Hi, I'm new here and have a question regarding traction for my 1996 2wd 5-speed I-6 shortbed. I love my truck, I bought it new and put all 99,000 miles on it. Back then I could not afford the 4-wheel drive, now I love it too much to trade it. I am seriously considering putting the limited slip differential in the rear.(is this the same as a locking diff?) I read a tech article about a guy doing this to his E-50 van and loved it. I do not feel comfortable doing the work, but would purchase the parts and my brother-in-law has graciously offered to help. He is a Ford Authorized diesel mechanic and is extremely gifted. My question comes to the parts. A recommeded transmission shop will order the parts for me for about $325.00. But they say that I have to take the axle out to see something about how many splines it has before they can order it. I find it hard to believe that none of my codes or numbers will give them this info. the following is a list. I would greatly appreciate any help on this, or tips or opinions on doing the anti-slip. VIN# 1FTEF15YXTLB82771.
Rear diff tag...3 55 88 GD02.Also on this tag...S838M Also is the price in the ballpark and is what I am considering a locker? Doesn't it give you pulling power to both rear wheels if one starts to slip? Thanks again

 

There is a difference in the two. You want a limited slip style diff. These use clutch packs. A locker uses a ratcheting gear type of setup. Lockers are definitely better for strip use. For street use they really suck. I had one in my truck and it only lasted about 20K miles and then it starting making the ratcheting noise all the time not just when turning and it got real jerky and loud. I felt like I was driving a damn tractor. A friend of mine also put the same peice of garbage in his 70 Mustang, and he had the exact same luck I did. I put an Auburn limited slip in. It has over 50K on it. I also have a truck with the factory traction lock limited slip. This works fine too. I like the Auburn better. Its a little tighter. If you don't really do and hardcore off roading then the ford unit is just fine. My truck can make it anywhere a 4x4 with open diffs can. Open diff is like what you have now. They only spin one front and one rear tire.

I'm not sure about your codes but your truck should have a 31 spline axle. All of my half ton trucks did. I can't be positive on this though.

Hope this helps a little sorry about the rambling/ranting.

LOL.....

 

 

Thanks for the info.It helps alot