Hi all. A little preface- i have never used a forum before so i know very little about how they work. I joined here because i have a question and cannot find an answer for it anywhere.

My question is in regards to F150 Differentials.

i have a 2000 Ford F150 4.2L V6 with a type 19 axle. It is a 2 wheel drive vehicle.

3.55/8.8 rear disc is what i believe my current situation is

differential blew out and needs to be replaced. I spoke with two mechanics about what i can replace it with as everything is expensive here

both are ripped out of other vehicles

mechanic one says i cannot replace with a different gear ratio and the diff with a gear ratio to match is 1400 from his guy. I searched online and found one for 1200 (51k miles 30 day warranty)

mechanic two says i can use any differential gear ratio because it is two wheel drive. He offers me a 3.75 for 600 ( 129k miles 6 month warranty)

i need some guidance from fellows who know more than i because as my user name suggests, i know not.

if this is not a correct place for this question please tell me where i can ask this and i will copy and paste. I want to keep with this community going forward and don't want to step on any toes.

thanks in advance,
billhilly

 

There are many on here that can help with conversation of gear ratios and differentials.They will chime in soon I guarentee.

My thought is, if your going used, you can find a rear diff. at a salvage/junk yard for $100 - $150, then have someone put it in.

I do know, new/rebuilt ones are expensive.

Edit, axle was my thought as well, spoke incorrectly

 

I would look around in local junkyards for a replacement axle. The whole axle not just differential

 

Being 2WD, you don't need to keep the same gear ratio, though your speedometer will no longer be accurate if you change. And swapping the entire rear end is a good way to go, and may save you money in the long run. Replacing the center section and gears is much more labor intensive than just swapping the entire assembly.

..

 

don't forget that in 2000 models, they can have either 12mm studs or 14mm studs. It is a split year on those. That can make a difference if you don't want 2 types/sizes of lug nuts. If you post the rear axle attached tag for the S8xxx number, we can post you a listing of LS axles to match your truck. All will fit that are 8.8, but with your tag we can locate one. There are about 20 8.8's 3:55's listed in 2000 for the F150, all by tag when doing a look up.

 

I'd like to know why mechanic #1 says you can't use a different ratio? It makes me suspicious.

 

i found a rear end in a junk yard for 500 this morning. Down where i am a pack of smokes is $9.

The ratios. Match so I don't have to deal with all the complications of switching

 

mechanic 1 is fearful of liabilities

 

That doesn't make much sense. It also doesn't answer why he says it cannot be done. Not willing and cannot aren't the same thing.

 

Mechanic 1 is full of sh*t