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Replacement rear end

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Old May 30, 2014 | 09:41 PM
  #1  
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Replacement rear end

I want to get a rear end from a pick a part yard and I'm not sure exactly what I need.

What I know is what's on my truck now is an 8.8 with 355 gears on a 92 F150. Do I need to know the spline count or brake size if I were to get a replacement?

How do I identify this type of rear end? It's a unique bolt pattern, any pics of the different ones?
 
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Old May 31, 2014 | 12:05 AM
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Only thing you need to know is the if it has the same gears. Look at the tag on the diff cover and make sure it is the same as yours
 
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Old May 31, 2014 | 12:53 AM
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Look for axle code 19 or H9 and verify it with the tag on the rear 3_55 or 3L55 respectively. H9 is the limited slip, but will likely need to be rebuilt. It can be done without disturbing the gears. Last step would be to pull the cover and inspect.

You'll need one with the RABS sensor, so 87-96 IIRC.
 
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Old May 31, 2014 | 01:59 AM
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For a direct bolt in he will need a '90+ axle. From personal experience the pre-'90 axles use a yoke on the pinion and the '90+ use a flange.

I bought an '89 axle from a F150 that I was going to rebuild and was unaware of this difference at the time. When I crawled under my truck to look at the sway bar mount's I noticed they were different.
 
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Old May 31, 2014 | 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Evan_P
For a direct bolt in he will need a '90+ axle. From personal experience the pre-'90 axles use a yoke on the pinion and the '90+ use a flange. I bought an '89 axle from a F150 that I was going to rebuild and was unaware of this difference at the time. When I crawled under my truck to look at the sway bar mount's I noticed they were different.
Yes but they can be changed.
 
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Old May 31, 2014 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by fordka
Yes but they can be changed.
Yes, but you can't just unbolt one and bolt another on. You undo the pinion nut and you loose all pre-load. When this happens the carrier has to come out so the pinion can be removed and a new crush sleeve installed. Then you have to set the pre-load and reassemble the axle.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
I want to get a rear end from a pick a part yard and I'm not sure exactly what I need.

What I know is what's on my truck now is an 8.8 with 355 gears on a 92 F150. Do I need to know the spline count or brake size if I were to get a replacement?

How do I identify this type of rear end? It's a unique bolt pattern, any pics of the different ones?
I am revisiting this because I have to do some unexpected work on my back brakes. The problem I am having is the bleeder screw on the driver's side drum stripped out the threads from the backing plate. In looking at how much work it is just to remove the and replace the backing plate, I am considering getting a used diff, doing some upgrades I want and then installing that.

My first thought was to go to the pick a part yard and get a rear end that matches my specs, but since I will be replacing the carrier, does it matter what rear end I get as long as it's an 8.8?

For something with a lot of power but is also a daily driver, what type of diff carrier would I want to use? I was reading and it seems like a Detroit Locker would be good but I am looking for input.

Last, since I will be pulling a whole rear end, is there an 8.8 rear end I could pull from a vehicle (explorer maybe) that would have disc brakes and not drum? I don't know that I would ever buy a conversion kit to make this change but if I can pull one that will work for my truck that already has disc brakes, that would be the way to go.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 03:57 PM
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The bleeder screw can't strip out the backing plate. It's part of the wheel cylinder and it's easily replaced.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Spktyr
The bleeder screw can't strip out the backing plate. It's part of the wheel cylinder and it's easily replaced.
damn, I am glad you told me that. I hadn't found anything on the internet that said I could just replace that and I would be good.

That will save me a lot of work now. Would still like to know about the items I asked about (carrier type, disc brakes) so I can plan my work.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
damn, I am glad you told me that. I hadn't found anything on the internet that said I could just replace that and I would be good.
Technically, you replace the wheel cylinder. But that's cheap enough. It's still not the backing plate, though.

Courtesy of RockAuto's web site, this is your left wheel cylinder:


And this is your right wheel cylinder:



Please note the bleeder screw. Yes, when installed it kind of looks like part of the backing plate especially if it's been in there a while, but I assure you it isn't.

