Open or Limited Slip Diff?

bruker · Apr 21, 2009

I'm looking at a `02 4x4 Ranger that is just what I need but it has a open 4.10 rear end. I'd really like to have a L/S rear but the price is good for this truck. How expensive is it to put a L/S differential in there?

lil_Blue_Ford · Apr 21, 2009

It may be cheaper to find a l/s axle in a junkyard or something and swap it over than to buy an l/s unit and get it installed. If you can set up gears yourself you'd just need the unit and maybe some shims an stuff. I don't trust myself to set up gears on a street driven truck yet so I just swapped a whole axle on my Ranger.

The other option would be to get a lunchbox locker like a lock-right and put it in the open diff.

Sunk · Apr 21, 2009

If you're thinking of actually spending money on a L/S and you plan on exploring some dirt I'd at least think over something like a No-Slip. They're pretty smooth, and easy to install. If it'll just see mostly pavement, a L/S should be fine though.

Ranger97XL · Apr 21, 2009

go Aussie!

from what i understand the biggest reason to keep a full on locker off of a street driven truck is because it puts ridiculous amounts of strain on the drive train. However the Aussie locker is a ratcheting locker that you should definitely check out.

http://www.aussielocker.com/

stx4.0 · Apr 22, 2009

4.10 open in an 02?Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought all 3.73/4.10 rears were mandatory traction lock in the ranger explorer vehicles.

86ford · Apr 22, 2009

Ranger97XL said:
go Aussie!

from what i understand the biggest reason to keep a full on locker off of a street driven truck is because it puts ridiculous amounts of strain on the drive train. However the Aussie locker is a ratcheting locker that you should definitely check out.

http://www.aussielocker.com/

Correct for the most part. I assume what you mean by "full on locker" is a spool or a welded diff. If this is the case I agree. BUT the Aussie lockers are "full on lockers" because they WILL lock both tires together if you want them to (some times even if you dont but its typically unintentional).

With that being said, I have had a mini spool (Rear) in my b2 (and now explorer) for about a year. Both are primarily trail rigs that only see the road during TERRIBLE winter conditions when I HAVE to have a 4wd or when I am on the way to a trail ride. A mini spool/welded axle CAN be driven on the road but unless your vehicle is a trail rig and NOT you DD I highly recommend you avoid doing so.

86

bruker · Apr 24, 2009

stx4.0 said:
4.10 open in an 02?Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought all 3.73/4.10 rears were mandatory traction lock in the ranger explorer vehicles.

I'm pretty sure it's open as the axle code is 97. It'd be great if it were trac-lok though!

CJREX · Apr 24, 2009

+2 on the Aussie.

I have one in the rear of my CJ7 and it's great.

On the street, the only time I really feel it is in a slow, sharp turn it'll sometimes chirp a tire.

The Aussie is reasonably priced and far better than a L/S offroad.

bruker · Apr 24, 2009

Ranger97XL said:
go Aussie!

from what i understand the biggest reason to keep a full on locker off of a street driven truck is because it puts ridiculous amounts of strain on the drive train. However the Aussie locker is a ratcheting locker that you should definitely check out.

http://www.aussielocker.com/

But is an Aussie available for an 8.8 with the 28 spline axle? According to their website it's not.

mulishiaranger · Apr 24, 2009

On my 02, i have 4.10 8.8 with an open diff aswell... i don't want a locker though, it's my DD... but a L/S would be just dandy! I should get on it too, i think i killed my rear end.

bruker · Apr 27, 2009

bruker said:
But is an Aussie available for an 8.8 with the 28 spline axle? According to their website it's not.

Just an update for those who might be wondering. I contacted Aussie and asked them if they had an Aussie Locker for a 28 spline 8.8. They said they don't at the present time but they are looking into developing one. Send them an e-mail if you'd like one and maybe they'll step it up. :dunno:

Open or Limited Slip Diff?

bruker

15+ Year Member

lil_Blue_Ford

Cut & Weld

Sunk

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Ranger97XL

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stx4.0

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86ford

15+ Year Member

bruker

15+ Year Member

CJREX

15+ Year Member

bruker

15+ Year Member

mulishiaranger

15+ Year Member

bruker

15+ Year Member

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