My VSS came apart in my 1997 7.3 and fragged everything but the housing. I am on a budget and want to replace the entire axel assembly. I also want to change the ratio from 4.1 to 3.55.
I found an axel from a 1987 F250 cheap, will it bolt right up?
If not, what years will?

Many thanks!

Vince Sorry about cross posting...

 

The 87 is not going to work because these trucks didn't have a VSS on the rear diff until around 93 I believe. I know for a fact that the speed sensor was still mounted to the transmission in 90 so for sure an 87 is not going to work.

You should be able to swap anything 93-97, but don't quote me on that.

 

Ahh. That makes sense. Bummer!

Vince

 

Be aware that if you're going to change your gear ratio you need to change the front to match, which will also mean changing your front carrier since you're passing the 3.73 threshold for the high pinion diff. Being on a budget, be aware that this isn't going to be a cheap job...

 

I was thinking of changing out the entire front assembly to a 3.55. They can be had free or real cheap from people going solid.
Changing out the whole assembly wouldn't cause any headaches would it?

I talked with a friend at a Ford dealership and he says that all the rear diffs had the VSS on the rear end for rear ABS. He wasn't sure about spring perchs ETC.

Thanks!

Vince

 

Like I said in your other thread, the VSS started in 1987, so any 1987 to 1997 axle will work. However, there were lubrication improvements made in 1995, but they can be back-ported to older axles with Ford PN F4TZ-1177-C.

 

Nevermind, Andy wins

Hey Andy. Jurgen replaced his speed sensor on his 90 F250 and it was mounted to the transmission... What gives?

 

From the mouth of God! Many thanks!
What is involved with the part from Ford?

And sorry for all the cross posts...

Vince

 

His truck has two speed sensors. One mounted on the rear of the trans for the E4OD, and the other is mounted on top of the rear differential case for the RABS. In 1992, Ford stopped using the tranny-mounted sensor and integrated all the functions into one circuit using the axle VSS. Speedometer, tranny input, and RABS.

Class is over.

compaddict, I've never had to install the part/kit, so I don't know all that much about it. I got the info from another forum.

 

So doesn't that mean the 87 axle is going to have the old RABS-only sensor on the rear diff instead of the multifunction sensor?

 

The axle sensor is the same from 1987 on up.

 

Ahh so the computer just uses the existing signals from the rear diff VSS sensor for more stuff. Smart thinkin

Sorry for the mixup Vince.

 

From another Ford forum someone said that in late 1993 Ford went to a longer pinion differential. Any info on that?

Vince

 

they updated the 10.25 sterling rear axle in late 1993 early 1994 to a lomg pinion gear with better bearings look for these rears if you were in virginia i would trade you up even for the axles under my 96 250 that are already factory 3.55 gears I want 4.10's for my 351 powered truck with 285-75-16 tires !!

 

Cool but unless you want damaged parts, not such a good deal for you!

Vince