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trac loc - what's the diff

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Old Sep 21, 2004 | 11:25 AM
  #1  
howarda's Avatar
howarda
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trac loc - what's the diff

All,

I have a 2000 f350, srw, 4x4, 3.73, v10 reg cab truck with an open rear (ford/sterling).

I am looking to install an LS case and when I went to price the ford parts I was asked whether I wanted the 2 pinion or 3 pinion design. Anyone know the difference?

Thanks!
 
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Old Sep 21, 2004 | 12:17 PM
  #2  
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divit250r
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From: South Whitley, IN
I know that with the older axles like the 9", the differentials had either 2 or 4 pinion gears that helped split the power to the axle shafts. The pinions are located in the center of the carrier, with two side gears that are splined to drive the axle shafts. The 4 pinion units were supposed to be stronger I think, because they didn't put as much of a load on each pinion gear. I didn't realize they'd started using a 3 pinion design, that seems odd. My 8.8" in my Mustang uses 4 pinions. Anyone else have anything on this?
 
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Old Sep 21, 2004 | 12:36 PM
  #3  
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wlihntr
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From: colorado
dont waste your money on the factory ford LS. if you want better traction get an aftermarket LS or locker
 
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Old Sep 21, 2004 | 01:07 PM
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n578md
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From: Allen, Tx
All 5.4L configurations and V10 Reg Cabs get the 2 pinion design while V10 Extended cabs, crew cabs and all diesels get the 3-pinion design which is about 50% stronger.
 

Last edited by n578md; Sep 21, 2004 at 01:10 PM.
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Old Sep 22, 2004 | 01:38 AM
  #5  
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569104
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From: Mountains of NE CA
I agree with wlihntr, go aftermarket for your LS or Locker. You'll get a better product for probably less money. I wanted a selectable locker so I went with ARB.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2004 | 08:23 AM
  #6  
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OK - This is a 95% road truck but I'm tired of spinning one wheel on corners. I figured the FORD case would be the easiest install, press on some new bearings, set the backlash and I'm done. So now I need to ask...if I go after market - cones or plates?

I'm told stick with plates because as the cones wear they eat up the case.

thoughts?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2004 | 09:26 AM
  #7  
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78fordman
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From: Jefferson, Iowa
Not really, you can get the detriot soft locker, which would grip better and probably be cheaper. The ford ls is the trac-loc design, which would save you a lot alone.
 
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