Differential grenaded - upgrade to limited slip time?

[BigAssTim]

So, the old _rear_ diff/axles in my 94 4.0 XLT 4x4 went boom (slow leak over 26 years and yeah...). I am going to just buy a re-manufactured diff/axle assembly (everything is setup, I just basically bolt it on and go). I don't want to bother with buying an old one and having it fixed up.

With that said, I believe the old one was non-limited slip. I recall that when I turned the left wheel forward, the right wheel went backward.

I am thinking of upgrading to limited slip as I have the option now. Should I.? Is there any reason why I wouldn't upgrade to limited slip? Is it even an upgrade? I don't 4x4 much and don't want lockers.


-Tim

 

[MikeG]

Which diff went 'boom'?
What axles did you have?
What were you doing when the 'boom' happened?
Tire size? Truck use? (e.g. around town, or beat the snot out of it on trails)?

Might be time for an axle upgrade, not just a replacement.

 

[BigAssTim]

Hi Mike.

It was the rear assembly. I am not sure what is in it axle-wise. The tag says 8.8" and 3.73 gears.

Tires are stock size. I don't have the size handy though. Sorry! I know they are LT tires though.

Just driving around town, and the occasional off road adventure. I don't plan on any kind of rock crawling or mudding.

I was just thinking of replacing the entire rear end with a limited slip option as the price between the two is the same. I've heard some folks tell me why bother and others swear by it. /shrug


Tim

p.s. I clarified the original message, thanks!

 

[tinman_72]

Since you looked at the tag you should know if your current setup is LSD: "3 73" = open and "3L73" = TrackLoc. If there is no difference in price I would go with the LSD, it is probably OEM TrackLoc. Zero drivability issues.

 

[BigAssTim]

Hello Tinman,

The tag has a blank space between the 3 and the 73, so its open. I'll get the LSD rear end.

Thanks!

Tim

 

[wildbill23c]

I think the LSD may be a fun adventure in snow/ice they tend to like to try and get you sideways if you aren't careful, but they do give you a little better traction.

Funny finding this thread as I'm thinking of doing a limited slip in my 87 Ranger but after thinking about it, the characteristics of a limited slip just don't make it a good idea. My truck is 2WD, and a long bed so it don't have the weight in the back in the first place for bad weather, throw in a limited slip differential and it would be sideways all the time I would think.

I'll wait for the experts to say, but the experience I have with the limited slip in my Jeep makes me wish it didn't have it. You turn it just keeps on going because the rear end is trying to push you sideways for some reason, I thought limited slip would be great, but at least in my Jeep its not, and it does it in full time 4WD mode pretty bad too, in part time 4WD its fine because it has the front end pulling it around instead of the rear end pushing in 2WD and full time 4WD. So I'd think the limited slip in a 2WD pickup would be a bad idea.

 

[tinman_72]

Been rocking a TrackLoc for years in my 2WD. I have had no issues whatsoever.

 

[sgtsandman]

Limited slip kicks less than a full locker will. A locker will put you in a spin if you aren't careful.

 

[SenorNoob]

Have some fun. Get the limited slip and learn to control which way and how much it goes sideways. (It's not hard at all.)