1st gen axle code 845?

[Rimjam]

Toured a small wrecker yard today. Guy likes Fords, has about a dozen 1st generation Rangers & Bronco IIs. One Ranger has axle code 845 on the data plate - never seen that before, not in TRS tech info. Misprint? Special order? Couldn't read build date, no tag on the diff.

 

[turbo91xlt]

3 digit axle code is usually indicative of the rare factory front LSD on 1st gens.

 

[Rimjam]

So, how to check for LSD on front diff? Axles turn the same way when turned by hand? Tag on diff cover has an "L" in the ratio number?

 

[SenorNoob]

There was a factory limited slip front? Why have i never heard of this before?

 

[sgtsandman]

I've never heard of any Ranger having anything other than an open differential in the front.

 

[SenorNoob]

I've heard it's possible to use a Jeep rear Dana 35 limited slip in the Ranger axles. Never seen it done. Seems like the whole thing would be backwards tho?

 

[turbo91xlt]

It was a rare option on '80s RBVs. Only found in the D28 axle and usually part of snow plowing prep package. If you have factory suspension airbags in your front coil springs it probably also has an LSD front axle.

So, how to check for LSD on front diff? Axles turn the same way when turned by hand? Tag on diff cover has an "L" in the ratio number?

Yup, lock the hubs in and see if the front wheels turn the same direction. In typical Ford fashion, the L in the 3L45 axle tag code signifies a limited slip.

I've heard it's possible to use a Jeep rear Dana 35 limited slip in the Ranger axles. Never seen it done. Seems like the whole thing would be backwards tho?

Yes you can. Pretty much all lsd's work in either direction.

 

[Rimjam]

It was a rare option on '80s RBVs. Only found in the D28 axle and usually part of snow plowing prep package. If you have factory suspension airbags in your front coil springs it probably also has an LSD front axle.



Yup, lock the hubs in and see if the front wheels turn the same direction. In typical Ford fashion, the L in the 3L45 axle tag code signifies a limited slip.




Yes you can. Pretty much all lsd's work in either direction.

Revisited the mystery Ranger. Tag on front diff says 4 10, axles turn opposite. Rear axles turn same way. No evidence of air bags. ???

 

[Jim Oaks]

Should have taken a photo of the federal sticker in the door.

 

[Rimjam]

Should have taken a photo of the federal sticker in the door.

Upper part of sticker has faded away but will photo what is readable in a few days. Any other tests/observations I can make to help solve the mystery? Front diff possibly changed? Any way to tell if airbags were ever present?

 

[turbo91xlt]

Door was possibly replaced.

Code 84 is 3.45 gears & 5 at the end should be the front limited slip. Although I am unsure as to when you got a front limited slip the rear was also upgraded to an lsd. Front and rear limited slips might have had a code such as F45 with F4 being the 3.45 lsd rear and 5 being front lsd.

A 4.10 lsd rear would have an F7 axle code.

 

[Rimjam]

Should have taken a photo of the federal sticker in the door.

Photo of door sticker is attached.
Most of the sticker is illegible, best I could do.
Emissions sticker under hood indicates it's a 1986.
Also attached a photo of the truck itself.

 

[Rimjam]

Should have taken a photo of the federal sticker in the door.

Just now checking my post above & noticed that the sticker seems to indicate that the truck came with 14" tires. Never heard of (or saw) that on a 4 wheel drive Ranger - thought they all came with 15". Mystery deepens..................