Poping and banging in axle.

[87RangerSTX]

My 87 Ranger has the 7.5" L/S rear in it and since tuesday it pops and bangs really loudly. I't used to do it just on tight corners like in parking lots and such but now it does it on every type of turn pavement or gravel. It sometimes does it on a straight away too. I am leaning toward a possible broken spring in the L/S as it locks up to soon and really violently. I'm looking to install the powertrax no-slip traction locker. The website I found to order it ( http://www.rocky-road.com/noslip.html ) shows a ford 8" when for thier regular locker page shows options for the 7.5". Do you think this is a typo or should look somewhere else for one for the 7.5". I know summit carries one under part number PWT-92-0675-2805 but I'm kinda tight on cash. So is there a ford 8" that I never heard about. not the 8.8" but just 8". Thanks

 

[Combs Customs]

Yes. The 8" ford rearend was around during the 1960's. It's a very light duty version of the 9".

 

[87RangerSTX]

Ok, thanks. i never knew about it. So is the summit PWT-92-0675-2805 still a good option? I've heard some people say that the aplication will be different between l/s and an open diff and others say it will fit both. And summit doesn't show any info on this from what I saw.

 

[87RangerSTX]

I would prefer the powertrax no-slip over the regular locker since it is quieter for my on-road usage but still acts the same as the regular locker in my off-road usage.

 

[Combs Customs]

I know the 8.8" L/S, you can't put a drop in locker in. It only works with the open case. I would think its teh same for the 7.5" but i would wait for someone elses response with more knowlegde on the subject.

 

[MAKG]

I really doubt it's a broken S-spring. That won't make it pop and bang; it will make it work like an open diff. That is, unless the broken part got ingested; if it did, there is probably additional carnage in there.

It sounds to me like a broken spider gear and/or loose carrier bearings (since it does it while not turning, now). Take the rear cover off and look. Be prepared for carnage. Loose bearings will often trash the gearset.

 

[87RangerSTX]

I really doubt it's a broken S-spring. That won't make it pop and bang; it will make it work like an open diff. That is, unless the broken part got ingested; if it did, there is probably additional carnage in there.

It sounds to me like a broken spider gear and/or loose carrier bearings (since it does it while not turning, now). Take the rear cover off and look. Be prepared for carnage. Loose bearings will often trash the gearset.

Got it torn apart today and the carrier bearings are fine. The l/s clutch material was gone and there was acctually a broken S-spring, It got between the spider gears and really thrashed em. Ring and pinion are good tho. checked them with some tools I borrowed from my old drivetrain proffesor. I just need a 7.5" open carrier and to stick the locker in it and i'm good to go. My truck dont get abused enough for a 8.8 swap, so there is no real use for it. I have other rigs for doing that. So all in all, I'm back in bussiness hear really shortly. thanks guys!