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Odd rear diff tag

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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 05:18 PM
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Odd rear diff tag

Pulled the cover to change the diff fluid, and my tag doesn't match up with what I remember these tags are supposed to read... can somebody give me a hand here?

S 409 H
L73 10 5 OC17

Thanks in advance...
 
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 05:51 PM
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S 409 H = plant code
L37 should be 3L73 = 3:73 ratio and limited slip
OC17 = build date, Julian date code
 
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:49 PM
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Funny, I didn't see a LS pack in there... Maybe because it looks different than I'm used to... There is a stack of what look like big washers to the right of the spider gears, but it doesn't look like any LS I've ever seen, plus it's never worked. Do they offer a re-build kit for it?
 
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:56 PM
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Maybe this will help. http://www.drivetrain.com/Fordtrkratio_posidata.html
 
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Rancha9
Funny, I didn't see a LS pack in there... Maybe because it looks different than I'm used to... There is a stack of what look like big washers to the right of the spider gears, but it doesn't look like any LS I've ever seen, plus it's never worked. Do they offer a re-build kit for it?
Yup, thats a Ford LS. They are actually clutches and steels, not washers.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 03:04 PM
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Mystery solved! Turns out the first "3" was under the bolt shoulder, and had been pressed out when the factory tightened the bolts. Luckily, the gear oil I picked was already LS compatible, but I'm still pretty sure it doesn't work. Is it worth it financially to fix the factory LS, or swap it for an aftermarket locker?
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 03:33 PM
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Swap it out they are junk.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 03:37 PM
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Mech, you have a detroit locker in the rear? Any complaints?

Max
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 03:48 PM
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It feels like the driveline is loose. They unlock when not under power. If you drift around a turn it's like an open diff, put throttle to it and it's locked. Once in a while it will click real loud when it locks under power. It takes a little getting use to but I'm happy with it.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 03:57 PM
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Do you have any problems with traction under power around corners in wet weather? I've only had a locker in a short wheel base truck, just wondering if the extra length keeps the rear end from getting so squirrely in the rain. Really like to get rid of my ls, but I'm not real fond of selectable lockers in the rear. Thanks.

Max
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:10 PM
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I've got no problems with it at all in the rain. I rarely use 4wd even in the snow.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:14 PM
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IF I swapped it, I'd have to weigh the auto/selectable locker, as there are some times I want an open diff, but I know, in general, that auto lockers are a lot cheaper... Definately tired of getting stuck in a soft spot in somebody's front yard, though...
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:15 PM
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Thanks mech, I figured with the truck being that long it probably would be fine. I've been struggling back and forth between going to a locker or a good posi, I think you helped me make up my mind. Thanks for the info...

Max

BTW, sorry for hijacking a thread Rancha, but I figured it was sorta relevant, lol. Sorta...
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:19 PM
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I took my kid to school and got stuck on the pavement. RR was on ice and the LR was on wet blacktop. I had to get out and lock the hubs in. So much for the factory LS. The next weekend I swaped them both.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2005 | 04:28 PM
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Yep, I've been in somewhat the same situation. Unfortunately, I was a long way from civilization (building pipe fence on a ranch), with a 2wd and no cell phone coverage. Took me forever to get unstuck from just sitting in wet grass and a little black mud. I think the locker would have done the job. Next time I'm buying a 4x4, no doubt about it. Just can't handle the price tag right now...

Max
 
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