Differential swap, need help please.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
Differential swap, need help please.
I currently have a 93 Aero, EB, it has the B9, 8.8 L/S rear diff with the 3.55 gear in it. I have been tring to locate one, but have not had any luck. My question is, will a conventional, (as I keep hearing the rear ends called) non L/S diff with either the 3.27, 3.55, or 3.73 rear end work in my van? What kind of differences are there between the two types of rear ends.
Thank You,
Tim
Thank You,
Tim
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
If all you want to do is swap the differential unit, yes, a conventional "open" version will swap in. But why would you want to? A limited slip differential will give you much better traction if you ever drive in the rain or snow. My 2wd van with the open differential had a really hard time in the rain. If you want to change the gear ratio, you should consider changing just the ring and pinon gears, as that will be just a little more work than swapping out the differential (and pinion).
You can take this opportunity to refresh the clutches in your LSD to make it work better. (Actually, you don't need to take the differential apart to do that.) Ford sells a complete kit that includes clutches, steel plates, shims for both sides, a pinion shaft cross bolt, and friction modifier (forgot the part number as it's been a long time since I did this).
You can take this opportunity to refresh the clutches in your LSD to make it work better. (Actually, you don't need to take the differential apart to do that.) Ford sells a complete kit that includes clutches, steel plates, shims for both sides, a pinion shaft cross bolt, and friction modifier (forgot the part number as it's been a long time since I did this).
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 79
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From: Georgia
I don't really want to go to an open diff. The guy who owned the van before me had a pinion seal leak and let the fluid get too low and now the rear end howls and makes other noises. I have looked for another ls diff and can not find one, that's the reason I am having to swap the rear end in the first place. The bad thing is that I currently live in Ga. and I am about to move to Michigan. I really hope I can find an ls diff before I drive this van all the way up there.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
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Also if you have AWD, (E4WD) you need to make sure you keep your gear ratio the same. But other than that, no issues. On a RWD it doesn't matter as far as functionality, but the LSD does have more grip in adverse conditions.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
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From: Washington state
The 8.8 LS 3.55 was popular in the F150s
any 8.8 Ranger, Explorer diff. unit will work. doesn't have to be Aero for the diff.
just has to be the right spline count, 28.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/rearends_ford14.htm
axles and rear end housing, another story. Aero one of a kind.
The Chinese scrap buyers sucked up every rear end unit they could in this area from the junke yards for the high quality scrap steel in them.
any 8.8 Ranger, Explorer diff. unit will work. doesn't have to be Aero for the diff.
just has to be the right spline count, 28.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/rearends_ford14.htm
axles and rear end housing, another story. Aero one of a kind.
The Chinese scrap buyers sucked up every rear end unit they could in this area from the junke yards for the high quality scrap steel in them.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
The 8.8 LS 3.55 was popular in the F150s
any 8.8 Ranger, Explorer diff. unit will work. doesn't have to be Aero for the diff.
just has to be the right spline count.
axles and rear end housing, another story. Aero one of a kind.
The Chinese scrap buyers sucked up every rear end unit they could in this area from the junke yards for the high quality scrap steel in them.
any 8.8 Ranger, Explorer diff. unit will work. doesn't have to be Aero for the diff.
just has to be the right spline count.
axles and rear end housing, another story. Aero one of a kind.
The Chinese scrap buyers sucked up every rear end unit they could in this area from the junke yards for the high quality scrap steel in them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
As long as it is 28 spline/8.8, yes you can swap guts.
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