place on ebay :

REMAN 2009 - 2019 FORD F150 EXPEDITION NAVIGATOR FRONT DIFFERENTIAL 3.73 RATIO | eBay

FORD F150 PICKUP 09-19 Front Axle; 3.73 ratio. EXPEDITION 09-18 Front Axle; 3.73 ratio. This part will fit these makes and models with these options.

www.ebay.com