Annoying whine. We have an 04, V6, Explorer purchased new with 6K miles on it that has developed an annoying whine. The whine starts around 40 when torque is applied and goes away around 60. It's only there when torque is applied, goes away when coasting down hill with no application of power. If using cruise control on level road at steady speed it's also not noticed. It's there in or out of OD only when torques is applied between 40 and 60. It's still under warranty, however, there is a kicker. The truck is equipped with a Remco drive shaft disconnect which allows the truck to be pulled flat behind our RV. The shaft was installed by Drive Shaft King, Dallas, TX who is one of the few places in the DFW that can do this kind of work. The shaft was balanced and there is no vibration, the truck is steady to 85 which is as fast as it's been driven. The whine developed about 1K miles after disconnect was installed. The truck has been pulled less than 2K. Our past dingy was a 98 Explored which also had a drive shaft disconnect installed by same shop and it never gave us any problems. Other than a stiff ride it was a good truck. The Ford warranty is void on after market parts. What I'm trying to avoid is the dealer telling me it's in the drive shaft and therefore not covered when in fact the whine is coming for another drive component. Any information from those who have experienced a like problem would be appreciated. txgore@...

This is a known problems on 03 and 04s. There is a TSB (tenical service bulliten) but no recall. The warranty isn't void on aftermarket parts, it is void because of aftermarket parts. If you want ford to do something about it, see how much it will cost to put your old drive shaft back in for the time being and then take it to a dealer. Yes it is the rear end. I don't know if it is the fluid that they used or the bearings/spacers used. I haven't heard about it all yet, but I know several people that are having theirs replaced. There is also some problems with the escapes. (fwd)   Chris