Changing the differential
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
Changing the differential
I have axle code 16 (3.73 open) on my 04 Navigator. Will an axle code H6 (3.73 LS) bolt right in? I want to make sure it is as easy as unbolting the old and bolt in the new. The 3.73 LS will be from an 03-06 expedition, I forgot to look at the year. Thanks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
If your Navigator has AdvanceTrac, putting a LS diff in there will probably play hell with it. Since you plan on getting a used one, also keep in mind that the 03-04 models had an issue with the clutch pads wearing out. I don't remember if the 05-06 had the same problem. So based on that, I'd rebuild the LS before installing it.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
If your Navigator has AdvanceTrac, putting a LS diff in there will probably play hell with it. Since you plan on getting a used one, also keep in mind that the 03-04 models had an issue with the clutch pads wearing out. I don't remember if the 05-06 had the same problem. So based on that, I'd rebuild the LS before installing it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
AdvanceTrac uses a number of sensors to monitor traction and then manages it by reducing engine output and/or applying the brakes at individual wheels as needed. With a LSD, I would expect some situations to arise where the AdvanceTrac would conflict with the LSD. I do not believe it was a factory option to get the two together. It's worth researching. If they were available together then I wouldn't worry about it. If not, then I'd stick with an open diff.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
Thank you. I'd stick with the open diff then.
OR invest in a selectable locker, I think they're available for our application. You could shut off the AdvanceTrac and engage the locker when you need it, which I would expect to be pretty rare.
OR invest in a selectable locker, I think they're available for our application. You could shut off the AdvanceTrac and engage the locker when you need it, which I would expect to be pretty rare.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
The LS diff will pull with both wheels equally and I think give you better traction on a wet ramp.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
Why would the engineer to reduce power or apply brakes, especially if towing. That's crazy.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 37
From: Central NYS
How big a boat and how steep a ramp are you talking?
Is the ramp hard surface or loose sand/gravel?
I use a very steep ramp (I keep the liftgate open so I can see what is going on but I have to take the luggage out of the Navi or the luggage will slide out the back coming up the ramp). Just put it in 4L and don't even have to give it any gas and it just walks the boat and trailer right out.
Why don't you make a practice run and see how your current set up performs.
Is the ramp hard surface or loose sand/gravel?
I use a very steep ramp (I keep the liftgate open so I can see what is going on but I have to take the luggage out of the Navi or the luggage will slide out the back coming up the ramp). Just put it in 4L and don't even have to give it any gas and it just walks the boat and trailer right out.
Why don't you make a practice run and see how your current set up performs.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
How big a boat and how steep a ramp are you talking?
Is the ramp hard surface or loose sand/gravel?
I use a very steep ramp (I keep the liftgate open so I can see what is going on but I have to take the luggage out of the Navi or the luggage will slide out the back coming up the ramp). Just put it in 4L and don't even have to give it any gas and it just walks the boat and trailer right out.
Why don't you make a practice run and see how your current set up performs.
Is the ramp hard surface or loose sand/gravel?
I use a very steep ramp (I keep the liftgate open so I can see what is going on but I have to take the luggage out of the Navi or the luggage will slide out the back coming up the ramp). Just put it in 4L and don't even have to give it any gas and it just walks the boat and trailer right out.
Why don't you make a practice run and see how your current set up performs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 0
You are way over thinking this, and doubly so since you haven't ever pulled a boat up a ramp. Advance Trac will get you up a ramp just fine. It isn't like ramps are littered with vehicles that can't pull their boats out.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
