Should I buy this rear axel for my 2003 Ranger Edge?

[Josh B]

Clutch type LSDs are awesome IMO, apart from the maintenance factor.

The Yukon duragrip in my old truck was stellar. Super aggressive.

What is the maintenance factor? All I've ever done to mine is change the oil ever 6 or 8 years

 

[00t444e]

You can repeat your opinion endlessly but that doesn't make it accurate.

I have had 3 of them, 2 of them I rebuilt with new clutches, slighlty better than an open diff when rebuild but not that great. I certainly wouldn't spend money on a new one or swap a used axle just to get the limited slip. I would rather have an axle with an open diff in it, so I could install a locker.

 

[00t444e]

but i was just giving other options since the explorer axle is wider than the ranger and jeep axles and i wonder if that f150 kit would work on the jeep axles too, if you got one from a second or third gen grand cherokee that had coil springs? more grand cherokees had d44 rear ends than the others and you can also get disc brakes on the third gen (99-05ish?).

The Explorer axle isn't wider than the Jeep axels it is actually about 1/2 narrower. F150 axles use a different bolt pattern than the Jeeps or Rangers, that's why they aren't used as much. Grand Cherokees never had a real Dana 44 rear they had a Dana 44A which has an aluminum center section and is much weaker. I am in the process of putting an Explorer 8.8 in my Grand Cherokee right now.

 

[Blmpkn]

What is the maintenance factor? All I've ever done to mine is change the oil ever 6 or 8 years

The clutches will wear out

 

[Josh B]

The clutches will wear out

Is there like a notable warning prior to that happening? Is it only due to time, or is it mostly due to heavier use?
Although I haven't spent a lot of time messing with mine, I have kept the oil changed within the recommended parameters, and as far as use goes, I am rarely even in 4WD.
In addition to that the previous owners rarely ever used it in 4X4, in fact they were going to use in the sand once and the light didn't work and they never bothered to get it fixed, even though they kept immaculate maintenance records it was never mentioned, even though they paid top dollar having the AC updated to the newer compressor in roughly 2002

 

[Blmpkn]

Is there like a notable warning prior to that happening? Is it only due to time, or is it mostly due to heavier use?
Although I haven't spent a lot of time messing with mine, I have kept the oil changed within the recommended parameters, and as far as use goes, I am rarely even in 4WD.
In addition to that the previous owners rarely ever used it in 4X4, in fact they were going to use in the sand once and the light didn't work and they never bothered to get it fixed, even though they kept immaculate maintenance records it was never mentioned, even though they paid top dollar having the AC updated to the newer compressor in roughly 2002

As with a regular clutch.. not really. The more it sees use the more it'll wear, and the more aggressive the use the quicker the wear.

If the LSD is 'lazy' to engage and the individual driving it doesn't hardly ever spin a tire the clutches could very well last the life of the vehicle.. but if its super aggressive and/or the driver likes to hoon it around a bunch and offroad they'll definitely be replacing them at some point.

 

[Lefty]

Is there like a notable warning prior to that happening? Is it only due to time, or is it mostly due to heavier use?
Although I haven't spent a lot of time messing with mine, I have kept the oil changed within the recommended parameters, and as far as use goes, I am rarely even in 4WD.
In addition to that the previous owners rarely ever used it in 4X4, in fact they were going to use in the sand once and the light didn't work and they never bothered to get it fixed, even though they kept immaculate maintenance records it was never mentioned, even though they paid top dollar having the AC updated to the newer compressor in roughly 2002

I never had a limited slip that wore out. I've never owned a Ford, but i do believe that LS wears out gradually. You would notice that you are getting less and less traction, slowly returning to one wheel drive in slippery spots.

