2002 IRS 8.8 rear end question

[grssmm]

Hi all,
I have a question about my 8.8 rear end on my 2002 XLT. I have 160000 miles on it and I am going to remove cover and inspect it. Change oil and add the friction modifier. My question is can the clutches be replace with out removing the unit. I realize that I would have to remove the drive shafts. I have real bad shutter when I am in 4WD and making slow turns. Also, Is it absolutly necessaary to have a case spreader to do this work, My diff. is a 8.8 LS 3.7 ratio.

Thanks
gamiller

 

[boominXplorer]

You will have to remove the whole diff to take the cover off. You also have to pull the carrier and remove the ring gear to rebuild the L/S. You can always try draining and adding fresh 75-140 and use 2 bottles of ford friction mod. Should kill the shudder.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Unless you have reason to suspect there are issues, it is probably best just to replace the oil. You can get the gist of it from here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326205

 

[imp]

You will have to remove the whole diff to take the cover off. You also have to pull the carrier and remove the ring gear to rebuild the L/S. You can always try draining and adding fresh 75-140 and use 2 bottles of ford friction mod. Should kill the shudder.

IMO, if the shuddering is not intolerable, the above might just help. However, I would test the clutch's holding ability first. It is very unlikely there is much "limited slip" action left in clutch plates having that kind of high mileage behind them, unless, of course, most of the mileage was driven in a straight line..... imp

 

[turborich]

I have never had a limited slip rear end fail do to high mileage. I also change my fluids on a regular basis and use the correct additives.

Try the fluid drain/fill and friction modifier.

 

[05explorer1974]

I know the clutch packs were updated in the diff kit along with the spider gears. I can tell you if this kit has not been replaced or the tag has not been replaced on the diff cover then replace the tag part number: F3TZ-4121-AA. Originially when they came out from Ford they were 80w90 not synthetic. Which was part of the problem. When the kit came out it came with a tag to replace the original tag that changed it to the synthetic rear end fluid 75W-140 and friction modifier. On the new clutch packs you are suppossed to soak them first then put them in. By 04 they came with the 75W140 but 02-03 came with 80W-90.

 

[projectnitemare]

Clutch shudder isn't a good reason to pull the diff especially if it doesn't show any other issues. I agree on draining and refilling along with friction modifier. If you still desire you can change the clutches without pulling the carrier itself. The spring can be a PITA to get back in but to do so line up the side gears so the spring rests evenly on the valley of the gears. Take a small block of wood and a hammer, with a swift wack it should start in. As far a pulling the carrier, you should need a case spreader, if not you have wear issues somewhere.

Matt

 

[radman]

Traction-Lock can be serviced in car

No need to remove the differential unit. Once the locking bolt is removed the spider gears can be rolled out and the half moon clips can be removed allowing the axles to be slide out of the side gears. Once this is done remove the side gears and you can now remove the clutch packs and replace any worn parts. No special tools needed.

In about 90% of shudder issues, just changing the gear lube or adding a bottle of friction modifier will eliminate the complaint. You go to a dealer with this issue a they will sock you for about $800 while a lube change will usually be all that is needed. New synthetic lubes all ready have Traction-Lock additives in it.

 

[projectnitemare]

No c-clips on an 8.8 IRS. But if you do desire to replace stuff you will have to remove the diff assembly to pull the cover. The crosspin retaining bolt will be a 8mm head and if it doesn't want to come out heat the carrier around the bolt because it should have thread locker on it. You will want to soak the clutches in oil first. Always add friction modifier to a clutch style limited slip and that is not true synethetics have it included you still need to add it. You will still have shudder in the rear during turns for a bit if you replaced the clutches but that will fade in a few hundred miles of normal driving.

Matt

 

[boominXplorer]

02+ IRS the diff must be removed to take off the cover. All explorers 01 and before you can service in the truck but it will be a pain in the but. The Z spring is a bear to get out with the ring gear on.