limited slip swap 8.8 4.10's

[b3million]

I've got an 02 b3000 with 4.10's and an open diff 8.8. I'd like to swap it for a limited slip diff from another ranger with 4.10s, around the same year range. is this a plug and play swap, or do I need to change the entire axle? Also, I've read that some of the 4.10s came with 31 spline axles. 97% sure mine is a 28 spline, and I don't like the idea of swapping the drive shaft ends too (unless I could just take the shaft from the donor truck.)
Is this feasible?

 

[tinman_72]

I don't know what your capability is but a differential carrier swap is not the easiest job regardless of axle spline count. The easiest way to do this is to grab the entire axle assembly and swap it out. It will just bolt right in.

 

[b3million]

I don't know what your capability is but a differential carrier swap is not the easiest job regardless of axle spline count. The easiest way to do this is to grab the entire axle assembly and swap it out. It will just bolt right in.

That's what I figured. My issue now is finding an 8.8 4.10 with a limited slip that ISN'T a 31 spline. They made those, right? I don't know the year ranges, but I think the 02-up fx4 rangers are the only ones with the 8.8 4.10 limited slip and if i recall correctly they're all 31 spline. I may be wrong though, I don't know if that was only the level 2s that had the 31 spline, or if the level 1s had it too.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ford was stingy with 4.10's. FX4 axles are hard to find, a 28 spline will be scarcer if they even exist.

 

[superj]

if you are bored and don;t mind a drive, there is an fx4 for sale in mcallen tx or harlinegen tx on marketplace that is complete and running. it will ahve your axle.


or, jeeps came with 4.10 and various limited slip and are the same bolt pattern on many models as our trucks. i am not sure what all else needs to change to put one in though.


i think the chrysler 8.25 that came in tons of cherokees is very similar and a bunch of wranglers (and a few cherokees) came with d44 axles with 4.10 and lockers/anti slip stuff. the current 03 wrangler in my driveway has a d44 with factory limited slip and the wife's old 07 had the d44 with 4.10 and some kind of traction control in the diff. the 07 has a different bolt pattern though.

87-05 wranglers
84-01 cherokees
93-99 grand cherokees
all comanches

are 5x4.5 and can be found with 4.10 open and also locked rear ends

 

[b3million]

Ford was stingy with 4.10's. FX4 axles are hard to find, a 28 spline will be scarcer if they even exist.

Out of dumb curiosity, what would be needed to swap the truck over to a 31 spline? I've seen some 4.10 LS axles in my state for a semi-reasonable price. Running a 31 spline would be easier. Though I expect I'd probably need to change my transfer case among a number of other things, and that might screw with the 6.0 LS swap i'm planning, since the tcase i'm looking for has matching joints to what my truck has currently.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Out of dumb curiosity, what would be needed to swap the truck over to a 31 spline? I've seen some 4.10 LS axles in my state for a semi-reasonable price. Running a 31 spline would be easier. Though I expect I'd probably need to change my transfer case among a number of other things, and that might screw with the 6.0 LS swap i'm planning, since the tcase i'm looking for has matching joints to what my truck has currently.

Ranger 31 spline would more or less bolt in. Only in FX4 Lvl II Rangers they are scarce and rather sought after. Axleshafts are unique and it can be difficult to source replacments as well.

Explorer axles need converted from spring under to spring over to maintain your current ride height and need shock mounts added. If it has disk brakes (95-01) the brake lines on the axle need a little rework as well.

 

[SenorNoob]

If it has disk brakes (95-01) the brake lines on the axle need a little rework as well.

Not necessarily. Everything on my rear is stock 01 Explorer. I just connected the Explorer soft line to my ranger hardline in the frame rail. I did add an extension, but that's only because of lift...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not necessarily. Everything on my rear is stock 01 Explorer. I just connected the Explorer soft line to my ranger hardline in the frame rail. I did add an extension, but that's only because of lift...

