source for 8.8 Torsen Differential

[02fx4dude]

Hi All,
Looks like I'm in the market for a torsen differential for my 2002 Ranger FX4. I know it's an 8.8" limited slip. According to my searching it appears to be made by Torsen and is 31 spline. I will hopefully have it pulled sometime this weekend to get part numbers and count splines.

Just wondering what my options are and where I could get a good price on a rebuilt or new differential. I've been laid off since may and don't have much resources to throw at this for now so simple and inexpensive would be preferred.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Detroit True Trac is pretty much the same deal.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you are on a budget crunch you could just get a regular open or clutch type L/S out of an Explorer or light duty F-150 to get by with until the money tree bears fruit again.

To save paying someone to set it up you could just swap axle assemblies too, a regular Ranger axle will bolt right up as long as the ratio is the the same.

Don't scrap the old one though, they are kind of a rare piece.

 

[02fx4dude]

Thanks for the replies.

I was thinking I could get one of the clutch type LS differentials available. I looking at a ford racing LS differential available for about $250, but I don't know which differentials can be used in the ranger 8.8. Can I use any differential made for the 8.8 with 31 splines?

I'm going to do some searching and reading on the backlash setup, if it isn't too complicated I might try it myself. Anyone have some pointers on this?

 

[02fx4dude]

Another thought is to install a new differential with the existing shims and carefully drive it to a shop within a few miles that can do the backlash setup. Not sure if that's an option.

 

[88_Eddie]

i'm about to take a L/S from my 31 spline 8.8 out to install an open diff/aussie. i'd let it go for cheap if you want it. the 8.8 was from an explorer with 130k

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes, any 31 spline 8.8 carrier will fit.

99% of the time with a carrier swap and the original shims it will be damn near bang on.

Get some gear marking compound and have at it. Post a picture of the pattern if not confident.

 

[Mac]

For future reference for those looking for a Torsen, the new Mustangs with the Trac-Pac have them as standard. Sure to find them in the JY's once the young ones get reckless.
Dave

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just thought of it, you have to have a carrier made for a tone ring. Most 8.8's anymore have it but it is something to watch out for.

 

[veefer800canuck]

I just picked up a complete 2003 mustang 8.8 with the 3.27 Traction-lok

Will be swapping the gears and clutches into my ranger soon. It has a 3.08 open diff.

Later I will be doing the rear disc swap as well because the mustang diff came complete with brakes and everything.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I just sold a Torsen for 50 bucks..... I tried selling it for3 years. Where were you then.lol.

It was low miles and from an 03 Fx4 Lvl II that was replaced under the recall.

-PlumCrazy

 

[88_Eddie]

yeah, i've been trying to get rid of mine for a while now, not even the jeep guys are interested.

 

[02fx4dude]

Thanks all for the offers and ideas. It took me a bit to get things sorted out.

After doing alot of reading, searching, and debating over the weekend, I think I came up with my best solution. Found a guy on ebay selling a Ford Racing LS differential and ring/pinion gear set for $400 all new in the box he says. Bearings, seals and shims about another $100. I'm going to pull the housing and take it along with a box of axle inards to a shop not to far, he's charging $300 to set it all up, then I take it home and bolt it back on. So it will be around $800 total, a bit more $$$ than I wanted to spend but I can plan on it lasting for some time.

The kicker was the pinion. At first I was going to just leave the pinion and swap the differential. After much debate I decided it would be best to pull the pinion to make sure the bearings were ok and make sure there wasn't metal bits in there. The bearings looked beautiful, I was happy, until I notice the chunks out of the pinion gear itself. So, since I didn't feel confident doing the pinion setup I decided to take it to someone who knew what they were doing.

I pulled the differential out saturday, here's a pic for anyone interested.