If the bleeder screw stripped out, I suggest using heat and a good penetrating lubricant like Kroil or SeaFoam DeepCreep (latter is available at VatoZone and Walmart) to get the brake line fitting out of the wheel cylinder and the wheel cylinder mounting bolts out of the backing plate. That way you don't make the job worse for yourself.


That will save me a lot of work now. Would still like to know about the items I asked about (carrier type, disc brakes) so I can plan my work.
*That* I can't help you with, but perhaps someone else here can.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
damn, I am glad you told me that. I hadn't found anything on the internet that said I could just replace that and I would be good.

That will save me a lot of work now. Would still like to know about the items I asked about (carrier type, disc brakes) so I can plan my work.
There is no bolt-in disk brake upgrade for this vintage truck. The Explorer 8.8" is too narrow IIRC.

If you want more braking power consider upgrading the front calipers: Factory Big Brake Kit

The locker vs. limited slip vs. Truetrac-style differentials is argued every few weeks. Everyone has their own input/personal experience/opinion.

A string of recent threads: Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results

 
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Old Jan 8, 2015 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Spktyr
Technically, you replace the wheel cylinder. But that's cheap enough. It's still not the backing plate, though.

Courtesy of RockAuto's web site, this is your left wheel cylinder:


And this is your right wheel cylinder:



Please note the bleeder screw. Yes, when installed it kind of looks like part of the backing plate especially if it's been in there a while, but I assure you it isn't.

If the bleeder screw stripped out, I suggest using heat and a good penetrating lubricant like Kroil or SeaFoam DeepCreep (latter is available at VatoZone and Walmart) to get the brake line fitting out of the wheel cylinder and the wheel cylinder mounting bolts out of the backing plate. That way you don't make the job worse for yourself.


*That* I can't help you with, but perhaps someone else here can.
already replaced, thanks

and Thanks rla2005
 
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Old Jan 9, 2015 | 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
There is no bolt-in disk brake upgrade for this vintage truck. The Explorer 8.8" is too narrow IIRC.

If you want more braking power consider upgrading the front calipers: Factory Big Brake Kit

The locker vs. limited slip vs. Truetrac-style differentials is argued every few weeks. Everyone has their own input/personal experience/opinion.

A string of recent threads: Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results

how much bigger are those brakes than what I have now? I've never measured my rotors. I'm wondering if doing that work is worth it?

also, since everyone has a different opinion about a rear end (left that open for interpretation), what do you think about a Detroit Locker? from what I have read it seems like it'll do but I've heard it might be too noisy?
 
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Old Jan 9, 2015 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
how much bigger are those brakes than what I have now? I've never measured my rotors. I'm wondering if doing that work is worth it?

also, since everyone has a different opinion about a rear end (left that open for interpretation), what do you think about a Detroit Locker? from what I have read it seems like it'll do but I've heard it might be too noisy?
E150 rotors are 12.83" vs. 11.71" for the stock F150 rotor. I know several of the Lightning guys have gone that route. If I was going to do this I would add in a hydro-boost brake system and get rid of the vacuum booster. Go big or go home. Most of the braking comes from the front anyway.

Personally I am not a fan of a locker on a street driven vehicle. Off-road or drag racing they are very well suited to the job. I have had great experience with the factory TracLoc limited slip differential in my trucks over the years both on the street and mild off-roading. I have setup a few to have more "grip" before biasing torque from one side or the other. I have always been a fan of the TrueTrac/Gleason style limited slip but never had the need to pony up the money for one.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2015 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
E150 rotors are 12.83" vs. 11.71" for the stock F150 rotor. I know several of the Lightning guys have gone that route. If I was going to do this I would add in a hydro-boost brake system and get rid of the vacuum booster. Go big or go home. Most of the braking comes from the front anyway.

Personally I am not a fan of a locker on a street driven vehicle. Off-road or drag racing they are very well suited to the job. I have had great experience with the factory TracLoc limited slip differential in my trucks over the years both on the street and mild off-roading. I have setup a few to have more "grip" before biasing torque from one side or the other. I have always been a fan of the TrueTrac/Gleason style limited slip but never had the need to pony up the money for one.
I took a look at the conversion and I am not sure it will work for me because I would need to get the spindles from a 4x4 van, in that forum they have no reason use those spindles.
 
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