 

[00t444e]

Is there like a notable warning prior to that happening? Is it only due to time, or is it mostly due to heavier use?
Although I haven't spent a lot of time messing with mine, I have kept the oil changed within the recommended parameters, and as far as use goes, I am rarely even in 4WD.
In addition to that the previous owners rarely ever used it in 4X4, in fact they were going to use in the sand once and the light didn't work and they never bothered to get it fixed, even though they kept immaculate maintenance records it was never mentioned, even though they paid top dollar having the AC updated to the newer compressor in roughly 2002

Doesn't matter how much 4x4 was used, every time you make a turn you are slipping the clutches and putting wear on them.

 

[Josh B]

As with a regular clutch.. not really. The more it sees use the more it'll wear, and the more aggressive the use the quicker the wear.

If the LSD is 'lazy' to engage and the individual driving it doesn't hardly ever spin a tire the clutches could very well last the life of the vehicle.. but if its super aggressive and/or the driver likes to hoon it around a bunch and offroad they'll definitely be replacing them at some point.

That is basically what I expected and this has been rarely used and never (knowingly) abused. The front one gets the worst because like recently I made some marks in the grass to show and explain to someone what the limited slip did

 

[Josh B]

I never had a limited slip that wore out. I've never owned a Ford, but i do believe that LS wears out gradually. You would notice that you are getting less and less traction, slowly returning to one wheel drive in slippery spots.

Doesn't matter how much 4x4 was used, every time you make a turn you are slipping the clutches and putting wear on them.

Is the rear axle engaged no matter what? I'm beginning to believe it must be

 

[00t444e]

Is the rear axle locked in no matter what? I'm beginning to believe it must be

What do you mean by "locked in"? The limited slip isn't a locker so it is never "locked" however there is always pressure being applied to the clutches.

 

[sgtsandman]

Is the rear axle locked in no matter what? I'm beginning to believe it must be

Like 00t44e said, the axles aren't locked together. Pressure is applied to the clutch packs that limits how much they slip. Most limited slip systems increase pressure as more slip happens to a certain point. Typically somewhere around 50%. This is a simplistic explanation though. There is much more to it and more than what I can explain. Ronny Dahl did a video or two on the subject comparing open differentials, limited slip differentials, and locking differentials. Now, he is going at the subject from an off road driving perspective. So, for an only on road driver, the information is going to be a bit skewed but useful none the less. I'm sure there are other youtube channels that cover the subject as well.

 

[Lefty]

Like 00t44e said, the axles aren't locked together. Pressure is applied to the clutch packs that limits how much they slip. Most limited slip systems increase pressure as more slip happens to a certain point. Typically somewhere around 50%. This is a simplistic explanation though. There is much more to it and more than what I can explain. Ronny Dahl did a video or two on the subject comparing open differentials, limited slip differentials, and locking differentials. Now, he is going at the subject from an off road driving perspective. So, for an only on road driver, the information is going to be a bit skewed but useful none the less. I'm sure there are other youtube channels that cover the subject as well.

Yes. Thank you. There are a number of videos and tutorials out there well worth watching and reading. Here's one. https://www.carthrottle.com/post/en...differential-and-whats-most-suitable-for-you/
Basically lockers are good for off road and drag racing while LSDs are better for regular street driving. An LSD requires maintenance, but is smoother on the streets. The down side of lockers is increased tire wear.

Since I drive on the street most of the time I find the LSD helpful when it snows.

I've talked to a guy whose shop rebuilds axles and differentials. Several LSD options are available for the Ranger. The low price is between $1,200.00 and $1,300 depending on the condition of mine. That's kind of pricey for an old truck, but I don't mind. I would like to get it restored.

 

[Roert42]

That price sounds about right honestly.
I think paid around $800 when I regeared and put a brand new Trac-Lok in my F150. I also replaced all the bearings and seals.
I did all the work myself though, and had to buy a few new tools.

 

[Lefty]

That price sounds about right honestly.
I think paid around $800 when I regeared and put a brand new Trac-Lok in my F150. I also replaced all the bearings and seals.
I did all the work myself though, and had to buy a few new tools.

Agreed. And new bearings and seals are all included.

Do you like the Trac-Lok?