Rear differential question

[MeddieFrac]

I have a 95 Ranger RWD, will running one new tire w/ full tread and one worn tire w/ 50% tread cause rear differential damage?

Can I run it like this till the first of next month?

 

[4x4junkie]

As long as it's not a limited slip differential, no problem whatsoever.

(if you have L/S, then switch 'em around with your front tires)

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I buy in sets of two and put the new tires on the rear when the fronts get to minimum tread I put the rear tires forward and put two new on the rear. Been doing it that way for many years and get at least 70,000 from a set. My theory is that once the front tires begin to wear in a pattern if you put them on the rear they continue to wear in that pattern burning through rubber on all four instead of just the front. But thats just me.

 

[MeddieFrac]

how would i know if i have a limited slip differential?

 

[shane96ranger]

how would i know if i have a limited slip differential?

There is a tag on the door. Read the code where it says AXLE. Then use the chart in the link (chart is towards the bottom) to look it up.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html


OR, you can just read the tag on the pumpkin if it's still there. As stated in the pic below, the L means "limited slip"

And, if all else fails.... jack the rear end up (obviously you will properly secure the truck to do this) so that both tires are off the ground. spin one of the tires. If they both spin the same way, it is limited slip. If they go opposite - it is an open differential.

 

[4x4junkie]

how would i know if i have a limited slip differential?

Check the axle code on your door VIN sticker, then see here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html


Edit:
Too slow

I buy in sets of two and put the new tires on the rear when the fronts get to minimum tread I put the rear tires forward and put two new on the rear. Been doing it that way for many years and get at least 70,000 from a set. My theory is that once the front tires begin to wear in a pattern if you put them on the rear they continue to wear in that pattern burning through rubber on all four instead of just the front. But thats just me.

That wear pattern (usually scalloped tread lugs) comes about from remaining on a non-drive axle too long (seen the same phenomenon occur on the rear tires of FWD cars). I don't know exactly what causes it, but switching them around to the drive axle occasionally (purpose of tire rotations) does infact break up that wear pattern, even after it's started.