Argh! I just spent a hair-raising morning at the Ford dealer here. My 2001 super crew F150 4x2 was feeling draggy in teh rear end, and I could hear a noise whenever I stepped on the accelerator. From my Dad, I knew this was BAD. So I find out that the differential is shot, the bearings are all chewed up, the lower ball joints are going, fluid leaked out cause the seal was shot, axles might have to be replaced (he called later and said no), and I am going to shell out over $3500.
I just want to sit down and cry.
My Dad had made an appointment for me in PA to have the stuff fixed with his (honest and cheaper) mechanic, but snowstorm for that weekend cancelled my trip, but his mechanic said "She shouldn't drive it, the rear might lock up on her, she might not even make the trip here." Which is what Ford told me today, which is why I said go ahead fix it, and gimme a rental. Dad's mechanic knew all about it becaue he had just fixed another 2001 the week before my Dad made an appt for me and was telling Dad all about it.
This truck has about 76,000 miles on it, has been paid off since 2002, and I never put a penny in it except for brakes (changed out pads and flipped rotors) and oil, and to get a hitch and braking system for the horse trailer. It is my only vehicle, and the milage is pretty good - 21 highway. I use it to pull a 2-horse trailer infrequently (twice in last year).
Anyone else have this happen? It's like the insides of the rear end go to mush. I think I will send a letter to NHTSA. Is it fruitless to call FOrd? I had a panic moment thinking I maybe should put the $4000 towards a new truck, but then I'd have a $550 per month payment that I can't handle right now.
I just want to sit down and cry.
My Dad had made an appointment for me in PA to have the stuff fixed with his (honest and cheaper) mechanic, but snowstorm for that weekend cancelled my trip, but his mechanic said "She shouldn't drive it, the rear might lock up on her, she might not even make the trip here." Which is what Ford told me today, which is why I said go ahead fix it, and gimme a rental. Dad's mechanic knew all about it becaue he had just fixed another 2001 the week before my Dad made an appt for me and was telling Dad all about it.
This truck has about 76,000 miles on it, has been paid off since 2002, and I never put a penny in it except for brakes (changed out pads and flipped rotors) and oil, and to get a hitch and braking system for the horse trailer. It is my only vehicle, and the milage is pretty good - 21 highway. I use it to pull a 2-horse trailer infrequently (twice in last year).
Anyone else have this happen? It's like the insides of the rear end go to mush. I think I will send a letter to NHTSA. Is it fruitless to call FOrd? I had a panic moment thinking I maybe should put the $4000 towards a new truck, but then I'd have a $550 per month payment that I can't handle right now.
Are you the original owner?:shrug:
Next time, if something else goes, I hope it is something that will wait until I can look into someone other than a dealer doing it. ANd junkyards are probably the reason my father's mechanic in PA only charged the other guy $1200. 
<-- me
