Rear differential brace

[Berky]

My rig: 2022 with 1 bolt rear diff support.

Has anyone had a warranty or extended warranty issue with this mod?
Adding a brace seems like an excellent idea, but warranty departments may see this differently.
I don’t think I’ll be doing a lot of hard launches, but maybe some aggressive driving. That’s what these STs are for right? A little insurance against that one bolt breaking would be nice.
Thanks

 

[rams1919]

I have an AWR diff brace on my ST and my dealership took care of a clicking/popping noise coming from the rear with a replacement of both axles. No issues. However, my dealership tends to be mod friendly unless it causes the issue

 

[2020FordRaptor]

My rig: 2022 with 1 bolt rear diff support.

Has anyone had a warranty or extended warranty issue with this mod?
Adding a brace seems like an excellent idea, but warranty departments may see this differently.
I don’t think I’ll be doing a lot of hard launches, but maybe some aggressive driving. That’s what these STs are for right? A little insurance against that one bolt breaking would be nice.
Thanks

It’s really going to depend on the dealer on how they feel on a aftermarket part like diff brace. I will say I definetly would get one, as it will prevent a serious problem. If you have problems, its easy enough to take it off if you’re really worried about it.

 

[Mustang5L5]

It depends on the dealer. Some are mod friendly, and some are not.

I'd say as far as my local dealers are concerned, they are not mod friendly based on past experience with my Mustangs. I'd probably pull it off if i had to drop it off for anything.

 

[shawnp18252]

My rig: 2022 with 1 bolt rear diff support.

Has anyone had a warranty or extended warranty issue with this mod?
Adding a brace seems like an excellent idea, but warranty departments may see this differently.
I don’t think I’ll be doing a lot of hard launches, but maybe some aggressive driving. That’s what these STs are for right? A little insurance against that one bolt breaking would be nice.
Thanks

I have the Steeda Explorer Rear Differential Brace on my 2 bolt. The Ford Dealership was very impressed by it and the service manager bought one for his own Explorer ST! He even told me he suggests it to all the Explorer ST and Police Depts owners.

 

[Berky]

Thank you for the input. The AWR would appear to be a good option for me. I’ll inquire with the dealer on any extended warranty issues before installing. I’m sure they will say not to do it lol.
Do these braces transfer any drivetrain resonance into the cabin? This might not be a big issue for some, but that would be a drawback for me.

 

[SugarMouth]

Thank you for the input. The AWR would appear to be a good option for me. I’ll inquire with the dealer on any extended warranty issues before installing. I’m sure they will say not to do it lol.
Do these braces transfer any drivetrain resonance into the cabin? This might not be a big issue for some, but that would be a drawback for me.

So far I do not notice a difference in NVH. They use a bushing material that is forgiving in this area.


https://whooshmotorsports.com/colle...erential-brace-2020-explorer-st-free-shipping

 

[ggrant3]

So far I do not notice a difference in NVH. They use a bushing material that is forgiving in this area.
View attachment 33773

https://whooshmotorsports.com/colle...erential-brace-2020-explorer-st-free-shipping

How was the install for that CPE/ID-Speed brace? I just received mine but there are no instructions.

I'm not sure if I need to lower the diff to get the bolts out or just get the e-torx wrenches (or if the e-torx sockets will fit/clear) or even what the torque rating for any of the bolts are.

 

[SugarMouth]

How was the install for that CPE/ID-Speed brace? I just received mine but there are no instructions.

I'm not sure if I need to lower the diff to get the bolts out or just get the e-torx wrenches (or if the e-torx sockets will fit/clear) or even what the torque rating for any of the bolts are.

The hardest part is getting to the top right E18 bolt. You will have to install the bolt into the brace first then use the indention in the subframe as a relief to get the bolt straight enough to get into the diff. I used a E18 wrench. You will need to rotate the wrench all the way up toward the body to get rotation then use a small area lower to get a small additional rotation in order to re-attach.

If you are adding a stronger diff bolt (recommended) support the diff with a jack (adjust as needed) so you can get the alignment straight to make installing the new bolt easier.

 

[Berky]

The hardest part is getting to the top right E18 bolt. You will have to install the bolt into the brace first then use the indention in the subframe as a relief to get the bolt straight enough to get into the diff. I used a E18 wrench. You will need to rotate the wrench all the way up toward the body to get rotation then use a small area lower to get a small additional rotation in order to re-attach.