I used a PS Explorer softline on the DS and ran new lines to my Ranger block I mounted on top the diff and ran my stock Ranger softline to that.

I also had to welded nuts on the spring perches to mount the Explorer softlines to.

However you want to do it it does take some tweaking.

 

[b3million]

if you are bored and don;t mind a drive, there is an fx4 for sale in mcallen tx or harlinegen tx on marketplace that is complete and running. it will ahve your axle.


or, jeeps came with 4.10 and various limited slip and are the same bolt pattern on many models as our trucks. i am not sure what all else needs to change to put one in though.


i think the chrysler 8.25 that came in tons of cherokees is very similar and a bunch of wranglers (and a few cherokees) came with d44 axles with 4.10 and lockers/anti slip stuff. the current 03 wrangler in my driveway has a d44 with factory limited slip and the wife's old 07 had the d44 with 4.10 and some kind of traction control in the diff. the 07 has a different bolt pattern though.

87-05 wranglers
84-01 cherokees
93-99 grand cherokees
all comanches

are 5x4.5 and can be found with 4.10 open and also locked rear ends

depends on how much i would have to pay for it. I'm not loaded, and buying a whole truck is definitely beyond my price range right now. My biggest problem is just finding a truck that matches my gearing, period.

I'm honestly debating whether putting a locker in is a better option. a limited slip in the front would be really nice but I think on the rear I can probably get away with a locker.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

A 28 spline 8.8 axle from a Ranger is basically a bolt-in swap, same with the FX4 31 spline.

Explorer 31 spline needs the spring perches cut off and welded on the top of the axle tube plus you need to add shock tabs to the axle tube.

 

[b3million]

Ranger 31 spline would more or less bolt in. Only in FX4 Lvl II Rangers they are scarce and rather sought after. Axleshafts are unique and it can be difficult to source replacments as well.

Explorer axles need converted from spring under to spring over to maintain your current ride height and need shock mounts added. If it has disk brakes (95-01) the brake lines on the axle need a little rework as well.

Oh, that's not too bad then. I don't need a lvl 2. An explorer axle might be easier to get ahold of, though, and disc rears might be nice. I don't have my welder in the state at the moment, so adding shock mounts might take some asking around. Are LS diffs more common in explorers?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Oh, that's not too bad then. I don't need a lvl 2. An explorer axle might be easier to get ahold of, though, and disc rears might be nice. I don't have my welder in the state at the moment, so adding shock mounts might take some asking around. Are LS diffs more common in explorers?

Yeah, 4.10's and LS are easier to find.

You also need to address the spring perches. Welding on new ones are ideal although I think you can get clamp on "flip kits" too.

 

[b3million]

A 28 spline 8.8 axle from a Ranger is basically a bolt-in swap, same with the FX4 31 spline.

Explorer 31 spline needs the spring perches cut off and welded on the top of the axle tube plus you need to add shock tabs to the axle tube.

Again, my biggest problem is finding a LS 28 spline 4.10. It's such a particular combination that it cuts out probably 95% of all rangers. A 31 spline is a smarter option- I can just change over the drive shaft. That means letting go of mine, though... PO put a 4" aluminum shaft in it. It's in crazy good condition.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

depends on how much i would have to pay for it. I'm not loaded, and buying a whole truck is definitely beyond my price range right now. My biggest problem is just finding a truck that matches my gearing, period.

I'm honestly debating whether putting a locker in is a better option. a limited slip in the front would be really nice but I think on the rear I can probably get away with a locker.

A “lunchbox” locker (LockRight, Aussie, Ox, etc) is the easiest way to add a locker to the rear. Not the best street manners, but I’ve run one in my F-150 for probably 15 years or more now. A Detroit carrier style locker would probably be a little more street friendly but now you have to set up and pattern gears. A selectable rear locker is ideal.

Front you want a limited slip or ideally a selectable locker. Both require setting up and patterning the gears.