We recently had an "issue" in the rain in which our '04 F250 spun out. The net result was that the passenger-rear wheel hit the curb pretty much straight on, and with significant force. Immediate visible damage included the (King Ranch) wheel and leaf springs on both sides. First step was to get the truck driveable, so we replaced the wheel and the springs. During first test drive a low-frequency "growl" from the rear axle was immediately apparent, so we pulled the passenger-side axle, bearing, brake disk, etc. Once those parts were removed, the extent of the damage became readily apparent - as you can see in the attached picture, the outer end of the axle housing is bent downward right at the outer wheel bearing race (see arrows). Picture the bottom half of the wheel hitting the curb and transferring all the energy up thru the wheel to the axle housing.

Ford wants $3,200 for a new housing (yep, that's JUST the housing). This part is obviously pressed into the main carrier, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience replacing/repairing these housings. I assume a machine shop could correctly install a new end piece, but I have no idea where I would get the part itself. The axle is a Ford 10.5" (V420F).

Maybe better off to just replace the whole unit with a good used one?

Thanks...

http://www.nulspace.com/pics/axlehousing.JPG

Understand your difficulty, I have repaired over 300 of these in the last 5 years. Best opportunity for repair would be to call me and I will direct you to your best option after discussing.

612-741-9680
Mike Mealy

rsm540 you want to call Axle and Spindle repair 612-670-4073 ask for Warren, not mike. mike used to work for us, then quit. His work is sub-standard at best. We have been repairing damaged spindles for over 30 years.