axle clunk/bang/jerk

[LGHTNG02GT]

so i recently upgraded to a 2003 Ford Ranger with the FX4 Level II off road package. only had it for a week and i have a problem already

when going around corners, i get a loud bang/clunk in the rear end (i'm sure its comming from the drivers side rear. along with that, the rear jerks relatively hard. almost like its gonna fly out from under the truck. now this has the torsen limited slip and that i'm not quite sure how it works or what it does. my 1st though was i need to add some friction modifier but this limited slip is nothing like the clutch ones Ford normally uses so i figured i could rule that out. next i figured the spider/side gears but i have come to realize that i dont know much about my axle other than by the build specs its pretty bullet-proof but somehow i got one that very well could be broken.

any tips/hints/ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've seen quite a few Torsen failures in FX4 trucks. They react just as you as saying.

Pull the cover and see what falls out....

 

[LGHTNG02GT]

I've seen quite a few Torsen failures in FX4 trucks. They react just as you as saying.

Pull the cover and see what falls out....

once i figured out it was all gear operated with no clutches, i figured on broken parts.

i just bought the truck used so its under warranty yet. real curious as to what let go. and mostly, how it happened.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The ones I have pulled out all had broken/cracked carrier cases.

 

[LGHTNG02GT]

so i'm figuring that will be a some-what expensive fix then. if so, this dealer really lost money on this truck then haha.

 

[06RangerXLT]

with used offroad trucks, it could have a ratcheting locker.

 

[LGHTNG02GT]

with used offroad trucks, it could have a ratcheting locker.

this is what i too originally thought. it would usually just clunk once and i would be on my way, but after driving for a while, it got worse. now it will clunk and bang 3-4 times while turning and like i said in my 1st post, the rear feels like it will tear right out from under the truck. hopefully the warranty advisor gets in contact with me today so we can get the ball rolling on getting it fixed. i cant really afford to have this truck down for a long period of time. especially because its my DD and winter will be here sooner than later

 

[bilzy7]

Update when you know please! I always like to hear about things that went wrong and what the actual problem was.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.693829,-71.165164

 

[LGHTNG02GT]

took it back to the dealer and dropped it off this past monday. surprisingly, it made it the entire 104mi trip with broken parts in the rear.

when the service manager called me he told me that a tooth on one of the gears in the torsen limited slip was broken clean off. so after calling around to 3 Ford Dealers and a 2nd day air delivery, they recieved a new torsen today to throw in my truck. also, they said they are going to put in new axle seals and also put new brake shoes on the back.

overall, i'm happy with the dealer and the quality of service i got. was hoping i wouldnt have to go through any kind of warranty stuff but hey, life happens and next week all should be well and i will have a nearly new rear end in my truck.