I have a 2004 V-10 Excursion with an open 3.73 rear axle and would like to add a limited slip differential if possible. I think the rear differential is a Visteon (or Dana ?) 10.5 the same as an F250.

Does anyone know if these are reliable units ?

Any suggestions for the Limited slip? Should I buy the factory unit from Ford or look for aftermarket (Auburn, Eaton, etc.) ?

I understand the factory Limited Slip unit is relatively weak or needs to be adjusted or shimmed to work properly.

Woulld anyone have a Ford part number or listing for the LS unit ? Do I need to replace the whole carrier or can I just add the LS unit ?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

 

Yes, the axle is the 10.5" Visteon. It is not manufactured by Dana. It is a strong axle though and you should have no problems with it.

To change to a limited slip differential, the carrier will have to be changed. There are no limited slips that go in the open carrier as far as I know.

There are locking diffs that can go in the open carrier though. Check out www.powertrax.com for info on the Lock Right and NoSlip locker for stock carriers. Also check out www.tractech.com for info on the EZ Locker that also goes in the stock carrier. Not sure if they make the EZ Locker for the 10.5" axle, but they do make the Powertrax diffs for the 10.5".

As far as the stock Ford Traction-Lok limited slip diff, there are better units that probably don't cost too much more. The Eaton Posi and TracTech TrueTrac are 2 good ones that won't break the bank. Check them out at www.traction.eaton.com and the aforementioned TracTech website.

The Auburn is good, but is not rebuildable and since it is a clutch-type limited slip (uses cone clutches instead of discs), it will eventually wear out. Auburn does offer a low-cost replacement program for when it wears out. Check it out at www.auburngear.com.

The TrueTrac is a worm-gear ltd slip, no clutches to wear. Torsen makes one too, but probably not for the 10.5".

 

my 2000 250sd with 410 rearend is in the shop having a powertrax limited slip put in. $510 for unit and $200 labor. Mechanic talked me out of the locking unit. Said was noisey and ended up removing over half he installed. His is a 4x4 specialty shop.

 

got my truck back this evening. only cost 3.5 hrs labor and oil. $184 total. posi is quiet and works great.

 

for info: mechanic stated that it had 3 pinions and was real strong[whatever that means]

 

Joedepilot, Not to get on your case here, but Powertrax doesn't make a 'limted slip' differential. They make 3 different models of automatic locking differential, which provide positive traction to both wheels at all times, no wheel-slip, no clutch slip, no limted slip.

-The Lock Right, which is what I have in my truck, operates just like a Detroit Locker. It is a ratcheting gear automatic locker.

-The Performance Locker is a stronger version of the Lock Right for certain axle applications only. It fit's the Ford 9" and possibly a couple of others, but not many.

-The NoSlip differential, which is probably what you had installed, is not a limited slip. It is a ratcheting locker like the Lock Right and Detroit Locker, it just has softer, quieter engagement than the Lock Right because of modifications to the design of the ratchet mechanism.

Whatever you choose to call it, I'm sure you will be happy with it's performance. I am quite happy with my Lock Right .

 

Are you sure he installed a Powertrax differential? The NoSlip uses one cross-pin that holds it to the differential case. There are no spider gears inside this differential. Go here to see an exploded view of the parts that make up the Powertrax NoSlip differential: http://www.powertrax.com/nsexploded.html

 

where are you from dude, many us us like me have factory LS units sitting in our garage's... there not worth as much as shipping though, but if your close you could buy one a member has pulled out... my garage is in TX..lol..