Torsen carrier compatibility

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Saw the FX4L2 diff was on crazy sale on torsen's website:

Torsen® Traction

torsen.com

So... I have the weirdo 8.8 in my 2011, and if memory serves, it is the big tube with the 28 spline axle shafts.

What would it take to make this fit, or am I better off just "buying up" to the correct one to fit 28 spline axle shafts?

Is it as simple as finding L2 axle shafts and swapping them into my diff?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Nvm, read @pjtoledo s write up in the tech section... did t remember that one being there.

Either way, looks like I'm stuck with 28 spline shafts unless I get fancy with machining

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Update 2: called torsen, spoke with Tim.

Theyre checking if there's a way to convert the FX4 carrier to 28 spline. Small chance there is. Since it's the gears themselves that hold the axle shafts, there is a chance they can just be swapped.

I'll update if/when I hear back.

 

[pjtoledo]

maybe you can shorten Explorer shafts. not sure what to do about the ABS gears though.
there might be enough extra spline that cutting off a half inch won't matter.

don't forget the pin is only 3/4"

crazy thought, if the bearing surface is wide enough on Explorer shafts maybe put them in as-is and spacer the brakes out.

need any pics or dimensions?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

maybe you can shorten Explorer shafts. not sure what to do about the ABS gears though.
there might be enough extra spline that cutting off a half inch won't matter.

don't forget the pin is only 3/4"

crazy thought, if the bearing surface is wide enough on Explorer shafts maybe put them in as-is and spacer the brakes out.

need any pics or dimensions?

Maybe on the pics... I'm hoping torsen comes back with an easier answer though. If it's as simple as a gear swap on the fx4 diff, then I'm golden.

If so, I'll let the rest of you know if it's possible after I've ordered mine

 

[pjtoledo]

for your viewing pleasure, Torsen teardown.
there are 2 different Torsen designs, this is the simple one. and they don't work the same if you lift a wheel.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

for your viewing pleasure, Torsen teardown.
there are 2 different Torsen designs, this is the simple one. and they don't work the same if you lift a wheel.

Simpler than I thought...

Since this is for a pavement and gravel road build, I'm not too worried about lifting a tire, just want more bite than a clutch pack offers.

 

[RangerXLT]

Might call moser, bet they can make the axles. Probably cancel out the crazy sale savings.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Might call moser, bet they can make the axles. Probably cancel out the crazy sale savings.

That's my point of kicking tire in this exact way... if it's possible to swap gears and come in under the cost buying the 28 spline diff outright, or any other mods, it's worth doing.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

This Torsen is a weird animal in street use with a V8 powering it. It can still one wheel peel for quite a ways until it decides to grip up. It's not ideal but certainly better than an open diff.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

This Torsen is a weird animal in street use with a V8 powering it. It can still one wheel peel for quite a ways until it decides to grip up. It's not ideal but certainly better than an open diff.

If you had to choose between it and a fomoco limited slip, which is better on pavement and dirt roads?

 

[Bird76Mojo]

If you had to choose between it and a fomoco limited slip, which is better on pavement and dirt roads?

If you mean the clutch type limited slip, then I think I might prefer the clutch style with extra shims to tighten it up, but in a higher HP application I think they would wear out pretty fast.

I should probably pick up an extra Torsen for the price they have them at. That's cheap. I often wonder if my Torsen in the V8 truck is starting to show some wear which lets it slip. Not a huge fan of the design since it just uses the helical shaft gears loading against the ends of the carrier to provide lockup.

I'm still kinda experimenting with oil weights in mine.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

If you mean the clutch type limited slip, then I think I might prefer the clutch style with extra shims to tighten it up, but in a higher HP application I think they would wear out pretty fast.

I should probably pick up an extra Torsen for the price they have them at. That's cheap. I often wonder if my Torsen in the V8 truck is starting to show some wear which lets it slip. Not a huge fan of the design since it just uses the helical shaft gears loading against the ends of the carrier to provide lockup.

I'm still kinda experimenting with oil weights in mine.

The clutch type with extra shims stuffed in it is what I currently have. It's good on gravel, but biases oddly on pavement. Gets annoying.

Had a lunchbox locker for a short while. Hated that thing.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

My clutch style seems fine on all surfaces. I've rebuilt it once and put in the extra shims. Seems well mannered on pavement to me. I'm running 33" Mickey Thompson MT's so maybe I just don't feel it doing funny things? Not sure.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Quite a long time ago, after reading a hot rod magazine explaining the how to, I did a cheap mans LSD ( not acid!). I added extra shim or 2 to the side gears of a 9" and later, also did a d-28. Both worked. BUT.... It also said that the extra forces could grenade the diff, and will wear out the shims quickly. Never had any problems with mine. Both mine were drop out pumpkins, so I'm not sure how hard it would be to do an 8.8. I also didn't put many miles on either so can't comment on longevity.