Towards the end of Dec 2004, my 99 Ranger developed a vibration in the rear end. The noise and amount of vibration increased over time. I took the truck to a local Ford dealer. The service department there determined that the rear end (differential?) needed to be torn down and the bad components needed to be replaced.

Tear-down charges alone were $500, plus another $800 - $900 for the actual repairs / parts.

With less than 2 months of actual driving time since then (I've been out of town a lot), the problem is returning. Same noise, same feel.

Before I take my Ranger back to the dealer, is there any wisdom or advice that any of you can give me about this problem???

Thanks! Any input is much appreciated!

Rear ends don't go out very often. If it was me I'd probably get one at a salvage yard, replace the fluid, and tell the dealer to take a hike. If you can't do it yourself, check with a local mechanic and shop for prices; it's not something only a Ford shop can do and you might find one who'll do a swap for you if you supply the salvaged part.

on edit: make absolutely sure it's not something like a wheel bearing, or the driveshaft before spending too much money.

The rearend on my 88 was feeling and sounding like it was coming apart and about the time I was going to dig into it the u-joint on the rear end broke. Now dig this, ford built these things without grease fittings :screwy: so in the many years up to this point it had never been greased. I had to have the whole drive-shaft rebuilt this time with grease fittings.

Anyways I'd check the status of the u-joints.