97 v8 AWD Explorer Front Diff ?

[tbirdkatz]

So I was recently given a 97 limited awd explorer with low miles. Prob is the person who gave it to me put the wrong size spare on and blew the front end up in it. My question is does the front diff replacement have to be specifically out of a v8 awd or any 4x4? Also will any 95-01 work or does it have to be a 96-97 only like the rear. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[SoNic67]

It needs to be what is specified on your door sticker. Because of gearing.
PS: It's a Dana 35.

 

[Turdle]

You need a 97 - up with the same gear ratio.

 

[masospaghetti]

You sure the front diff blew up and not the transfer case?

Mismatched tires WILL destroy the AWD case. It shouldn't necessarily destroy the front open differential.

 

[tbirdkatz]

Its shootng fluid out of the vent tube. Doesnt bind much when driven.

 

[boominXplorer]

Then its just overfilled or had water contamination. There is no pump in the differential, it will not build pressure unless overfilled.

 

[tbirdkatz]

It does bind on occasion. Could the diff cause that? The people at both transmission shops i took it to seem to think so but i live down south so awd isnt common here

 

[masospaghetti]

When does it bind? When turning?

 

[tbirdkatz]

Not usually. If i hit the gas really hard it will bind.

 

[SoNic67]

In that case probably is not only the front diff...
It might be the VC inside the central differential (aka transfer case).

 

[DjDom]

Like everyone's saying, it's probably the transfercase, not the front diff.

 

[tbirdkatz]

Front diff is whining bad. Replacing that and im sure transfer case as well