Recently purchased a new 05/06 Transaxle from Ford. I guess I'm not terribly surprised that no one has gone back through the inventory at Ford and updated the axle bolts/spacer on all of the in-stock inventory. However, I would kinda expect/hope that Ford would provide the upgrade kit with the new transaxle.
Based on our experience, there is an overwhelming probability of axle bolt failure. It's not a hoax or a "may fail". For cars that are driven, the original bolts WILL fail. Compared to the cost of a new transaxle, the cost of the axle bolt upgrade is not a big deal... but I just don't think it's cool that after purchasing a major/expensive drivetrain component, the onus is on me to purchase and install another part (kit) to make the component viable. I guess just a gripe for me but when a shop doesn't know any better, they're going to install a component with a known/acknowledged non-trivial defect.
If you purchase a new driver's side horn button assembly, do you get an old Takata airbag?
Based on our experience, there is an overwhelming probability of axle bolt failure. It's not a hoax or a "may fail". For cars that are driven, the original bolts WILL fail. Compared to the cost of a new transaxle, the cost of the axle bolt upgrade is not a big deal... but I just don't think it's cool that after purchasing a major/expensive drivetrain component, the onus is on me to purchase and install another part (kit) to make the component viable. I guess just a gripe for me but when a shop doesn't know any better, they're going to install a component with a known/acknowledged non-trivial defect.
If you purchase a new driver's side horn button assembly, do you get an old Takata airbag?