If you are adding a stronger diff bolt (recommended) support the diff with a jack (adjust as needed) so you can get the alignment straight to make installing the new bolt easier.

View attachment 33774

I appreciate this info and I’m liking the looks/functionality of the ID speed brace. They made the bushing out of EPDM for a reason that makes sense to me. Very useful input thank you!

 

[ggrant3]

The hardest part is getting to the top right E18 bolt. You will have to install the bolt into the brace first then use the indention in the subframe as a relief to get the bolt straight enough to get into the diff. I used a E18 wrench. You will need to rotate the wrench all the way up toward the body to get rotation then use a small area lower to get a small additional rotation in order to re-attach.

If you are adding a stronger diff bolt (recommended) support the diff with a jack (adjust as needed) so you can get the alignment straight to make installing the new bolt easier.

View attachment 33774

Thank you for the info and advice

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Thank you for the input. The AWR would appear to be a good option for me. I’ll inquire with the dealer on any extended warranty issues before installing. I’m sure they will say not to do it lol.
Do these braces transfer any drivetrain resonance into the cabin? This might not be a big issue for some, but that would be a drawback for me.

I wouldn’t get the AWR brace, ID-Speed/CPE is worlds better.

 

[Berky]

So I called my dealership today and the two mods I want would not be well received by the extended warranty. Rear differential brace and catback exhaust. I Might do them anyway. This extended warranty game is interesting. I guess I should be happy they just covered my new transmission. The service manager said the diff brace is a good idea, but maybe take it off if there is an issue?? I don’t see myself taking a diff brace off once it’s mounted. He has had one diff snap a bolt and a couple bent bolts from owners who drive hard. I don’t know fellas? I absolutely hate this factory exhaust system. What the hell Ford? This is a 400hp 400ft lb. Beast. Design a robust rear differential we don’t have to mod!

 

[2020FordRaptor]

So I called my dealership today and the two mods I want would not be well received by the extended warranty. Rear differential brace and catback exhaust. I Might do them anyway. This extended warranty game is interesting. I guess I should be happy they just covered my new transmission. The service manager said the diff brace is a good idea, but maybe take it off if there is an issue?? I don’t see myself taking a diff brace off once it’s mounted. He has had one diff snap a bolt and a couple bent bolts from owners who drive hard. I don’t know fellas? I absolutely hate this factory exhaust system. What the hell Ford? This is a 400hp 400ft lb. Beast. Design a robust rear differential we don’t have to mod!

Any aftermarket part has the possibility to void warranty, so I wouldn’t expect them to say otherwise. Just go for it, technically they have to prove the aftermarket part caused the problem before they can void warranty.

 

[Berky]

Any aftermarket part has the possibility to void warranty, so I wouldn’t expect them to say otherwise. Just go for it, technically they have to prove the aftermarket part caused the problem before they can void warranty.

Solid advice thank you. Precisely what I was thinking

 

[Mustang5L5]

technically they have to prove the aftermarket part caused the problem before they can void warranty.

I’ve found by way of past experience that the dealer holds the cards here and if they want to claim some BS vaguely related reason to not cover you, your recourse is to challenge it by way of legal action. Not always cost effective depending on the repair.

This is why it can be helpful to build a strong relationship with a dealer. It may come in handy in terms of being mod friendly. Alas….i my dealer didn’t like me I guess.

 

[Caster]

I wouldn’t get the AWR brace, ID-Speed/CPE is worlds better.

Why is the ID Speed brace better? Because it costs more? Because its over engineered? I do agree it's very nice but my point is that no one is having diff. or bolt breakage failures (or at least that I have heard of or read) with the use of any of the aftermarket diff. braces. You can argue certain braces prevent certain articulation or twist of the diff., but again, no one is having failures with any type of added brace. I have the AWR on my ST and I tow at times to the very max GVW & GCWR in hilly mountains. Absolutely no issues what so ever. IMO, any diff brace is a good piece of mind upgrade.

 

[Berky]

I’ve found by way of past experience that the dealer holds the cards here and if they want to claim some BS vaguely related reason to not cover you, your recourse is to challenge it by way of legal action. Not always cost effective depending on the repair.

This is why it can be helpful to build a strong relationship with a dealer. It may come in handy in terms of being mod friendly. Alas….i my dealer didn’t like me I guess.

Absolutely! A service dept that wants to help you is a beautiful thing.

 

[Berky]

This kind of makes me wonder how many of us with the 3 bolt diffs are driving around with a bent rear bolt lol.