Open Rear Diff

[John Manoulian Jr.]

2010 ranger sport 3.73open rear diff.
I want to install a limited slip or some type of locker.
I will be mainly be driving on the street and during Michigan winters.
Do I need to disable anything ,like The ABS or traction control or any other safety system that is on the 2010 ranger.

Thank you all in advance for your valued input.
John M

 

[adsm08]

For LSD or a locker you shouldn't need to disable anything.

The traction control system is supposed to act kind of like a limited slip unit, but does some things unintelligently, like when and how it tries de-tuning the engine.

 

[pjtoledo]

friendly FYI
your axle probably has the big bearing tubes that would suggest it is a 31 spline.
Ford put big bearing 28 spline axle shafts in those years, at least on the 2wd axle that I bought. I don't know what they put in a 4wd. best to open and verify before you order some parts.

Adsm08, did they put the 28 splines in both 2wd and 4wd for 2010?

 

[adsm08]

I have no idea. The shop manual doesn't say and I never had a reason to open up one that new.

 

[sgtsandman]

To the best of my knowledge, the 2010 & 2011 models come with the original 28 spline 8.8. If you want to be sure, check the info section on the axles. There is a way to identify what axle you really have by looking at where the brakes mount to the axle. The profile of the tube is different.


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[pjtoledo]

To the best of my knowledge, the 2010 & 2011 models come with the original 28 spline 8.8. If you want to be sure, check the info section on the axles. There is a way to identify what axle you really have by looking at where the brakes mount to the axle. The profile of the tube is different.


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yes those years have an 8.8 with 28 splines,,,,HOWEVER,,, the axle bearings are the big tube type with 1.6" axle bearings that are used on the 31 spline axles. translated, 2010 and 2011 have unique axle shafts that are 28 on the inside and "31" on the bearing ends. they also have ABS tone rings on each shaft, and are about 1/4" shorter than normal to compensate for the thick hat of the disk.
the brake mounts are a much larger vertical pattern.

in March of 2016 I posted a butt load of 2010 axle pics, on photobucket unfortunately.

 

[pjtoledo]

John, questions about Ranger

is your Sport 2wd?

if 2wd is it coils or torsion bars?

if it is 2wd coils, what size are your front brake rotors?

I'm thinking you have 11.25" up front if coils, but hope you find 12".

I've been looking for a way to put the larger 12" rotors on a 2wd coil truck using factory parts. and,, 2010 Sports have 15" twin spoke D wheels specifically designed to fit over 12" rotors.

what I fear is you have torsion bars up front. that will not help me, cannot put torsion bar knuckles on a coil truck without custom modifications.


thanks

Perry

 

[sgtsandman]

yes those years have an 8.8 with 28 splines,,,,HOWEVER,,, the axle bearings are the big tube type with 1.6" axle bearings that are used on the 31 spline axles. translated, 2010 and 2011 have unique axle shafts that are 28 on the inside and "31" on the bearing ends. they also have ABS tone rings on each shaft, and are about 1/4" shorter than normal to compensate for the thick hat of the disk.
the brake mounts are a much larger vertical pattern.

in March of 2016 I posted a butt load of 2010 axle pics, on photobucket unfortunately.

Interesting. I did not know they changed the axle in order to mount the discs. I thought they just mounted discs instead of drums and called it good.


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[pjtoledo]

Interesting. I did not know they changed the axle in order to mount the discs. I thought they just mounted discs instead of drums and called it good.


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the thicker disks center section pushed the wheels out, shorter axle shafts pulled them back to keep the wheels in exactly the same spot. so the track width would not change. only the engineering gods know why it mattered.

 

[John Manoulian Jr.]

4x4

When did ford stop installing limited slip rear ends in the ranger?
My son has a 2004 XLT 4x4 ,that has a limited slip.
He said that the 2010 Ranger Sport didn't come with a limited slip.
Anyone know whats what?
Thanks

 

[gw33gp]

Traction Control took over the need for LSD around 2010. I don't know if it works as well but it should. I don't know if they work well together but it seems like they would.

 

[sgtsandman]

The only model I know for sure that had a limited slip as stock was the FX4 Level II.

All the limited slip differentials I’ve looked at said they were compatible with traction control.

Traction control does act like a limited slip but there are some instances where it hurts more than it helps and needs to be turned off in order to get out of whatever you are stuck in.


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[don4331]

Did Ford actually put 'real' traction control in the Rangers? I thought part of the reason for discontinuance was they were going to have to spend serious money on traction/stability control to meet the '12 regulations. And mediocre sales/the 'crunch' the auto industry went through in that period had Ranger as odd man out.

The really good traction controls, e.g. BMWs, make open differentials feel like a pair of lockers. On other hand, Ford puts electric lockers in F-150s...

If I was having to replace the carrier for an LSD one, I think I would be upgrading to 31 spline axles at same time - In for penny, in for pound. (But I would be more likely to swap entire axles.)

 

[sgtsandman]

All I can tell you is Ford says it’s traction control.

There is an over ride button and it gets over ridden when selecting 4 Low.

When the rear end skips from axle hop, you can hear the brakes cycling and a dash light blinks while it’s operating.


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[gw33gp]

The only model I know for sure that had a limited slip as stock was the FX4 Level II.

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I am pretty sure it was standard (stock) for the 4WD STX to have limited slip in the rear. I know it was in 89. I'm not sure about the other model years.