chzuck

Not trolling, just saying there is much info on the Ford forums saying there are better units out there. This is my 4th Ford truck and I happen to like it very much!

Also, I am perfectly capable of setting up the rear myself, but do not have a lift and do not feel like crawling around under the truck.

Marc D

You might consider just pulling the entire rear end and bench build it. Most of us don't have lifts and are forced to work on the ground. Only you can decide what direction you want to go with parts and brands. There's certainly a lot of companies that make aftermarket gears and lockers. I know for me, most of my repairs are based on a retirement budget and I would be at the wrecking yard first too. Best of luck with your repair.

chzuck

That is the plan. Buy a used unit, install new clutches & bearings and most likely have that fellow install and set it up. My input pinion seal is starting to leak, so replace that at the same time. I am retired as well and money does not flow quite as freely as it used to, but I have plenty of time to search for a used carrier.

chzuck

I am finally in the process of installing the LS differential. Other than the tag on the rear cover, is there any other way to tell what what rear is in a vehicle by any ID on the axle itself? The previous owner was no help.

nrivera04

Look at the door sticker for an axle code. Often times a letter and number, but could be two number. Look up the axle code online for gearing and slip options.

I'm not saying your truck isn't suppose to have a slip rearend, but in a V6 truck, it would likely have been a factory special order if you did or were suppose to have it.


FIRST EDIT... Sorry, I misread your question... As far as I know, the only way from outside is the ID plate... Inside however, I seem to recall my 8.8 in my old Explorer had an "S" plate in between the spider gears. I'm unsure if they still do this in the 8.8s

chzuck

I don't think you completely understood my question. I know by the door sticker the truck should have a LS diff and I know by removing the diff cover that it does not. What I am trying to find out is was a mistake made at the factory or did someone change the internal carrier from LS to open. At this point I am leaning on Ford made a mistake at the factory. Too bad Ford does not stamp the axle like Dana that way I would know for sure.

chzuck

And now it has the LS differential that it was supposed to have. Old diff carrier had no preload and pinion only had 10 inch pounds of preload. Bash lash on the old rear was .014 - .015 inches. It had good tooth contact. Worked out well. The only shim change was the .006" I added to each side after I checked tooth contact. Checked tooth contact again and backlash is .008" - .010". I used all new bearings and a new clutch pack and S spring. It is quieter than before. Before I had a slight whine when I left off the throttle.