Need advice on Torsen T-2R rear differential

[KaTooM]

My 2002 Ranger FX4 Automatic trans 170k miles started making a loud clicking noise comming from the rear diff area. I took it to the dealer and they said it has a cracked carrier plate, they also said it had alot of loose metal shavings in there, so I will need bearings and seals.

They said with parts and labor it will cost $2500 to fix. They also said the parts are on back order and will take at least a week to get probably more.

I do not have the technical ability to swing a job like this on my own. Any advice would be welcome. Should I just buy a used one or maybe an after market.

I use this truck for work and offroad only a couple of times a year, the rest of the truck in in top notch shape as far as I know. By the way I live in Santa Clarita, Ca(los angeles county) maybe someone knows of a cheaper place to get this done.



Chris

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Is it a manual transmission? Tell me your VIN# and I can see if the recall was ever performed or if it's eligible. Ford put out a recall for the early '02 model year trucks that were equipped with the manual transmissions. The Torsen diff would literally grinade.


IMO...stay the hell away from Ford in these departments.... Go to an offroad shop or a specialty differential and axle shop and get yourself a nice new better limited slip or shoot....even a selectable locker. And have them do the install for ya. Total install shouldn't be more than a couple hundred to install a new carrier, set the backlash, and install new carrier bearings. I know my differential guy would charge about $100 for carrier set up and new bearing install for labor...shoot...my gear swap ran me $150 for labor.

OR..I happen to have a 2005 38,000mile used Torsen that I couldn't use with my 4.88:1 gears when I upgraded my axle to an '05 Fx4 L2 31spline axle. PM me if interested. My price for it would be about half the price of a new torsen T-2R. And this is the non-recalled version that was found in '02 model year trucks.

Been stored wrapped in plastic in an ARB locker box since it's removal...taken out for pics.

 

[KaTooM]

Is it a manual transmission? Tell me your VIN# and I can see if the recall was ever performed or if it's eligible. Ford put out a recall for the early '02 model year trucks that were equipped with the manual transmissions. The Torsen diff would literally grinade.


IMO...stay the hell away from Ford in these departments.... Go to an offroad shop and get yourself a nice new better limited slip or shoot....even a selectable locker. And have them do the install for ya. Total install shouldn't be more than a couple hundred to install a new carrier, set the backlash, and install new carrier bearings.

OR..I happen to have a 2005 38,000mile used Torsen that I couldn't use with my 4.88:1 gears. PM me if interested. And this is the non-recalled version that was found in '02 model year trucks.

It is an auto trans, I did see the recall on the manual trans model. Thanks for the quick reply. I am going to call all the local 4x4 shops tomorrow and see what they can do for me.

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Yeah..I edited the first post quite a bit. Check it out.




Unfortunately, there's been a few examples online of members having exploding Torsens in thier '02 Autos.....no problems in the 03+ trucks have been reported. It's a Ford flaw and they should take care of it. Those members who's Torsens blew up on them have installed a different limited slip unit or a locker, one I know of went to the normal Ford limited slip, the Trac-loc.

 

[KaTooM]

Yeah..I edited the first post quite a bit. Check it out.




Unfortunately, there's been a few examples online of members having exploding Torsens in thier '02 Autos.....no problems in the 03+ trucks have been reported. It's a Ford flaw and they should take care of it. Those members who's Torsens blew up on them have installed a different limited slip unit or a full lockers, one I know of went to the normal Ford limited slip, the Trac-loc.

Interesting, after reading your reply I am now leaning towards upgrading to an ARB air locker or maybe a better after market limited slip.

I used to offroad with my last ranger all the time, 94 XLT 4x4. I put 225K on that Ranger before I traded it in for this one. It got to run alot of the trails at Moab and did pretty good for a stocker, all my buddies had toyota's with full lockers and lift kits so I had to turn back a few times.

Thanks for the offer on the used part.

Chris

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

I've got a lunchbox locker in mine now and really wish I was able to afford an Elocker or whatever that one is that's limited slip in 'unlocked' form, and full spool in 'locked' form.

 

[JohnnyO]

A Detroit True-Trac diff is essentially the same thing as a Torsen. Cost about $450 last I looked.

 

[KaTooM]

A Detroit True-Trac diff is essentially the same thing as a Torsen. Cost about $450 last I looked.

Just an update...I did get the True-trac. I think I will test it up at Hungry Valley this weekend.

Big Johns in SCV did a very fast and professional job.



Thanks again guys.

If I like it I may upgrade the front as well.