I have a 1995 E250 V8 5.8 cargo van with 220,000 miles. I get a
rumbling vibration when I accelerate over 50mph. It has been diagnosed
as the differential by two shops. I've been quoted $1000 at one shop
and $2000 at the dealer. I have the money to fix it, but it's only
worth $1000 andI hope to trade it in in 6-12 months.

The question that no one seems to agree on: how long do I have, and
what will happen? Will the noise/vibration get worse? Will I have any
sort of warning? Will it seize up or cause additional damage to other
components if I let it go? Could it cause an accident if I drive it to
the breaking point?

TIA,
Imagoomba

Yes it will get worse. No one knows the life span. You will destroy many
internal parts of the differential including bearings and bushings,
possibly drive shaft components, transmission and engine wear in
addition if it has not already. The vibration and noise may or may not
get worse. They like to go out at 3 am on the expressway. It may seize
or grind to a halt. It may make you loose control if it seizes and
doesn't brake the drive shaft. Now for the good news. Your cheapest and
best bet for a fix on a vehicle this old is to go to your local junkyard
and buy a complete used differential for the van. Pay to have it
installed at a repair shop and you should be fine for quite a while. You
might get away for about five to seven hundred and fifty dollars
including installation. If your handy enough you can do it yourself.
Make sure the yard has the correct differential and ratio and guarantees
what is sells. Best of luck.






imagoomba (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:

Thanks for the advice! I'll look into the used differential and cross
my fingers. ;-)