Estimated cost to replace rear end of 2002 explorer?

Answer 1

Working on my own 94 Ford Explorer XLT rear end now. Not sure of what your issues are.

Your question if u go to a junk yard you could pick up rear end for 150-400$ junk yards very greatly in price, not sure of the hours to install I imagine Chilton book has about 6hr (just a guess) so install your used rear end labor 2-400$. so that is best guess.

A whole rear end is rarely needed, unless your upgrading. it could be a bad bearing, seal leak, cover leak, your post didn't mention symptoms. (as in my case carrier bearing broke) bearing 9$ at advanced and have a machine shop put on (carrier) 25$ dial indicator 14$ at harbor freight and a few wrenches. If bad/damaged carrier ring have to replace carrier ring and pinion. If u have 8.8 3.27 let me know found a shop got one with 200 miles on it for under 70$ delivered. (Normally run between 170-240$.) But this is just basics.

Me I would drain your differential takes about 15-20 min w/o cleaning, if you can change your oil you can do this. Take your cover off and look if there is pieces of metal in there then you will know if something is broken(in my case a bearing). It will tell you a lot.(while you are under the rear before you start look for leaks in front of the differential where your drive shaft comes in, this is where drive-shaft attaches to your pinion, if it is leaking you need a seal. The fill plug is on this side also. ( so if it is a pinion seal, keep fluid in it until you can get it fixed.)(if it is a seal don't change fluid but check level and fill, check it regularly until you have it fixed)

A pinion and carrier change out is quite involved , however can be done at home, I am up to 200$,(includes) min install kit, tools. Then 70$ carrier and pinion. with approx another 50$ incidentals( changing axle seals and bearings, since it is all apart any way,) I( estimate total cost to be under 350$)

I know I touched base on a few things, being a blue collar worker, just want you to look at all of your options. I try to save money where I can.

Changing My first differential, have got 90% of my information free on the net, from videos to forums. Hope this helps

WARNING !!!! In my case I had gear noises, checked my 4x4 hubs, (fixed 4x4 computer) and still had noises, drained and checked my differential and found broke bearing, (which damaged carrier ring and pinion so ordered a used one) so before doing this make sure you have other mode of transportation. (has taken a week to order get parts, ring carrier (basic install kit couple special tools, one being dial indicator (a must have)(found one at harbor freight for 15$) so be warned.

This is basic information A LOT is left out. If you have a broke bearing and your ring and pinion are not damaged (search for pictures on internet),just bearing replacement is cheaper.

Looking in your differential, draining it cleaning it with brake cleaner (let evaporate before adding new fluid) will give any laymen an idea of what you need, to look for, do it your self, or at least and idea of what to call a shop for and ask for prices, could also avoid some misinformation on what service needs to be done.( since you have already see it.) Hope this helps