2010, 4cyl, 2WD, regular cab, 105k miles. My Ford dealer tells me that my ring and pinion gears need replacing. There is a bit of a mild "clunk" occasionally, though not bad. The truck may have hauled a trailer in its early days (first 35k).

Questions:

Buy a used rear trans-axle or replace the gears?

Have Ford dealer do it or I do have quite a good mechanic and if the mechanic, use Ford parts or aftermarket? (suggestions as to who to buy from?) Guesstimates on cost?

How important is it to deal with it quickly? I'll have more $ to spend near the end of summer.

I am not able to do this work myself.

Thanks

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Ford Ranger XLT (4 cyl) Regular Cab--Plain Jane truck.
I'm from MA and sometimes NH.

I'd check the U joints first, and after 105.000 easy miles there is going to be some slack in the trans, driveline and rear end. With the trans in neutral see how much you can turn the drive shaft back and forth.

You can always tell if a dealer is lying. If his lips are moving, he is lying. Rear ends are a very robust part. If they are in bad shape they will whine, do repeated clunking, and in general make you very aware that they are unhappy. An occasional clunk is likely to be something else.