Changing from non-LS to LS
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: MN
Changing from non-LS to LS
I have a 1994 F150 4x4 with a 5.0L and an 8.8" 3.55 non-limited slip rear. Can I convert this rear to a limited slip rear end? Could the rear end guts from a Traction-Lok rear out of a Mustang 8.8" simply be swapped into the chunk? Thanks for the info. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Copley, OH
Changing from non-LS to LS
Yes, it can be converted. No, the Mustang stuff will not fit. The Mustang uses the 28-spline 8.8 rear, the truck uses the 31-spline version. Very little other than the ring and pinion is interchangable.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Walterboro, SC
Changing from non-LS to LS
Inside of the rearend you have the pinion gear, ring gear, and differential gear assembly. The pinion is attached to the driveshaft and it turns the ring gear. OK you probably already knew all of this.
The differential gears are bolted to the ring gear so all you need to do is bolt a new differential gear unit in place of yours. BUT you HAVE to make sure that the number of axle splines in both differential gear units are the same. ie. the axles slides into the differential gear unit from each side so you have to make sure the spline numbers are the same to make it work. It will have either 28, or 31 splines.
The only thing I would worry about is that the torque from your truck may be too much for the mustang unit. IF it is there are alot of aftermarket units you can buy to put in there...for about $500 :P Also make sure you put a limited-slip oil additive in there.
The differential gears are bolted to the ring gear so all you need to do is bolt a new differential gear unit in place of yours. BUT you HAVE to make sure that the number of axle splines in both differential gear units are the same. ie. the axles slides into the differential gear unit from each side so you have to make sure the spline numbers are the same to make it work. It will have either 28, or 31 splines.
The only thing I would worry about is that the torque from your truck may be too much for the mustang unit. IF it is there are alot of aftermarket units you can buy to put in there...for about $500 :P Also make sure you put a limited-slip oil additive in there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Changing from non-LS to LS
You have to remove the open differential carrier and replace it with a limited slip carrier. I got a complete imited slip carrier off ebay for 50 bucks. Got a rebuild kit, even though I probably didn't need one for 65 bucks and it's as good as new. Getting ready to install it soon. Needs to be 31 spline.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Walterboro, SC
Changing from non-LS to LS
Originally posted by StrangeRanger
Yes, it can be converted. No, the Mustang stuff will not fit. The Mustang uses the 28-spline 8.8 rear, the truck uses the 31-spline version. Very little other than the ring and pinion is interchangable.
Yes, it can be converted. No, the Mustang stuff will not fit. The Mustang uses the 28-spline 8.8 rear, the truck uses the 31-spline version. Very little other than the ring and pinion is interchangable.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Changing from non-LS to LS
Well, before you go and do anything, what is the application? Do you have big tires/high stress goin on there? If so, the traction lok might not be for you.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: MN
Changing from non-LS to LS
The truck is stock engine wise. I do have 31x10.5 tires but everything else is stock.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic 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
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Changing from non-LS to LS
OK then, go with the traction lok. If you get too big of tires, sometimes the tabs of the clutches will break off and thats not good to have floating around the lube.