Rear Axle Seals

[88LTDCV351]

Well, at 184,000 miles I noticed a puddle behind my driver side rear wheel. My first thought is the rear axle seals. Used to have them replaced constantly on my 88 Crown Vic. Am I only the right track?

[03Merc]

Yes. Replace bearings and seals, inspect axle it could be worn out. Have fun!


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[Grimrepairman]

IIRC, there's a kit with both axles, seals and bearings. I believe it was cheaper than the parts individually. I do not have the part # saved.

[justbob]

IIRC, there's a kit with both axles, seals and bearings. I believe it was cheaper than the parts individually. I do not have the part # saved.

It even came with friction modifier and gear lube IIRC. Search comes up with this and DANG the price has skyrocketed!!! I paid $295 locally back in like ‘11 if memory serves. Looks like I either have the wrong part number or Ford is REALLY trying to recoup their losses...


https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-kit-shaft-repair-3w1z4a109a


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[Marauderjack]

Every year they sit they have to tack on $50.00 inventory cost.........about $500.00 so far maybe??:confused:

I bought mine from a Ford dealer in Charleston that stocked about 50 kits for Cop cars......it was like $229.00 or so......back in the day!! :D

[Blakshukvw]

I believe it’s a good idea to swap to 31 spline axles when replacing the axles for bearing/axle wear because the 28 spline axles were known to be not hardened incorrectly. With the 31 spline upgrade you’ll most likely not have issues for a long long time if ever again. It is usually warn bearing surfaces on the axle that take out the seals.

[cer0413]

Sorry for the derailment but are there any known reports of failed 31 spline axles?

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[Blakshukvw]

I’m sure some can be found but it is well documented the issues with the improper hardening of the 28 spline that lead to their failures, of which proof is highlighted over and over on this website alone.

[justbob]

Sorry for the derailment but are there any known reports of failed 31 spline axles?

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As far as I know first hand Moser had a bad run over a decade ago. The heating process near the ABS ring caused brittleness and flanges literally snapped clean off the shaft on high HP cars. I witnessed Zack’s prozack black car self destruct at the track. It was a real joy to back it up off the track with like six of us and a floor jack.. A few other reports around the webs came in shortly after of similar situations.


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[burt ragio]

Not all 2003s have bad axles not sure of cut off dates. Maybe someone who knows can chime in.

[gdmjoe]

burt ragio - Not all 2003s have bad axles not sure of cut off dates. Maybe someone who knows can chime in.
Associated TSB .....

50670

[Marauderjack]

My 2004 SB car built in November 2003 had bad axles that showed up at 150K miles or so.......I believe ALL of 'em were inferior by design!!:rolleyes:

[Blakshukvw]

My 04 had 1 bad axle this year. Worn groove on the axle where the bearing rides and bearings looked pretty good otherwise.

[blazen71]

My 2004 SB car built in November 2003 had bad axles that showed up at 150K miles or so.......I believe ALL of 'em were inferior by design!!:rolleyes: And one of those replacement axles was bad when I pulled them to swap 31-spline axles.

[Marauderjack]

Was it the right side one Dave??:confused:

[blazen71]

I don't remember.

[Marauderjack]

Holy Crap......you're way too young to be remembering like me Dave!!:eek::shake:

[offroadkarter]

Not all 2003s have bad axles not sure of cut off dates. Maybe someone who knows can chime in.

Yeah back in 2003 that was believed to be true, my 04 had an axle start pitting at around 85k miles.

the 28 spline axles are just problematic

[blazen71]

Holy Crap......you're way too young to be remembering like me Dave!!:eek::shake:Remember what? :P

[Marauderjack]

Who are you??:confused:

[88LTDCV351]

Took my car to a few places and some said they wouldn't do it. Others said they would but cost $$$ or were booked up so come back in a week. But looked at the stealership that I sometimes go to, and showed they had availability online. So I did drop it off there yesterday and they took it in. Said they wanted to replace both axle seals. Should be done today.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Just buy a 3:55 posi 31 spline cop car rear end. Usually $125.00 at the bone yard.