Having to replace the front differential
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Indianapolis
Having to replace the front differential
I took my 1990 on it's first hunting trip. Sadly, on the way home the front end blew a seal and was smoking. Not sure of the cause of the failure, but it is going to be cheaper to just replace the differential than to tear it all apart, identify the problem, replace and reinstall.
So I'm in the market for a new front differential.
The Axle code is an H9, 3.55 LS, and the VIN is 1FTEX14N1LKB19665. the identification marks on the differential are all worn off.
Since there are different Dana front difs, how can I tell which was is used on my 1990? It is a 2 axle system.
Hunt4Fun
So I'm in the market for a new front differential.
The Axle code is an H9, 3.55 LS, and the VIN is 1FTEX14N1LKB19665. the identification marks on the differential are all worn off.
Since there are different Dana front difs, how can I tell which was is used on my 1990? It is a 2 axle system.
Hunt4Fun
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Oshkosh Wisconsin
I belive if it's and F150 they used Dana 44 TTB (twin traction Beam) setups, f250 - were Dana 50s, and F350.. well they had solid or monobeam Dana60s. If I was you and you'd like to lift it a little.. or 6"inches, think about a Soild axle swap. =) Hope this helps!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Every single F150 from the mid 80's to the mid 90's used the same Dana 44 TTB front axle assembly... should be thousands of them laying around junkyards across this continent, all you got to do is find one with the right gear ratio. BTW.. LS front diffs were special order only, either the customer or the dealer had to make a point of selecting it when ordering. The axle code on the door jam refers to the rear axle only.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Crowville Louisiana
It's not too expensive or difficult to tear apart and rebuild. If you dont need gears the most you would be looking at would be bearings and seals. While at it it would be a good time to repack or replace wheelbearings.
I have a haynes book that I used as reference for mine. I rebuilt and changed gear ratio and installed the power lock limited slip carrier. Total of all parts was around $600. That is taking in account the gears around $150. Power lock a little above $300 pluse master rebuild kit and all new wheel bearings.
I have a haynes book that I used as reference for mine. I rebuilt and changed gear ratio and installed the power lock limited slip carrier. Total of all parts was around $600. That is taking in account the gears around $150. Power lock a little above $300 pluse master rebuild kit and all new wheel bearings.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
I sell whole axles for like 125 a pair . There r just so many of them . Basically you will have center cection out probably just needs new seals. A good guy can redo Bearings ETc in 3-4- hrs
The LS may be hard to find Been looking for a guy and out of 50 trucks not 1 LS set to be found.
The LS may be hard to find Been looking for a guy and out of 50 trucks not 1 LS set to be found.
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From: Indianapolis
Thanks for all of the replies. If they are all the same, that should make the job easier. I'm going to start calling the junk yards tomorrow.
I know the LS is in the rear only. I'm ok with leaving the front open.
I know the LS is in the rear only. I'm ok with leaving the front open.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: nj
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
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if your rear is LS doesnt that make the front LS?
On mine my right rear and left front are the wheels getting powered (in 4wd)
On mine my right rear and left front are the wheels getting powered (in 4wd)
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From: Indianapolis
Originally Posted by NeXtras
if your rear is LS doesnt that make the front LS?
On mine my right rear and left front are the wheels getting powered (in 4wd)
On mine my right rear and left front are the wheels getting powered (in 4wd)
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Originally Posted by NeXtras
if your rear is LS doesnt that make the front LS?
On mine my right rear and left front are the wheels getting powered (in 4wd)
You should read this article so you know how a differential works:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential2.htm
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Naples, FL
good find for 200.
also nextras. the reason only 2 tires spin is because you have 2 open differentials. open diffs tend to only power one tire if traction is different between the 2 tires. With an open diff the rotational torque of the driveshafts cause those two wheels to spin easier. it the drive shatf was spining the opposite direction the opposite two wheels would be spinning instead. the easy way to check is to block the front tires, jack up the back end, pop it in neutral and spin one side. if both tires spin the same direction you have LS or lockers if one spins forward and the other spins backward you have an open diff.
also nextras. the reason only 2 tires spin is because you have 2 open differentials. open diffs tend to only power one tire if traction is different between the 2 tires. With an open diff the rotational torque of the driveshafts cause those two wheels to spin easier. it the drive shatf was spining the opposite direction the opposite two wheels would be spinning instead. the easy way to check is to block the front tires, jack up the back end, pop it in neutral and spin one side. if both tires spin the same direction you have LS or lockers if one spins forward and the other spins backward you have an open diff.
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Senior User
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From: Indianapolis
I cleaned up the differential a little to see if I could find anything to identify it.
The only marks I found on the housing said 327.
They were stamped into the housing. Does this mean anything or are there other locations that I should check to verify that it is indeed a 3.55 gear set inside?
The only marks I found on the housing said 327.
They were stamped into the housing. Does this mean anything or are there other locations that I should check to verify that it is indeed a 3.55 gear set inside?
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Senior User
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From: Indianapolis
Ok. Thanks Andy. I may be left with counting revolutions. But that's probably the best way to be sure. I didn't see a tag, but I'll look again tomorrow when I deliver the diff to the mechanic.
Hunt4Fun
Hunt4Fun