Just had my new 2017 detailed and was inspecting it afterward. When I crawled up under it I noticed that the differential is already starting to rust and a part on the drive shaft that I don't know the name of is as well. There's just over 1000 miles on the truck. Is this normal?

 

Thats the rear differential.

 

And yes it is normal. If it bothers you just hit it with some black Rustoleum.

 

Mine I got back in 2015, mine truck was but 2 months old from its manufacturing date and had some rust... I got POR15, its thick and covers well. I recommend smaller cans than a big one as its hard to keep from getting thick once opened even sealing it, other users also say the same the air gets to it even though its a paint can over a couple months or so. Don't expect a gallon to last long if you don't use it all, it turns like pavement tar.

 

My 2016 rear diff is worse than that. This summer I'm putting it on a rack at my friends garage and repainting and rust proofing..

 

Ford seems to think it's acceptable on a brand new truck. It adds character....

 

Sounds like painting the differential is going to be the next thing I do. I'd hate to let that thing get outta control and become an eye sore. It's disappointing that Ford finds that acceptable. I'll have to pass it along to my brother who works in engineering for Ford.

 

Looks just like mine. Don't believe it'll be a problem performance wise. If it's too ugly then Rustoleum.

 

Ford... and Chevy, and Ram, and Jeep, and anyone else who uses a solid rear axle.