31 spline 8.8 identification.

[Shran]

The only 31 spline Ranger axles came out of FX4 trucks. So an Edge 2wd will not have one... simple as that. The junkyard guy is not telling you accurate information.

What you want does not exist as a factory Ford part. The chances that you will find it in the junkyard are very close to zero. If you want 4.56 gears you will have to buy an axle and have them installed.

Not quite sure what you are after as far as lockers go... A Torsen is a limited slip, not a locker. Aussie, Lock-rite, Detroit, ARB, Ox, Zip, E-Locker, Spartan... those are lockers. Your G80 technically is too but they have a well earned reputation for being called "grenade locker" because of how they engage.

 

[Dantheman1540]

The only 31 spline Ranger axles came out of FX4 trucks. So an Edge 2wd will not have one... simple as that. The junkyard guy is not telling you accurate information.

What you want does not exist as a factory Ford part. The chances that you will find it in the junkyard are very close to zero. If you want 4.56 gears you will have to buy an axle and have them installed.

Not quite sure what you are after as far as lockers go... A Torsen is a limited slip, not a locker. Aussie, Lock-rite, Detroit, ARB, Ox, Zip, E-Locker, Spartan... those are lockers. Your G80 technically is too but they have a well earned reputation for being called "grenade locker" because of how they engage.

At first I did not realize how rare the Fx4 level2 4.56 axles are, and definitely wasted some time searching for one.
I have since changed my search criteria to any old ranger axle with 4.10s and 31splines, open carrier is fine I’ll spring for a decent locker/posi. What your saying is that ANY FX4 truck had 31splines? Not just level 2s?

If that’s the case then yes obviously the dude is lying to me. I fairly well expected that, his response was way too fast.

I also do understand that a Torsen unit is a posi/LSD, not a full locker. I think if I put a truetrac in the 8.8 I’ll be fairly happy there’s no rocks in Florida. I’m also well aware the G80 is known to blow up, I have nuked several in weaker gm8.6 10bolt axles. However, I can attest that the G80 in my 9.5”sf has held up exceptionally well, it receives many 450hp clutch dumps with 33”s, just doesn’t always like to lock on sideways slides. It’s on road daily driving manors are excellent, I’m just not sure if another lunch box locker would be as forgiving in tight parking lots and wet roads.

 

[4x4junkie]

If the truck is a 2002 "FX4", then yes, it will have the 31-spl 8.8" Torsen axle you are after.
If the truck is 2003+ (FX4), it then also needs to be a "Level II" to have the same axle.
(2003+ non-Level II trucks got the regular 28-spl diff).

 

[Dantheman1540]

If the truck is a 2002 "FX4", then yes, it will have the 31-spl 8.8" Torsen axle you are after.
If the truck is 2003+ (FX4), it then also needs to be a "Level II" to have the same axle.
(2003+ non-Level II trucks got the regular 28-spl diff).

Awesome, Thank you for clarifying!

 

[2011Supercab]

Easiest way to check without opening and counting

A 31 spline axle has a axle tube diameter of 3.25"

A 28 spline axle has a axle tube diameter of 2.8"
except the 2010/2011, they're 3.25 but out only have 28 spline. but they also have disc brakes

 

[Curious Hound]

A 31 spline axle has a axle tube diameter of 3.25"

And that diameter necks down to the smaller diameter right behind the brake backing plates.

 

[00t444e]

I’ll have to keep an eye out for one, I’ve used just about every type of posi/locker in the past except a good quality auto locker. I have a factory G80 in my stick shift Tahoe. It’s in a semi floating 14bolt and it does well in straight line traction scenarios such as pulling a trailer up a wet grassy hill, or through thick sand. It sucks at locking up when trying to do donuts, burnouts, or slides tho. I think it’s just about worn out, but it’s somewhat given me a bad taste to the unpredictability of auto lockers.

This project will be over several months so maybe I can catch a grizzly on Black Friday!

The G80 is not an auto locker or even a locker at all. The G80 uses governors to engage a set of clutch packs when the difference it wheel speed reaches a certain point. True auto lockers don't have clutches and stay locked all the time until you go around a corner then the outside tire uncouples and spins faster than the inside tire.

 

[Dantheman1540]

And that diameter necks down to the smaller diameter right behind the brake backing plates.

That neck down is pretty easy to see if the sellers post pics of the dang axle, which I’ve found most scrap yards unfortunately don’t.

The G80 is not an auto locker or even a locker at all. The G80 uses governors to engage a set of clutch packs when the difference it wheel speed reaches a certain point. True auto lockers don't have clutches and stay locked all the time until you go around a corner then the outside tire uncouples and spins faster than the inside tire.

I guess I never realized it had clutch packs, that would explain why it’s so streetable, but also why mines less willing to lock as I’ve abused it so much. Clutches are probably trashed, which is another reason why I want to stay away from a clutch style unit in the future. I had a Yukon duragrip for a few years in a street truck and it did great the first year or two. After that it acted like an open diff and needed the clutches rebuilt.

 

[pjtoledo]

And that diameter necks down to the smaller diameter right behind the brake backing plates.

to clarify things, the 2010/2011 8.8 axles use the bigger 1.6" wheel bearings so the outer tubes are noticeably bigger than a 1.4" bearing housing.
also 28 splines with a 3/4 pin, and NO provision for the tone ring sensor.

 

[Basilius]

I recently bought a 2004 FX4 level 2, 31-spline 8.8 rear axle with a Torsen from a salvage yard, but it's 4.10 (not 4.56). The axle tube diameter is 3.25" (vs 2.75" on the 28 spline) and the bolts on the rear drum brake backing plates are in a square shape (vs trapezoidal shape on the 28 spline). There are also three holes on the front 'snout' of the 31-spline Torsen axle, and I don't believe the 28-spline axle has those holes. Here are some pictures of the 31-spline Torsen axle if it helps, and a link for the correct size wheel bearings and seals if you want to replace them.
Yukon Gear AK 1559 Axle Bearing & Seal Kit

 

[scotts90ranger]

Seems odd that they would have put the Explorer pumpkin with the holes for the horizontal damper on there (or was it a weight damper? I've seen both I think...)

 

[Dantheman1540]

I bought 2004 FX4 level 2, 31-spline 8.8 rear axle with a Torsen from a salvage yard, but it's 4.10 (not 4.56). The axle tube diameter is 3.25" and the bolts on the rear drum brake backing plates are in a square shape (not trapezoidal like on the 28 spline axles). There are also three holes on the front 'snout' of the 31-spline Torsen axle, and I don't believe the 28-spline axle has those holes. Here are some pictures of the 31-spline Torsen axle if it helps, and a link for the correct size wheel bearings and seals if you want to replace them.
Yukon Gear AK 1559 Axle Bearing & Seal Kit

Did you find it in person or scour the web looking?

 

[Basilius]

I found it on car-part.com and then contacted the salvage yard to get more info before driving there.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I found it on car-part.com and then contacted the salvage yard to get more info before driving there.

I love that site. Funny enough a new one just popped up in GA, FX4 Level2, 4.10, torsen locker with only 89k miles on the dash. I called the super sweet southern sounding lady and she verified everything I asked about it with pics.

$546 Shipped, I could have saved $150 core charge if it was closer but oh well it’s right in the price range I wanted to pay.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Dang I got Bamboozled!

Back on the hunt I suppose.