I first noticed a faint noise coming from the drive train but could not tell from what part. My first guess was the transmission but after the noise got louder I realized that it was most likely the rear differential. So I jacked the vehicle and place it on jack stands. With the front tires chocked I started my truck and place it into drive, by doing this I was able to confirm that the noise was coming from the rear differential.

It is pretty sad that a truck with only 107000 miles when I first notice the noise, would have a premature failure like this. After doing some research it seems that previous years of F150 have had similar issues. I have owned this truck since 2008 and have taken really good care of it and only started using it for towing this year. I bought a travel trailer that only weighs 4200 lbs fully loaded, well under this trucks towing capability. Nevertheless, I now have to replace or rebuild the rear differential at a cost of $600 to $1700. FYI, do your research some business are selling used differentials for as much or more than a new differential from fordparts.com ($1638).

rear differential ring gear failure

Ford Motor Corporation was contacted regarding the abnormal nature of this failure and after ten minutes on the phone collecting information made their "final" decision that no customer assistance was available to aid in the repair cost. I requested this matter be escalated and again I was reminded that the decision was "final."

With all of the automobiles and light trucks I have owned over my life time, this is the first to experience this type of repair at this early stage of life. Thus the rationale I approached both my Ford dealer and the Ford Motor Corporation for repair assistance. This repair is NOT normal wear and tear!!!

Up to this point I was a satisfied owner of my Ford product and planned on purchasing additional Ford products in the future. At this point, I cannot say I remain with the same point of view.