Differential help
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
Differential help
Hello I have a 2004 5.4 2wd with factory axle code H9. A couple of years ago the limited slip went bad and I brought it to a reputable local shop. They installed a new differential carrier. Recently I realized the truck is only one wheel drive. It’s difficult taking off from a stop without spinning the inside wheel. I’m wondering if they put an open differential in it instead of a limited slip like it had from the factory. I jacked the truck up in neutral, and when I turned one wheel, the other wheel either did not move or spun the opposite direction.
I’m well beyond any warranty. And can’t complain to the shop. But I want my truck to have a limited slip again. If I open the differential and replace the oil, would I be able to tell the difference by looking at the carrier if it’s open or limited slip? I’ve never done any differential work.
thank you
I’m well beyond any warranty. And can’t complain to the shop. But I want my truck to have a limited slip again. If I open the differential and replace the oil, would I be able to tell the difference by looking at the carrier if it’s open or limited slip? I’ve never done any differential work.
thank you
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 117
From: Virginia
Zman - I don't know axle codes but I am sure you could search for that.
"Most" 2wd trucks were shipped with an open differential but that wouldn't matter for identifying what you have now since it has been replaced.
Maybe yours didn't & it did have a limited slip.
Will you be able to visually identify the type of differential you have? Not likely.
There are a lot of variations in differential carriers & it would be difficult for a novice (as well as many experienced) home mechanics to tell the difference.
I am assuming there are 2 scenarios for what happened to your current differential at the shop you had it at:
1) They installed (or used) the same carrier as what you had originally & just replaced the worn items.
2) They installed a clutch type differential & the clutch disks have worn out.
Maybe not the best video out there, but this might help explain it for you:
"Most" 2wd trucks were shipped with an open differential but that wouldn't matter for identifying what you have now since it has been replaced.
Maybe yours didn't & it did have a limited slip.
Will you be able to visually identify the type of differential you have? Not likely.
There are a lot of variations in differential carriers & it would be difficult for a novice (as well as many experienced) home mechanics to tell the difference.
I am assuming there are 2 scenarios for what happened to your current differential at the shop you had it at:
1) They installed (or used) the same carrier as what you had originally & just replaced the worn items.
2) They installed a clutch type differential & the clutch disks have worn out.
Maybe not the best video out there, but this might help explain it for you:
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
Likes: 497
You have never done diff work. I would suggest that you don't even take the cover off to change the oil and have a look. You won't know what to look for.
I would suggest finding a different shop to do the work. I know that it's difficult to find good mechanics that you can trust. I would suggest trying to find a shop that does things like lift kits, because they work on trucks and regear trucks. Or find a speed shop. Racers often regear, so a speed shop who is experienced with say a Mustang rear end, would be more familiar with rear wheel drive axles.
But if you're a handy guy, good with tools, this could be a fun learning experience. You could do the research, watch videos, order the parts, and get to know your truck.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
Thank y’all for the input,Changing the oil in the differential is well within my mechanical skill set. What I meant to say is I’ve never done and I do not plan to do actual work of changing out the carrier. Before I go any further and start paying a mechanic. I was hoping I could identify positively what is inside the carrier of the truck.
I jacked up the rear end of the truck with the truck in neutral. I was able to spin one wheel and the other wheel spin the opposite direction. I believe I have read that this is a sign of an open differential. Can anyone clarify is it possible for this to happen with a limited slip under any scenario, incorrect oil, too much fiction modifier etc. etc.?
I jacked up the rear end of the truck with the truck in neutral. I was able to spin one wheel and the other wheel spin the opposite direction. I believe I have read that this is a sign of an open differential. Can anyone clarify is it possible for this to happen with a limited slip under any scenario, incorrect oil, too much fiction modifier etc. etc.?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 117
From: Virginia
I have never had a clutch type carrier nor a worn out one, but IIRC once the clutch disks are worn out, it will basically function like an open diff.
Changing the fluid will have no effect on this.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
In my first post I mentioned the worn clutch disks as a possibility for your condition.
I have never had a clutch type carrier nor a worn out one, but IIRC once the clutch disks are worn out, it will basically function like an open diff.
Changing the fluid will have no effect on this.
I have never had a clutch type carrier nor a worn out one, but IIRC once the clutch disks are worn out, it will basically function like an open diff.
Changing the fluid will have no effect on this.
It seems the most likely explanation is that, for whatever reason, the shop installed an open differential in spite my truck having a factory limited slip. Guess that will solve the customer complaint of “chattering from the rear end”.
During my time off for Christmas I’m going to replace the ball joints. I may go to the same shop for an alignment and just mention it seems like my limited slip is not functioning correctly anymore and see how they handle it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
Likes: 497
Changing the oil won't fix anything.
Gear oil is usually good for at least 50,000 miles.
Once the truck goes into a repair shop, all of that new oil is wasted.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
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If the shop installed a different carrier, they MUST run a pattern. If they didn't, they're total hacks.
If they swapped the entire axle assy, that's different.
The factory limited grips did nothing. If you truly want anything resembling performance, you need an aftermarket like an Auburn or TruTrac (and proper setup for b/l and pattern). I would not lose sleep over no longer having the factory limited grip.
If they swapped the entire axle assy, that's different.
The factory limited grips did nothing. If you truly want anything resembling performance, you need an aftermarket like an Auburn or TruTrac (and proper setup for b/l and pattern). I would not lose sleep over no longer having the factory limited grip.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 352
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The factory limited slips were a clutch type that didn’t last very long and required a friction modifier to be added to the gear oil. I’ve had a few and the one in my 05 F150 was garbage within 15k miles that I used quite a bit off road. I replaced it with a Detroit Locker. If they installed a used unit it was likely worn already. The cone style limited slips (Auburn) last a good long while and the helical gear style will last as long as your truck lives.
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