limited slip rear diff
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limited slip rear diff
I have a 02 f150xl with a 5 speed and 4.2L engine. I am thinking of putting some type of limited slip differential so I can get more traction in the winter and pulling my little boat in and out of boat ramps. What differentials do I need to be looking at/considering for this job? Hoping to do a simple swap that doesn't cost me a fortune.
Thank you!
Ben
Thank you!
Ben
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Your rear ratio should be either a 3:08 or 3:55.
The door post info will ID which one.
To get traction lock, I would replace the whole rear (8.8) same year with one that has traction lock as the easiest way.
I would pull the replacement apart and replace the friction clutches to be sure the originals are not worn out.
If you should replace a 3:08 with the 3:55 it will require a computer program change so the speedometer will register the correct speed.
The 3;55 will give you better pulling power but run the motor at a higher RPM on the road, if that is a concern.
Good luck.
The door post info will ID which one.
To get traction lock, I would replace the whole rear (8.8) same year with one that has traction lock as the easiest way.
I would pull the replacement apart and replace the friction clutches to be sure the originals are not worn out.
If you should replace a 3:08 with the 3:55 it will require a computer program change so the speedometer will register the correct speed.
The 3;55 will give you better pulling power but run the motor at a higher RPM on the road, if that is a concern.
Good luck.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
That truck probably has the 8.8 diff but you want to verify that before ordering anything. There are lots of diff options including a factory limited slip called the Trak Loc. With a limited slip rear axle winter driving can be a but more hazardous, weight in the back and good tires become even more important as the rear end will slide out much easier, I have even managed to unintentionally spin the truck around on a wet summer road. The ultimate solution is a selectable locker... either electric or vacuum operated, but those are the most expensive too of course. In all of these cases a new diff carrier will be necessary which means the ring and pinion need to be set again, not rocket science but some additional parts, tools and knowledge required. There are soo called lunchbox lockers available too, those will install inside an open carrier and would be the easiest and cheapest option but as the name suggests they are full lockers there is no limited slip action which could be good or bad depending what you want.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
If you have an open differential I would highly recommend a drop in lunchbox locker like a Spartan, Aussie, or Lock Right to name a few. They are easy to install and work great, I have Spartan lockers in the front and rear of my Jeep and I also installed one in the rear of my Dakota. I hated driving the Dakota with an open rear differential, with the light rear end it would spin one tire easily and was a pain to drive in the rain, the Spartan locker made a huge improvement, and with 85W140 gear oil in the axle it hardly makes any noise at all.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 504
I would avoid the factory CrapLok at all costs...might as well be an open diff even when the clutches are healthy and the carriers in the 8.8 are weaker as they have less metal.
If I was going to intentionally installed a limited grip in an axle I'd go Auburn.
The factory stuff is meant to be seamless and non-intrusive. Unfortunately this equates to weak and ineffective.
If I was going to intentionally installed a limited grip in an axle I'd go Auburn.
The factory stuff is meant to be seamless and non-intrusive. Unfortunately this equates to weak and ineffective.
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