Differential vent
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
Yes, all RWD differentials need ventilation, like most gear boxes; the gears will always generate heat that will cause gas expansion within the case.
The vent hole fitting should be on the left axle tube as part of the brake line anchor, with a rubber hose leading from from it into the frame to prevent water ingress. On this picture, it's between the clamp on the tube and the rubber bump stop:
https://plus.google.com/photos/11555...67774490549511
If the tube is pinched, the built-up pressure can cause oil leaks out the seals. Otherwise, the seal has probably failed.
The vent hole fitting should be on the left axle tube as part of the brake line anchor, with a rubber hose leading from from it into the frame to prevent water ingress. On this picture, it's between the clamp on the tube and the rubber bump stop:
https://plus.google.com/photos/11555...67774490549511
If the tube is pinched, the built-up pressure can cause oil leaks out the seals. Otherwise, the seal has probably failed.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
xlt4wd90 -
that picture shows the rear sway bar too, which I am considering.
I can tell yours is an extended body.
what difference does it make in the ride? is it harsher? Yes I imagine it leans less.
how much is that bar kit? looks easy to install.
that picture shows the rear sway bar too, which I am considering.
I can tell yours is an extended body.
what difference does it make in the ride? is it harsher? Yes I imagine it leans less.
how much is that bar kit? looks easy to install.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
That's the Hellwig kit, which required no drilling, just clamps on the axle tubes and the lower control arms. It definitely flattened out the rear end around turns. I think I paid about $150 for it at the time from these guys:
Ford Aerostar Van Sway Bar 1986-1996 by Hellwig #7529 | SuspensionConnection.com
It looks like the price has gone up a little, and if the picture is accurate, its design has changed, and may need drilling into the control arms for mounting.
The only alternative is ADDCO, which costs more, and also requires drilling into the control arms, but it's 1/4" thicker, so it may be more effective.
The way most anti-sway bars are set up, they shouldn't contribute to spring rate, so they will have no effect on bumps that hit both sides at the same time. If the bump happens to hit just one side or the other, the bar will try to raise the opposite side, limited by its torsional spring rate. In other words, it makes the rear suspension even LESS independent than what the live axle already is.
Ford Aerostar Van Sway Bar 1986-1996 by Hellwig #7529 | SuspensionConnection.com
It looks like the price has gone up a little, and if the picture is accurate, its design has changed, and may need drilling into the control arms for mounting.
The only alternative is ADDCO, which costs more, and also requires drilling into the control arms, but it's 1/4" thicker, so it may be more effective.
The way most anti-sway bars are set up, they shouldn't contribute to spring rate, so they will have no effect on bumps that hit both sides at the same time. If the bump happens to hit just one side or the other, the bar will try to raise the opposite side, limited by its torsional spring rate. In other words, it makes the rear suspension even LESS independent than what the live axle already is.
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