I need to have TSB 06-12-11 performed (rear axle moan) performed, so I called my local Ford dealership (Mike Raisor Ford, Lafayette, IN - where I purchsed the car) to schedule an appointment. I also inquired about getting 3.55 gears put in the car (it's an automatic) while they perform the TSB work. I'm hoping for a price break on the labor for the gear swap since they'll have the rear end apart anyway. Right off the bat, the service manager didn't like the fact that I even knew what the TSB number was. He said it was "fishy" that I wanted to have a gear swap done while I was getting the TSB performed. Then he said that if I change the gears in my car, it will VOID the factory warranty! Am I wrong here? I thought FRPP parts, when installed by a Ford dealership, would not void the factory warranty?

I can understand his needing to actually diagnose the axle moan issue before covering it under warranty. My goal was to determine pricing for the extra work, and possibly order the gears ahead of time so they would already be there when the TSB was performed.

Anyway, my big question here is ... will my Mustang's factory warranty be voided by having a Ford dealership install FRPP parts (specifically a set of gears)?

 

He's full of it, man.... I had a problem with the rear end on my '98. They had to replace the entire differential, and they put in some 3.73s that they had in stock instead of the 2.73s that were in there. It didn't void a thing. He's just thinks you're trying to get a freebee. Mine had an obviouse problem because it was leaking fluid, and when they tore it down the carrier pin was sheared and the carrier bearings were all pitted.... bad from the factory, with very low miles. So, it wasn't like I approached them with a problem that I read somewhere.... this one was obvious. But, they didn't have a problem putting in the 3.73s. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I was good buddies with one of the parts managers.

Perhaps you can try a different dealer. See if they'll perform the work, then tell them you'll swing for a different gear ratio. And if that doesn't fly, have them do the work, then find out which tech is on it... buy the gears, and a 6 pack of said tech's favorite beer (all tranny and rear end techs like beer) and work your magic.
... oh.. and wear something a little .... off the shoulder.

 

Yea like a pair of coveralls

 

That would me off having the service manager telling me that. All you did was ask a question about the dealer repairing a defect in a car you paid alot of money for. And they would have MADE money on the deal selling you the parts. I wouldn't take this morons word about anything regarding the warranty. He could be right but he's still an for handling your problem this way. I would deal with his boss about this.

 

I was thinkin' somethin' more like a negligee. (That's what the beer is for..... perhaps get a second 6 pack for yourself.)

 

Sounds like he was just ****ed you stepped onto his turf by knowing about the TSB. Probably feels slighted like you're doing his job for him by diagnosing the problem.