Limited Slip Diff?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Limited Slip Diff?
First winter with my 2wd ranger, I have searched and gotten good advice on # and placement of sandbags - i am going with 3 sandbags over the rear axle, but how would I know if I have the limited slip differential? I live in Iowa where it has already snowed twice this month which seems like more than all of last winter. One thing is for sure, am not used to this truck on snow/ice yet and even though I have the doggy 4 cyl, it seems like any gas at all makes her pretty unstable even with the weight and pretty good tires on the back. good thing I have a short drive to work. thx
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: philly pa
the build sticker on the insice of your door has info on the rear end. you'll have to do a search and find a chard that tells you what the # means. i checked mine out and it says i dont have a limited slip, which i disagree with. i've dug ruts in the ground with both tires at times. -jesse
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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Easiest way to tell is to look at the tag on the differential cover itself. If it's a LS dif, there will be a "L" in between the gear ratio number on the tag. For example, 3L73 means it's a 3.73 ratio w/ Limited slip. If it just says 3.73, it's an open diff.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,979
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From: central ohio
my old '88 ranger had an open diff, but after 150,000 it would spin both rears in the snow or mud. must have worn in the spider gears enough that they would self-lock. my '92 3/4 ton gm had a factory limited slip and it worked quite well. currant truck has open diff at both ends. would like to put in lock-rite's the front would be a pain, but the rear should be easy enough. $450 a peice though, ouch. for the most part, if you are on a surface where you will get wheelspin such as loose gravel, snow, mud the right rear only will spin with a open diff, with a limited slip both should turn. if only using off road you can weld the spiders, but its a bad idea for a daily driver, just imagine going around a corner fully loaded to the g.v.w.r. on dry pavement. youre bound to twist or brake an axle shaft.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 127
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From: Salida , Colorado
Another quick way is to look at the door ID tag. Look for the axle code. If your code starts with a "F" of a "R" you have the limited slip. If the code is numbers only there is no limited slip.
Larry
1996 Ranger Ext. Cab 4x4
1993 Explorer 4x4
1984 F250 4x4
1982 Mustang GT
Larry
1996 Ranger Ext. Cab 4x4
1993 Explorer 4x4
1984 F250 4x4
1982 Mustang GT
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Paso Robles, CA (Central Coast)
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