Detroit Tru Track, C clip questions

[pjtoledo]

I'm considering a Detroit Tru Track torque biasing differential for a 7.5 rear axle. Do they use the factory style C clip? Maybe a C clip eliminator kit? The only geared LSDs I've seen are the Quaife and WaveTrak for Taurus SHOs, and there is no way you're gonna get a C-clip in one of those.
Both of my rangers are daily drivers that never go off road, sorry, lockers need not apply.


Perry

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes the Tru Trac uses the factory C clips for axle retention.

 

[Bennybooster]

I wouldn't waste money on a 7.5 though, I would swap in an 8.8 then build that. You would thank me in the end

 

[AllanD]

I agree don 't spend $300 plus on an aftermarket diff for a 7.5" axle .

get an 8.8" and build that

AD

 

[pjtoledo]

Thanks guys.
My work Ranger is a '05 regular cab, 2.3 5sp. All I'm looking for is a bit more traction in snow and rain. Even in winter 95% of my driving is on dry pavement, so an 8.8 swap or a locker would be over-kill for my needs.
I did check out the TruTrac website, it appears that they had to limit the pairs if worm gears to make room for the C clip shaft seperator. That would put it back on the strength level of an open differential with its two spider gears.
Oh well, maybe I'll simply fill it up with 90-140 dino lube and call it a "poor mans" limited slip. Ought to work pretty good below freezing,,EH?


Perry

 

[AlaskanRider]

simply fill it up with 90-140 dino lube

dont do it!!! Someone did that to my 2.3 before i bought it and i had to smoke the clutch to make it move below -30 F. It was so bad!!

Granted it had the 3.08 or maybe even 3.02, and it was a 91 with nowhere near the power of the 05, but you don't want to do that.

Sometimes cheap stocker LS 7.5's pop up on ebay. Id keep an eye out there if you really don't want to do the 8.8 swap.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just watch for a limited slip axle and switch, then you won't have to pay out the nose for installing the gearset.

I picked up a 31 spline 8.8 out of a '96 Explorer (with disc brakes) for $100. 3.73 limited slip. New clutches, weld on perches and shock mounts and that is it.

Of course Rangers came with limited slip from the factory so then you wouldn't have any welding at all.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Don't listen to the haters.

The 7.5" will hold up fine for a non abused 4 cylinder. The spider gears in the carrier are really the main weak point of the whole axle, and very likely addressed in any aftermarket carrier. Internet lore has it that the 7.5" spider gears are made out of powdered metal. While still fairly strong, not exactly as strong as it could be.

I went to an 8.8" Explorer swap on my 4 cylinder because I use it more like a loaded 1/2 ton, I've actually worn the 7.5" out after 210,000 miles. Still haven't broken it with all the yanking things out of the dirt, clutch dumps, and rough starts pulling heavy loads, and loading the bed to max capacity. I also wanted to "go for the gusto" and get a selectable locker, which pretty much ruled out the 7.5".

BUT, tru-tracs and every other axle component is roughly the same price between the 7.5" and the 8.8". And a Ranger 8.8 (NOT an Explorer 8.8") will bolt in with zero modifications. However, you do now have the extra cost of a rear axle on top of the tru-trac (but you will have a MUCH stronger axle in the end). but even then they can be surprisingly cheap ($100 as mentioned earlier, I've gotten an Explorer axle for $60 once). Just something to keep in mind.

I do believe your current axle with a tru-trac should suit you fine.

*edit: ha! back to the original question,

C-clip eliminators (with the exception of the Yukon Super 8.8" kit) should be avoided for daily driven use (for the 7.5/8.8 - 29 spline axles). Most use ball bearings (or so I'm told) and really don't last long on the street but are fine for the strip, where they are sometimes required. Unless it states that it's "not for c-clip axles" or "must use a c-clip eliminator kit", it will have a provision for c-clips.

 

[pjtoledo]

dont do it!!! Someone did that to my 2.3 before i bought it and i had to smoke the clutch to make it move below -30 F. It was so bad!!

Granted it had the 3.08 or maybe even 3.02, and it was a 91 with nowhere near the power of the 05, but you don't want to do that.

Sometimes cheap stocker LS 7.5's pop up on ebay. Id keep an eye out there if you really don't want to do the 8.8 swap.

'twas joking


I know what happens to 90-140, and STP oil treatment, when the temperatures plummet.


Perry

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Don't listen to the haters.

The 7.5" will hold up fine for a non abused 4 cylinder. The spider gears in the carrier are really the main weak point of the whole axle, and very likely addressed in any aftermarket carrier. Internet lore has it that the 7.5" spider gears are made out of powdered metal. While still fairly strong, not exactly as strong as it could be.

I have barked the tires more than once with my 302, the 7.5 hasn't missed a beat yet. I mainly got the 8.8 just for the limited slip way back when... I got sidetracked putting a decent powertrain up front. I am hoping to get it put in this winter.

I was just trying to say for snowbuster duty a factory clutch type limited slip would probably do fine, and are available cheap as an assembly (compared to a new carrier + installation)