Bent Rear Diff Bolt

ARC · May 18, 2023

Installed my AWR racing diff brace today and it was a good thing I did!
The installer showed me the week prior that my rear diff was dropped a little when installing some downpipes, and highly recommended getting the diff brace... so I did!
While installing the diff brace, he removed the one bolt from the rear only to reveal to me that it was in fact bent!
Thanks Ford, for cutting corners and putting us the consumer at risk!
I now have to order a new diff bolt and replace it, which still gives no guarantee it won't happen again.
I am a true Ford guy and love this car and all it offers bur some of the things that Ford did is garbage!

Cdubya · May 18, 2023

Since the recall, I believe there's a new part # for the bolt. Hopefully it is stronger.

ARC · May 18, 2023

Cdubya said:

The part number I pulled is W720988. I will ask the Ford reps if this is the new revision to the bolt. Thank you for the info.

Cdubya · May 18, 2023

I was looking over my car notes. Another member posted their repair invoice detailing the parts after the recall was issued. It was W720988-S439. Not sure what the significance of the last part.

ARC · May 18, 2023

Cdubya said:

Just picked up the diff bolt. It was exactly the part number you stated.
Parts guy stated this is a new number so it must be a revision to the part.

Cruising68 · May 18, 2023

Excellent. I may pick up two just to make sure I have the strongest bolts. My one bolt was bent for sure back when I put a two bolt in mine last year.

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Cdubya · May 18, 2023

ARC said:

Can I ask what these cost? I've been thinking about replacing my two bolt, like Cruising68, to get the strongest bolts available. Been looking online but prices are all over...not sure what retail is.

ARC · May 18, 2023

Cdubya said:

It was 7.00 per bolt after tax

ARC · May 18, 2023

Cruising68 said:

I didn't do the two bolt suffrage, just bought the AWR brace and now will put a new bolt in.

Rick · May 18, 2023

Differential Mount Bolt (Lower)

Part Number: W720988S439
Supersession(s): -W720988-S439; W720701S439; W720988-S439

Cruising68 · May 18, 2023

Rick said:

Thanks, just ordered a couple !

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Cajun Heat · May 18, 2023

Cruising68 said:

Where did you order them from?

Lightning Struck · May 19, 2023

Does anyone happen to know the torque on said fastener?

Stone17 · May 19, 2023

Lightning Struck said:

FORZDA3 · May 19, 2023

I haven’t checked, but that torque value may be different now vs 2020.

Cruising68 · May 19, 2023

Cajun Heat said:

Tasca Ford. Shipped in 48hrs and $22 delivered. Shipping was $12

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Cdubya · May 23, 2023

I lucked out on Ebay and got 4 for $12 shipped. Curious to see if any of my two bolts are bent. Maybe I take the two bolts for granted but am used to jacking the rear from the rear differential.

F=MA · May 23, 2023

Meh, been dealing with two bolt issues since I was jump started...

Frankenstein's_monster_(Boris_Karloff) (1).jpg

StarWhite22 · May 23, 2023

Is removing the bolt essentially just supporting the diff with a Jack and then removing the old bolt and swapping in a new one? Or is there more to it? Pry a dumb question but if I wanted to see if my bolt was bent I didn’t know if it was something easy to check

ARC · May 23, 2023

StarWhite22 said:

No such thing as a dumb question. I didn't do it but had the techs do it. I was standing right there as they put it on the lift and simply used a ratchet to remove and inspect after they installed the AWR brace.

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