Is my rear axle a LS

[reflex26]

Hi, I have a 96 explorer xlt and the door sticker says it has a D4 axle. I just got it so I don't know much about this particular vehicle.I jacked the rear up so the rear tires were off the ground and put it in neutral. I rotated one tire in one direction and the other side didn't rotate in either direction,It didn't move at all. This has me worried because I read a thread somewhere that the check is to rotate one tire in one direction and the other side rotates in the same direction it is LS and if the other side rotates in the opposite direction it is open,but this does neither which confuses me.Can anyone help me?Thanks.

[ncranchero]

D4 is limited slip, 3.73 ratio.

Limited slip, both wheels should turn in the same direction. Open, one in one direction the other opposite.

[NumberDummy]

1959 thru today:

If the AXLE code on the Certification Label (or Warranty Plate) begins with a letter: Limited Slip.

If the AXLE code begins with a number: No Limited Slip.

Some Limited Slips use steel and lined plates. The number of each varies depending on the axle.

For example, some have 6 steel plates & 5 lined plates.

If the lining on those plates is worn down to nothing, your Limited Slip...no longer works.

[reflex26]

Thanks for the info.If the lining on the plates is worn will that cause the other wheel to not turn in either direction? I understand that at least the axle worked before I bought the truck. I bought it from my son and he drove it until the fuel pump went and he sold it to me.

[mrshorty]

1959 thru today:
If the AXLE code on the Certification Label (or Warranty Plate) begins with a letter: Limited Slip.
If the AXLE code begins with a number: No Limited Slip.

Assuming that the current axle is the same one the truck left the factory with. If the axle has been rebuilt/replaced, who knows what's there. Also, as noted, when the clutches wear out, it becomes an open differential.

If the lining on the plates is worn will that cause the other wheel to not turn in either direction?

maybe. The standard test for these is to measure how much torque it takes to rotate one wheel (transmission in N) while the other stays stationary. If memory serves, spec is 20 ft lbs. Where you had both wheels off the ground (assuming no issues with the brakes), it probably took next to no effort to spin that one wheel while the other stayed stationary. This almost certainly suggests that those clutches are worn out.

[reflex26]

Thanks again for the advise.I'll check things out this weekend,weather permitting.I think I'll really enjoy this truck.I plan on fixing it up to be a nice ride.