1993 (?) Explorer Differential Issues / Questions -

[46HudsonPU]

Background: I have what I believe is a '93 Ford Explorer differential, which I bought some time ago out of a salvage yard.

Question #1: I can't find the paperwork on it, and am unsure as to the gear ratio (no tag on differential). I took off the cover, and found these numbers on the ring gear - From the numbers I see, it looks like it is a 3.27 gear, correct?

Question #2: This appears to be an 'open' differential, rather than a 'limited slip'. There really is no doubt in my mind, just a bit of disappointment.

Question #3: This one is more serious.. I see what appears to be significant wear on a part of the axle tube, adjacent to one of the spring perches. To me, this indicates that there was some long-term significant movement, causing a wear channel' in the metal of the axle tube.

- How thick is this axle tube?
- Is this significant enough to cause reliability / safety issues?

 

[Brian1]

#1, yes that is a 3.27 gear. You can also get that from the 11-36 number on it which is the tooth count for the ring and the pinion. 36 divided by 11 is 3.27

#2, yes that is an open differential.

#3 the tube thickness is 1/4". That wear looks like it is from the u-bolt, possibly overtightened mixed with metal decay from rust. The housing/tube is likely OK for an occasional driver or daily driver but for anything race/drag/off-road I would look for a better housing with less rust which may be hard to find in your area.

 

[46HudsonPU]

All seems good with the differential, no play, action/movement smooth & very solid.

As long as I have it 'on the bench', I'm going to pull the axles. check the bearings, replace the seals, then rebuild the brakes to include replacing the wheel cylinders and brake drums - essentially, just about everything.
While I'm at it, I'll remove, clean and paint the backing plates. Normally that is harder to do, and requires additional time/effort. However I'm pulling the axles to inspect the bearings and replace the seals anyway - so, while I'm 'there'. I might as well..

 

[410Fortune]

Sounds like my yesterday!

Have at it

Explorer 31 spline 8.8 are very very tough axles

 

[46HudsonPU]

Sounds like my yesterday!

Have at it

Explorer 31 spline 8.8 are very very tough axles

SO much easier to do this stuff while it is on the bench. Axles out, drum backing plates off. Put the retainer pin back into the differential, just to hold those gears in place (just in case - being cautious), put the diff cover back on, and plugged the axle shaft holes with clean grease rags.. Now, back to 'clean-up, rust removal & paint), when the weather allows - WAY too messy a job for inside my workshop - last time, it took WEEKS to clean it up, and am still finding hidden dust and grime, over a year later).
Ordered more parts - local parts stores don't carry most of what I need (seals, etc., - 'rockauto.com' is your friend) . Have plenty to do, while waiting for parts..