2023 Ranger broken steering gear and differential blown

[Frenchy]

Sorry truck payment is $750. I just edited the thread. My Cadillac is $850.

Got a few questions for you.

First off what do you do for a living? Second is it okay to call you Daddy?

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[Shawn_Mc]

For what it's worth, Ive seen a LOT of differentials setup poorly from the factory. The 8.8 in my 89" Convertible Mustang took a dump at 1400 miles. The diff in my Dads older Ranger took a dump at 21,000, the rear diff in my 96" Dodge 4X4 Ram had the yoke loosen up and loose the preload on the pinion bearing at like 1800 miles. I fixed the diff in my Dads truck, simple rebuild, took me about 3 hours, including cleaning up the tools.

Changing the diff grease from the factory is a good idea. I dont know what they use, but it's junk. Not to mention break in debris is circulating in there.
The limp mode was the cause of the stiff steering. Having an electric, speed sensing steering assist allows the computer to remove the assist in limp mode to force the driver to bring it in, instead of assuming whatever and ignoring the codes. This is a case where a driver aid is turned into a Dealer funnel.
The lack of training at the tech level is why the original diag was disclosed as steering AND rear diff. Tech or Service advisor simply didn't know the diff issue would throw that code until someone looked it up.

Assuming the dealer techs know everything is a huge mistake. Assuming you're being told the truth by the Service Advisor is also a huge mistake. The worst case scenario is a shit Advisor teamed with a lazy or incompetent Tech, and it happens.

Personally, I think a buy back is an extreme solution here. I'm surprised that Ford bit that hook. But dropping 40+K on a mini truck, regardless of all the bells and whistles is beyond my comprehension. I paid 28K for my 2019 Lariat and even that seems like a LOT.

 

[ccasanova22]

FWIW my rear differential on my '22 was having issues and the dealer fixed it under warranty with <7k miles. After the diff was opened up, cleaned, and re-sealed I have yet to have an issue. I was down at least 1 quart of diff fluid and post repair have had no fluid loss.

So... it happens, but I'm not going to call my truck a POS just because it's had one major issue.

 

[MarioCart]

That's 6,400. miles (new) not 64000...I want a new off the line differential, not one thats been rebuilt. I asked at service they said the guy rebuilding has not rebuilt a new Ranger rear end let alone a 2023. My logic is I'll be back soon and the original one was apparently torn up will large medal pieces inside. I'm hoping the buy back or trade goes well.

not sure why you are throwing the 64000 miles into this conversation.
I still don't understand your reasoning even with your explanation.

 

[pbethel]

Sorry truck payment is $750. I just edited the thread. My Cadillac is $850.

Your payments seem a bit high. Your Caddie payment almost covers my van and truck payment combined.

For what it's worth, Ive seen a LOT of differentials setup poorly from the factory. The 8.8 in my 89" Convertible Mustang took a dump at 1400 miles. The diff in my Dads older Ranger took a dump at 21,000, the rear diff in my 96" Dodge 4X4 Ram had the yoke loosen up and loose the preload on the pinion bearing at like 1800 miles. I fixed the diff in my Dads truck, simple rebuild, took me about 3 hours, including cleaning up the tools.

Changing the diff grease... ???

Personally, I think a buy back is an extreme solution here. I'm surprised that Ford bit that hook. But dropping 40+K on a mini truck, regardless of all the bells and whistles is beyond my comprehension. I paid 28K for my 2019 Lariat and even that seems like a LOT.

I have only seen grease in the rear axle from sellers of questionable ethics.

$28,000 might have been a lot in 2019. Pretty cheap by the end of 2020 and since.

 

[Shawn_Mc]

Your payments seem a bit high. Your Caddie payment almost covers my van and truck payment combined.

I have only seen grease in the rear axle from sellers of questionable ethics.

$28,000 might have been a lot in 2019. Pretty cheap by the end of 2020 and since.

