04 explorer xlt rear axle assembly issue

[dedpossum]

Hi!

I have a 2004 ford explorer xlt. I am trying to replace the entire rear axle assembly (diff, hubs, etc) with one purchase.

The diff according to the tag is an 3.55 8.8.

When I look for a ford explorer rear assembly with a 3.55 ratio I keep getting referred to 1998 to 2001 explorers. Again I have an '04 so I'm pretty confused.

My question is, did someone scab and old diff onto the vehicle. If so what should be there in it's place?



Thanks!!!!

 

[koda2000]

Check the axle code on the driver's door jam and look it up. Or you could go to Ford's ETIS site and check to see what ratio it came with when it was built.

For what it's worth, my ST came with 4:10 LSD rear diff. This is a fairly common ratio for the SOHC engine. The 4:10 makes for great acceleration but not great fuel economy. I would think the SOHC V6 with 3:55 would get better MPG's but would be a bit of a dog on acceleration.