'94 X Differential model?

[ohe_boy]

Aloha All,

An issue has come up and I need your help. Now, I have an '94 XLT 4x4 Explorer. Go wheeling often with my newly lifted X with 33" meats. I want to install lockers (front) but need to know what diff model I'm running. My stock gearing, I believe, is 3.27 due to a 41 axle code on my drivers door label. I know my rear axle is a Ford 8.8 but the front axle is confusing for me. I've done the research and read that the '94 explorer's have dana 35's up front. However, when I compare a picture of a dana 35 housing (bolt pattern) to MY differential housing it looks as if it represents a dana 30/27/25. I tried looking for the labels on the axle to determine what type it really is and no luck in finding them.

My question, now, is...how can i verify that it is actually a 30 (or 35)? bolt-to-bolt measurements? verify VIN with ford? anything? or is it safe to assume the pictures of the dana 30 and 35 are accurate?

 

[Robb]

It is a reverse cut, TTB (twin traction beam), Dana 35.

Different from a D30 by the fact that a D30 is a solid axle, not a TTB.

The only other axle close to it would be a D28, but size wise, they are much different.

 

[ohe_boy]

Ooooohhhh! I see!

I never knew there were two types of dana 35's. What made it even more confusing for me was that the "wrong" dana 35 didn't have the 3.27 gear ratio as what was stated on my door label. But the dana 35IFS do have the 3.27 gearing and now I am relieved. Thanks for your help Robb! Now I can go shopping for some lockers up front!!!

 

[Robb]

Actually, just to fry your noodle, there are (at least) 3 different types of D35s running around:

1) Solid Axle D35 (rear axle used in small Jeeps)
2) TTB D35 (used in the front of 1st Gen Explorers)
3) SLA D35 (used in the front of 2nd Gen Explorer)
*note: I didn't include Rangers

As far as I know, the ring and pinions for the solid D35 and SLA D35 are both standard cut, and identical. Your TTB D35 is going to be the oddball. It uses reverse cut ring and pinion gears.

THIS IS IMPORTANT WHEN SHOPPING!!!

A LOT of retailers have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to the Ford/Dana D35!! I just looked over at www.rubicon4x4.com and they show the same front ring and pinion for Explorers from '91-'04..............this is just incorrect!!! Many retailers only list "d35" gears as if there is no difference in them. Also, many retailers just list "IFS D35" and this is tricky because both the TTB and the SLA are technically IFS setups. Before you order from anyone, I would give them a call to confirm you are ordering what you really need, you need REVERSE CUT Ring & Pinions. Make sure you get them to say that the gears you are ordering are reverse cut.

Confused yet?

 

[ohe_boy]

Thanks again Robb...

Its been awhile since we've last spoken about this topic and I'm glad that I came back to it. I haven't gotten my lockers just yet as I'm unsure if Aussie Lockers came out with the IFS D35 Rev cut yet. Would you know if they did by any chance? Anyway, your last message just reminded me of what to ask for when i do go looking else where for lockers. Thanks again for your help!!!