Explorer Limited Slip Diff Not Gripping
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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Explorer Limited Slip Diff Not Gripping
I have a 02 Explorer XLT with the 3.73 Limited slip rear end. I have noticed the last few times I have gotten bogged (in both mud and snow) that I cannot get both rear wheels to spin at the same time. No matter what I do (get low traction wheel to spin fast, get low traction wheel to spin slow, apply brakes when 1 wheel spinning) I cannot get the diff to apply power to the higher traction wheel.
I jacked one rear wheel off the ground with the tranny in neutral and the parking brake released. I could spin the airborne wheel with relative ease when i would expect the LS to cause significant drag. I repeated this for the other side and again the same thing. Does this mean the clutch plates are fried or is there another expalantion (fluid level is OK and there is modifier in the fluid)???
I jacked one rear wheel off the ground with the tranny in neutral and the parking brake released. I could spin the airborne wheel with relative ease when i would expect the LS to cause significant drag. I repeated this for the other side and again the same thing. Does this mean the clutch plates are fried or is there another expalantion (fluid level is OK and there is modifier in the fluid)???
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
If it is a clutch-type limited slip, it should have modifier in the oil. I don't know what the long term effects of running without modifier are, but the short term effect would be a limited slip that 'grabs' more. Sounds like either you didn't actually get the limited slip diff or the clutches are shimmed too loose or completely fried.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
Ok, I don't know if there is any detriment to running Too Much modifier. The modifier lubes the clutch discs so they don't stick too much and chatter in disengagement (turning). I don't *think* too much of it would cause Complete loss of friction in the clutch discs though...
