Electric Rear Locker
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Wyoming
Electric Rear Locker
So, I have found some 2011 F Series Superduty rear end at some salvage yards. Several have the factory OEM electric lockers in them.
Some have 4.30 gears some have 3.73 gears. Perfect since my XLT Ex has 4.30 and my Limited Ex has 3.73.
Question is this: Will a 2011+ full rear end assembly easily swap into my excursions?
I assume lug nuts will be a different thread, but unsure about parking brake, shocks, leaf spring seats, out to out width, brake caliper size fitting my 16" Wheels etc.
Any advice?
Found 2 units with less than 50,000 miles on them for $900 Each.
Some have 4.30 gears some have 3.73 gears. Perfect since my XLT Ex has 4.30 and my Limited Ex has 3.73.
Question is this: Will a 2011+ full rear end assembly easily swap into my excursions?
I assume lug nuts will be a different thread, but unsure about parking brake, shocks, leaf spring seats, out to out width, brake caliper size fitting my 16" Wheels etc.
Any advice?
Found 2 units with less than 50,000 miles on them for $900 Each.
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From: Media PA
You don't say what years your EXs are but if they are '03 or up they have same fine thread lugs as the newer trucks.
I'm pretty sure but not 100% that the spring pads will be the same width and distance apart as the EXs.
The lated model housings will be slightly wider than ours, came with the SD design change in '05.
For the first couple of years after the SD change the minimum rim size was 17" and then went up to 18" due to the bigger brakes on the trucks. I'm not certain if the rear brakes got so big that 16"s won't fit there, best to just try one of your rims on for a clearance check.
If the 16"s do fit the new rear brakes then the older style rims will be forced outboard 1.75" or so from the stock location. Or you could go with late model 17", 18" or 20" OEM rims and run spacers on the fronts to properly locate them.
Sounds like a great time to upgrade to the coil front and swap both late model axles under one of those EXs!
I'm pretty sure but not 100% that the spring pads will be the same width and distance apart as the EXs.
The lated model housings will be slightly wider than ours, came with the SD design change in '05.
For the first couple of years after the SD change the minimum rim size was 17" and then went up to 18" due to the bigger brakes on the trucks. I'm not certain if the rear brakes got so big that 16"s won't fit there, best to just try one of your rims on for a clearance check.
If the 16"s do fit the new rear brakes then the older style rims will be forced outboard 1.75" or so from the stock location. Or you could go with late model 17", 18" or 20" OEM rims and run spacers on the fronts to properly locate them.
Sounds like a great time to upgrade to the coil front and swap both late model axles under one of those EXs!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
Yah, coils would be nice but my 2000 excursions do ok with leafs.
Seems like a 2011+ rear swap may not be too difficult though.
If OEM 16" Wheels don't fit though, this project will be put on hold for a few years. I have expensive Toyo M55 tires that I will not part with.
I guess I could try it on my Limited Ex, it has cheap tires on it from PO.
1st task see if 16" rims fit.
If they do fit I need to get spacers to push fronts out 1.75" per side?
If 17" are required I get 2005+ rims all around and what thickness spacers for fronts?
Looks like shock mounts are different so I will have to cut those off and weld on Ex shock brackets.
Anyone know if electric locker is just a 12V switch activated locker? Plan is to wire them to a OEM type 12V switch on dash.
Seems like a 2011+ rear swap may not be too difficult though.
If OEM 16" Wheels don't fit though, this project will be put on hold for a few years. I have expensive Toyo M55 tires that I will not part with.
I guess I could try it on my Limited Ex, it has cheap tires on it from PO.
1st task see if 16" rims fit.
If they do fit I need to get spacers to push fronts out 1.75" per side?
If 17" are required I get 2005+ rims all around and what thickness spacers for fronts?
Looks like shock mounts are different so I will have to cut those off and weld on Ex shock brackets.
Anyone know if electric locker is just a 12V switch activated locker? Plan is to wire them to a OEM type 12V switch on dash.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
If you end up having to go with spacers on the front you will want 2" hub centric spacers, they are available in both aluminum and steel. 2" thickness is slightly more than the difference between the early and newer style rims but that thickness saves you from having to cut you lug studs down for clearance.
Your 2000 EXs have the coarse threads on the lugs nuts so you will have those up front and the fine thread on the late model rear, not really an issue as I don't imagine that you swap your lug nuts around much. But you could get the fine thread on the spacer's lugs if you want them all to be the same.
The shock mounts on the EX are not actually attached to the rear housing, they just center a hole on the mounts over a nub on the housing and are held in place with a U bolt. Not sure how the late model mounts are though, may need to take a close look at the housings you have available.
Your 2000 EXs have the coarse threads on the lugs nuts so you will have those up front and the fine thread on the late model rear, not really an issue as I don't imagine that you swap your lug nuts around much. But you could get the fine thread on the spacer's lugs if you want them all to be the same.
The shock mounts on the EX are not actually attached to the rear housing, they just center a hole on the mounts over a nub on the housing and are held in place with a U bolt. Not sure how the late model mounts are though, may need to take a close look at the housings you have available.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Wyoming
Thinking at this point, it would be preferable to just get a couple of the differentials only.
I could install a differential with the electric locker and should be cheaper if they will separate it from housing.
Just a matter of drilling an additional hole for the wires in my existing housing.
Goal is to have Auburn ECTED electric locker up front and the ford OEM unit in back.
On the other hand, the only time I use 4X4 is in heavy snow 1 foot plus and on sloppy slushy muddy gravel road to my house. Maybe a front Lock Right would be the way to go. That way if my hubs don't disengage for what ever reason I would know by the clicking sound when I turn corners.
Edit:
Dang!!
Just dug up the fact the 2011 and up differentials have 37 spline pinion. This isn't an issue if I'm putting my ring and pinion on the electric locking diferential, is it?
I could install a differential with the electric locker and should be cheaper if they will separate it from housing.
Just a matter of drilling an additional hole for the wires in my existing housing.
Goal is to have Auburn ECTED electric locker up front and the ford OEM unit in back.
On the other hand, the only time I use 4X4 is in heavy snow 1 foot plus and on sloppy slushy muddy gravel road to my house. Maybe a front Lock Right would be the way to go. That way if my hubs don't disengage for what ever reason I would know by the clicking sound when I turn corners.
Edit:
Dang!!
Just dug up the fact the 2011 and up differentials have 37 spline pinion. This isn't an issue if I'm putting my ring and pinion on the electric locking diferential, is it?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Central Tx.
After reading why you want to do this. I would go for the $400 lock rite up front & be done with it. I'm sure it would serve the purpose.
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