1992 Ford explorer / rear end
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 805
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From: Pauline, South Carolina
Easiest way would be to pull and change an entire axle from a junked one. However, if yours if 4x4 you'll have to do the front end as well. Also, after the change, you'll need to change your speedometer gear, or the speedometer will read faster than you're going. The limited slip was 3.73:1 and the open was 3.55:1.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
What kind of LS were you looking for? I have Ford's Trac-Lock LS in both my Explore and my BII. Rebuilt both of them, and, overall, I'd say I've been dissappointed. If I were to start from scratch with an open carrier, I would prefer to put a lunchbox locker in there.
If you do decide to go JerrySimm's route, expect to have to rebuild the used Trac-lock. The clutches in those don't last forever. Also plan to spend the money to replace those clutches every 50K miles if you want to know LS is an LS.
There are several better LS options out there, but they require replacing the carrier (which means you need to pay to set up the gears if you don't know how to do it yourself). This can be a perfect opportunity to regear, if you're considering that, too. I think both Auburn and Detroit offer gear driven LS's that don't have any clutches to wear out.
If you do decide to go JerrySimm's route, expect to have to rebuild the used Trac-lock. The clutches in those don't last forever. Also plan to spend the money to replace those clutches every 50K miles if you want to know LS is an LS.
There are several better LS options out there, but they require replacing the carrier (which means you need to pay to set up the gears if you don't know how to do it yourself). This can be a perfect opportunity to regear, if you're considering that, too. I think both Auburn and Detroit offer gear driven LS's that don't have any clutches to wear out.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
LS's came in many trim packages in every year. Best way to know is the check the axle code on the sticker on the door jamb (if you can say for sure that axles haven't been swapped since it left the showroom). I think all of the LS codes start with D, but I'm sure there's a full table of axles codes somewhere on the internet. And/or you can check the identification tag on the rear diff. The start of the 2nd line indicates gear ratio. LS's would have an L where the decimal would be (3L73 for example).
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 43
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On the cover of the differential, there should be a little metal tag bolted there, on that tag are some numbers, the bottom row of numbers it says the gear ratio.. I.E. "3 55" means you have a gear ratio of 3.55 if it says "3L55" you have a limited slip 3.55
Same goes for other sizes.. I.E. 4.10
Same goes for other sizes.. I.E. 4.10
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