moving to a open diff to LS tough?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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moving to a open diff to LS tough?
I have a 1994 with a 5.0, E4OD. Pretty decent truck. My only gripe is that it has poor traction. Right now I have 3.08 gears with an open diff. How tough would it be to make it a limited slip diff and how much money would I be in for if I did it myself, or if I had the shop do it?
I thought about buying a rebuilt 3.08 with LS from jasper, but they were expensive (near $2k!).
Matt
I thought about buying a rebuilt 3.08 with LS from jasper, but they were expensive (near $2k!).
Matt
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
moving to a open diff to LS tough?
Just search ebay for a 31 spline Traction Lok from Ford. I got a used one from an Explorer for $50. Came with the toner ring, the side/spyder gears and clutches. I did put new clutches in it however, $75 from Ford. Swapping carriers is pretty easy, because you don't have to mess with the pinion gear.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
moving to a open diff to LS tough?
Changing the diff carrier doesn't affect the pinion preload, but it does affect the gear mesh, and therefore, backlash. They still need to be set up properly, and you should let a pro do it. Cost should be $75-200, and you might as well redo the whole axle while you're at it - bearings, seals, pinion shaft lock bolt.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
moving to a open diff to LS tough?
True but the backlash shouldn't move that much, still needs to be checked of coarse. Working on the pinion is most of the trouble when working on an axle, so since you're not messing with that, it'll be a lot easier. Whether or not you should rebuild the whole thing, depends on how old it is, and how many miles are on it. Changing the carrier is cheap/easy. Rebuilding the axle is time consuming and costly because of the pinion and the other bearings/seals.
