Rear Axle Leak
 

I'm a visitor trying to save my 2003. I have a leak near my right rear wheel. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the axle tube corrosion where the two U-bolts hold it to the frame. It was JB welded in the past and I may be able to do this again but I wonder what options I have. The place that JB welded it a few years ago said I probably need a new rear end to the tune of about $2000. Is it possible to just replace the tube? Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks.

I'd look at the local bone yards and get a used axle
Swapping isnt a HUGE deal just make sure you find one with the same gear ratio

Yeah... wrecking yard is the best option here. You can usually get one for 150 or less around here.

Again I echo the find a used one and swap it out option .... I'd never go back to a shop that used jb weld...

Yea, I'm not going to pay a shop to use jb weld, hell I can do that myself.

Yes...I know the JB weld part sounds pretty shaky, but I'll say in his defense that he gave me the option at the time to do it right and fully disclosed what he was going to try. He warned me that it was a band-aid and that I'd need to address it properly if I kept the truck long enough. I got 5 years before the wet spot showed up again on my garage floor so no ill will.

Do you mean an axle or a complete rear end? I think a rear end will be about $500 and about that much to get it installed. Axles are cheaper, but I don't need an axle, just an axle tube.

Complete rear end. I just looked it up to make sure I wasn't completely in the night on the price....

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...f0d1107cb3.png

Axle tubes are not something you just replace. If they are not dead nuts straight, and dead nuts length, you're going to have problems. It is much cheaper in the long run to find a complete assembly out of a wrecked truck.

*** Not to mention that axle tubes are very susceptible to warping when they are welded upon ***

Thanks so much. I did a quick on-line check and they were a lot more. I clearly need to look harder. I'll start calling around locally in Indianapolis. Lord knows there are tons of F150's around. Thanks!