Still have differential problems I think...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 497
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From: Olympia USA
Limited slip differentials are setup with clutch (friction) discs and steel discs that have a tab on them that fit into the carrier. The clutch discs do not. There is a spring that the cross shaft thread through that keeps tension on these clutch packs. These clutch packs are behind each side gear, (that the axle goes through). Operation:
The wheel with power is turned by the carrier. Thw wheel without power, the tabbed steel discs are turning with the carrier. THe spring applies pressure to the clutch pack. The clutch discs, through friction, turn the side gear (axle).
When the clutch dics wear, and this happens, as a fact of life; they will shrink down in size. Enough shrinkage occurs and the torsion spring can not compensate with enough outward pressure.
The clutch pack now has play. Lateral play. The amount of play can cause a thumping noise as the carrier spins under load.
I can say for a fact Ford Limited slips are junk. I have pulled plenty wher the spring had lost it's tension value, the side gear walked out enough that the spider gears get chewed up pretty good.
If you pull a set of chewed up spider gears in a limited slip. That limited slip brak down is the problem. All discs and the spring should be replaced with the side gears.
Ford emphsizes the use of a friction modifier for use in limited slip diffs. It's purpose is to coat the clutch discs and extend the wear of the clutch discs. You need to be about as regular dumping and re-lubing the diff as you do any other 30k check up.
Bob K.
The wheel with power is turned by the carrier. Thw wheel without power, the tabbed steel discs are turning with the carrier. THe spring applies pressure to the clutch pack. The clutch discs, through friction, turn the side gear (axle).
When the clutch dics wear, and this happens, as a fact of life; they will shrink down in size. Enough shrinkage occurs and the torsion spring can not compensate with enough outward pressure.
The clutch pack now has play. Lateral play. The amount of play can cause a thumping noise as the carrier spins under load.
I can say for a fact Ford Limited slips are junk. I have pulled plenty wher the spring had lost it's tension value, the side gear walked out enough that the spider gears get chewed up pretty good.
If you pull a set of chewed up spider gears in a limited slip. That limited slip brak down is the problem. All discs and the spring should be replaced with the side gears.
Ford emphsizes the use of a friction modifier for use in limited slip diffs. It's purpose is to coat the clutch discs and extend the wear of the clutch discs. You need to be about as regular dumping and re-lubing the diff as you do any other 30k check up.
Bob K.
Last edited by NWBronco; Apr 28, 2007 at 03:09 PM.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 33
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How did you roll the spider gears back in the diff case!!!!
Originally Posted by cccullen
Well, after changing out almost my whole differential, i'm still getting a slight thumping noise when my Expy is downshifting from 2nd to 1st or from 1st to second. I've changed the ring gear and pinion, all the bearings, and a differential repair kit (the small 4 gears).
Ford had noticed that when they were assembling it back that the bearing on the ring gear housing came off when they pulled it off by hand (which shouldn't be the case according to them). They told me that is should change the housing (it's on order) that the ring gear sits on so the bearing will fit tight. Could this be the reason why i'm still getting a thump when shifting from 1st to 2nd and downshifting as well?
It doesn't happen all the time, since i've got my expy out of the shop it's happened twice. I hope it won't screw anything up, i just spent
a lot of $$$ on the differential and i don't want to have to change anymore parts again...
Ford had noticed that when they were assembling it back that the bearing on the ring gear housing came off when they pulled it off by hand (which shouldn't be the case according to them). They told me that is should change the housing (it's on order) that the ring gear sits on so the bearing will fit tight. Could this be the reason why i'm still getting a thump when shifting from 1st to 2nd and downshifting as well?
It doesn't happen all the time, since i've got my expy out of the shop it's happened twice. I hope it won't screw anything up, i just spent
a lot of $$$ on the differential and i don't want to have to change anymore parts again...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Olympia USA
Just like they spit out. Roll them in with the side gears. Have the axle secured on a set of axle stands. Have some one hold one wheel. Align the spider gear up with the side gears. Turn the other wheel. It'll mesh with the side gears and roll in. It may take a time or two to get them to line up correctly for the cross shaft insertion, but it's not that hard.
BobK.
BobK.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
WHOOOHOO IT WORKED I had the spacers from the new clutch set in and I did not need them. After I took them out the gears just meshed together like chicken and rice :-) will put everything tomorrow and will let you know how everything worked out!!!!
Originally Posted by NWBronco
Just like they spit out. Roll them in with the side gears. Have the axle secured on a set of axle stands. Have some one hold one wheel. Align the spider gear up with the side gears. Turn the other wheel. It'll mesh with the side gears and roll in. It may take a time or two to get them to line up correctly for the cross shaft insertion, but it's not that hard.
BobK.
BobK.