You cant touch a Ranger Lariat in California for less than $30K. Unless it's used and past the warranty, like mine. When they came out in 2019, the dealers around here were marking them up over sticker. Which Ford allows. Toyota, Lexus..cant do that. I was a service writer for Ford, and I sold Lexus.

I found the car business deceitful and disgusting

 

[Morgangwc]

Update. Got the truck back Friday the 6th. They rebuilt the rear end. Couldn't find why the engine made strange noises they said keep listening for it. They adjusted brakes but they still feel mushy.
They did a oil change and tire rotation for $170.00. I forgot I had made an appointment for the week after I had the issue. I can't believe they couldn't comp a oil change after all I went through. My Cadillacs oil/tires are $69.00. And I paid $580.00 copay for the free loaner. It's nice to have the Ranger back. IMO it's a better truck for daily use than the F150. I really didn't like The F150.
My steering feels strange now like no PS fluid maybe it's from tire rotation.
Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Morgangwc]

FWIW my rear differential on my '22 was having issues and the dealer fixed it under warranty with <7k miles. After the diff was opened up, cleaned, and re-sealed I have yet to have an issue. I was down at least 1 quart of diff fluid and post repair have had no fluid loss.

So... it happens, but I'm not going to call my truck a POS just because it's had one major issue.

Thanks so I'm not alone. As for POS. I don't think it's a POS. I think maybe it was built on Friday the 13th or Cinco de Mayo ?

 

[Jason B]

Update. Got the truck back Friday the 6th. They rebuilt the rear end. Couldn't find why the engine made strange noises they said keep listening for it. They adjusted brakes but they still feel mushy.
They did a oil change and tire rotation for $170.00. I forgot I had made an appointment for the week after I had the issue. I can't believe they couldn't comp a oil change after all I went through. My Cadillacs oil/tires are $69.00. And I paid $580.00 copay for the free loaner. It's nice to have the Ranger back. IMO it's a better truck for daily use than the F150. I really didn't like The F150.
My steering feels strange now like no PS fluid maybe it's from tire rotation.
Thanks for everyone's input.

Glad you are back on the road.
This is at Ford?
The Works, which includes oil filter, fluids and tire rotation is normally $80.
AS for PS fluid, there is none. We have electric PS.

 

[Morgangwc]

Glad you are back on the road.
This is at Ford?
The Works, which includes oil filter, fluids and tire rotation is normally $80.
AS for PS fluid, there is none. We have electric PS.

It seems high but it's California....ugh.

 

[Morgangwc]

Another update, I received a call and an email from Ford today. They need some info from me DL, Current reg. Good news they are reimbursing me the rental cost I paid and buying the truck back but they gave me 3 options. They will buy the truck back fully or replace it or they will let me keep the truck and take a cash settlement and I'd have to sign a nondisclosure for how much.
I'm leaning towards the replacement option. The truck goes back to the shop tomorrow as the noise they couldn't find has gotten worse and there's something wrong with the steering it's like it's still in limp mode...this poor Ranger I actually feel sorry for it.

 

[Rp930]

Another update, I received a call and an email from Ford today. They need some info from me DL, Current reg. Good news they are reimbursing me the rental cost I paid and buying the truck back but they gave me 3 options. They will buy the truck back fully or replace it or they will let me keep the truck and take a cash settlement and I'd have to sign a nondisclosure for how much.
I'm leaning towards the replacement option. The truck goes back to the shop tomorrow as the noise they couldn't find has gotten worse and there's something wrong with the steering it's like it's still in limp mode...this poor Ranger I actually feel sorry for it.

Take the new truck. After you sign for a settlement you are likely stuck with it. They usually won’t revisit a buyback after that.

 

[IdahoRanger]

Like Rick said, I would throw out the cash settlement option as more problems may pop up.

 

[MarioCart]

I'm not familiar with buy back options, as I have never had to even remotely consider asking, but something doesn't smell right still. I can't be the only one can I?

 

[9zero1790]

im shocked at how well they are doing toward working this out!!!
dealers in my area and ford couldnt care less about my truck my warranty my biz even my money.

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