educate me on differentials and upgrading..
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: raleigh NC
educate me on differentials and upgrading..
truck is a 94 F150 302 2wd 123,000 miles.
axle code is 18...unknown what the ratio is, but it is an open differential.
over the last 2 months, i got stuck twice. once on some snow on a slight incline, and once in the mud. (off-roading, sorta--avoided rear-ending someone, and went off the freeway onto/into the median, and about 3 inches of mud...no can move when wheels just spin--they closed the freeway for me for the tow truck to do its thing)
Is an upgrade to a limited slip do-able? I'm guessing yes.. Is it do-able by your average at-home mechanic? has anyone done this?
Any ideas of trucks to look at as a donor vehicle? ie either axle codes or ?
I'm at the research phase of this--seeing if this is something i may want to do.
Any other options?
Thanks for your time
Brian in NC
'94 F150, no mods
axle code is 18...unknown what the ratio is, but it is an open differential.
over the last 2 months, i got stuck twice. once on some snow on a slight incline, and once in the mud. (off-roading, sorta--avoided rear-ending someone, and went off the freeway onto/into the median, and about 3 inches of mud...no can move when wheels just spin--they closed the freeway for me for the tow truck to do its thing)
Is an upgrade to a limited slip do-able? I'm guessing yes.. Is it do-able by your average at-home mechanic? has anyone done this?
Any ideas of trucks to look at as a donor vehicle? ie either axle codes or ?
I'm at the research phase of this--seeing if this is something i may want to do.
Any other options?
Thanks for your time
Brian in NC
'94 F150, no mods
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
Yes, a limited slip diff can be put in that axle. The axle is a Ford 8.8".
All limited slip diffs come in their own carrier (though there are a couple of exceptions, but they are lockers, not limited slips), so a re-setup of the ring and pinion gears is necessary. This isn't something an average joe usually attempts, but some here have done it sucessfully. I just took mine to the pros
.
You may want to read up on all the different kinds of limited slip differentials available for your axle. I suggest starting with one of the following informative websites on anything axle related and go from there.
www.reiderracing.com
www.ring-pinion.com
All limited slip diffs come in their own carrier (though there are a couple of exceptions, but they are lockers, not limited slips), so a re-setup of the ring and pinion gears is necessary. This isn't something an average joe usually attempts, but some here have done it sucessfully. I just took mine to the pros
.You may want to read up on all the different kinds of limited slip differentials available for your axle. I suggest starting with one of the following informative websites on anything axle related and go from there.
www.reiderracing.com
www.ring-pinion.com
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: brimfield township,OH
Although not a cheap alternative, I put a powertrax no slip in mine. Take out the spider gears and put their guts in its place.I have new tires on my truck and have yet to put it in 4 wheel drive. It cost about $425.00. It may not be any worse than buying a limited slip and having someone reset your backlash. Plus it will never wear out.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
you can buy a OEM LS from broncograveyard for pretty cheap... I believ that axel code is 308 gears but im not sure....thats what would have been in ur truck origionally had it been LS from the factory.. As far as home installation i dunno. You can also buy a LS for the front axel which is a dana 44 for about 200 bux...i think the rear one is like 350...
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,548
Likes: 71
From: Calhoun GA
The Eaton units are very strong...probably the strongest clutch type LSD that I've seen for an 8.8. I run an Auburn HD in my supercharged 94 Lightning. It's been in there for 5 years now and no problems, on the street or at the track with slicks. If it ever brakes, then I'll get an Eaton.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: SC lowcountry
Code 18 is 3.08 in 95 manual. Limited slip differentials have letter designations; ie H7 - 3.31 LS, H8 - 3.08LS, H9 - 3.55 LS, for 3800 pound capacity axles which would be in a F150 I believe. The next rating is 5300 pounds. Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: raleigh NC
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
As a home mechanic your best bet would be to replace the entire diff, housing, axles, carrier etc as a complete unit, with a limited slip version. You only have to deal with 1 brake line, two e-brake cables, 2 shocks, a u-joint, 4 u-bolts and lots of liquid wrench and pipe extensions. It should be plentiful at your local wrecker and probably cheaper and definitely easier than swapping in a new carrier and re-shimming your gearset. Also, if your truck is 2WD going up or down with your gear ratio (to another factory ratio) will not be an issue other than your own preference.
007BRONCO
007BRONCO
Last edited by 007bronco; Feb 10, 2005 at 07:22 PM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: raleigh NC
007 bronco,
ya' know, that's what I thought at first would be the way to go--replace everything. I'll have to start checking out the local 'junk'yards. if the price is right, maybe that's the route I'll go. Thanks for your input. everyone else too.
Brian in NC
94 F150, no mods
ya' know, that's what I thought at first would be the way to go--replace everything. I'll have to start checking out the local 'junk'yards. if the price is right, maybe that's the route I'll go. Thanks for your input. everyone else too.
Brian in NC
94 F150, no mods
