last week I broke the pinion and spider gears in in rear end. Well Im getting a used rear end rather than rebuidling mine. Does anyone know the gear ratio on the 97 F150 xlt 4.6l 4x4. I figured they would all be the same but my tag is missing on my diff and I was told by an auto parts store that there were a couple different ones. Thanks

 

trust me, its ALOT cheaper and easier to rebuild the rear end. but, if you insist on buying used, its probably 3.55. but, look on the door jamb and post the axle code on here.

 

Axle Codes
L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential
Code Ratio
18 3.08C
19 3.55C
24 3.54L
25 4.10C
26 3.73C
27 3.31C
28 3.73C
B5 4.10L
B6 3.73L
H9 3.55L

 

how much does it cost to rebuild the rear end? I have family that works at the ford dealership so I get a good price on parts. I was told it would be easier to swap rear ends.

 

if its just the gears inside the differential (pinion/side gears) then its relatively cheap. i did mine, which is a limited slip differential so i replace the clutch packs for around $250.

it was 150 for the gears
around 6-70 for the clutch packs (only needed if you have a limited slip)

then of course, $22 for rear fluid and $5 for the RTV. all thats needed is basic tools and a torque wrench if you decide to take the carrier out.

i mean, im only 17, and its not like i go to school for this yet. and i did it in a weekend. its easier then it seems if you have a basic automotive knowledge.

 

Im 20 and know pretty much about workin on cars and trucks. My axle code is h9 which is limited slip. If its only 250 ill rebuild mine.

 

you'll need these...

1986-11 Mustang 8.8" Rear Differential Spider Gears 31 Spline Traction Lok at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

one of these...

1986-11 Mustang 8.8" 7/8" Differential Cross Pin, for 31 Spline Applications at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

thise...

1986-2012 Mustang Ford Racing 8.8" Traction-Lok Rebuild Kit with Carbon Discs, M-4700-C at LRS - Same Day Shipping!


and this

CPA5OHtech - Page: 18 of 27

 

does anyone know is all the axles listed above are interchangable ?

 

theres only 2 different types of axles. whats listed above is the different gear ratios. if you're replacing the whole axle, then you'll either have a 8.8 or a 9.75. they cannot be interchanged without a different driveshaft.

 

It takes a bit more than just removing and installing a ring and pinion. You have to set pinion crush properly, and the lash as well. If you don't know how to do it, research it up and down before you even drain the diff. If then you feel confident you can do it all properly, then by all means go for it, if not find someone who knows how to set a ring and pinion up properly. If it's not done right you can tear new gears up in a short time. One tip I can offer is upon teardown, keep close track of which sides the carrier shims come out of. It's not extremely difficult job to rebuild a diff, but it definitely has to be done exactly right. Swapping out the whole unit is a bit more "plug and play" as long as the axle you get is in good shape.

 

As said above, best to research for this job. Here's a gear install from a 4x4 site that should give insight to the procedure of an install which may help your decision to do it yourself. http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

There's usually small shops, they don't have to be speed shops, that specialize in diff repairs that will be far cheaper than using a dealership for parts and labor. Try the Yellow Pages in your area.

Note. this is a dana 60 install, not a 8.8.

 

The 8.8 is a very easy axle to rebuild not as easy per say as maybe a removable carrier unit like a 9'' is but you should be able to handle the job. You will need a press to replace the bearings and a dial indicator to set the gears and shims. May want to buy an extra crush collar to as you only get one shot with them. Plan on 6 hours for a first timer.

 

reading is fundamental. hes not replacing the ring and pinion, hes replacing the pinion gears and side gears, AKA spider gears. so no specialty tools or shops needed.

 

I highly doubt he broke the pinion without messing up the ring gear. But either way, replacing the pinion requires the new crush sleeve to be set right, and the gear lash done with a micrometer. If JUST the spiders broke, then it would be a simple spider gear swap.

 

ugh... HIS RING AND PINION ARE FINE!!!!! HE BROKE THE SPIDER GEARS. THE GEARS INSIDE THE DIFFERENTIAL ARE CALLED SPIDER AND PINION GEARS. HIS RING AND PINION ARE UNHARMED.