Eaton Detroit TrueTrac in 2008 ?

[Jet Ski Puller]

So, I read the awesomely detailed post by The Electrician. I'm looking at the Eaton TrueTrac for my rear.

Here's the confusion . . . according to Eaton's site, this differential is NOT compatible with the IRS configuration, only a solid axle with C clips.

I have consulted several 4WD and performance shops, and they say this unit is not machined to accept the circlips/snap rings on the half shafts.

Can anyone elaborate on this?

I have attempted to contact The Electrician, but he hasn't been active on here for years.

 

[imp]

So, I read the awesomely detailed post by The Electrician. I'm looking at the Eaton TrueTrac for my rear.

Here's the confusion . . . according to Eaton's site, this differential is NOT compatible with the IRS configuration, only a solid axle with C clips.

I have consulted several 4WD and performance shops, and they say this unit is not machined to accept the circlips/snap rings on the half shafts.

Can anyone elaborate on this?

I have attempted to contact The Electrician, but he hasn't been active on here for years.

@Jet Ski Puller
I have been working in absentia with a guy @collinstm57 who might be able to shed some light on the differences between the two differentials. Surely, if the Eaton differential is machined for solid axles with C-clips to retain them, then the independent suspension circlip-retained axles would not work. This would mean the Eaton is usable only in the solid-axled Explorers, as stated.

Why Eaton does not make them for Gen 3s and up, I dunno; maybe a lack of market. imp

 

[Jet Ski Puller]

@Jet Ski Puller
I have been working in absentia with a guy @collinstm57 who might be able to shed some light on the differences between the two differentials. Surely, if the Eaton differential is machined for solid axles with C-clips to retain them, then the independent suspension circlip-retained axles would not work. This would mean the Eaton is usable only in the solid-axled Explorers, as stated.

Why Eaton does not make them for Gen 3s and up, I dunno; maybe a lack of market. imp

Right.

But in this post, The Electrician reported that he installed this in a Gen 4 and even showed videos afterward . . .

Maximum Traction Solution - 4th Gen Differential Tech

This is where I got the part number for the 8.8, that Eaton and shops say shouldn't be compatible . . . hence the confusion.

Have you had any experience with any other helical gear style LSDs?

 

[imp]

Right.

But in this post, The Electrician reported that he installed this in a Gen 4 and even showed videos afterward . . .

Maximum Traction Solution - 4th Gen Differential Tech

This is where I got the part number for the 8.8, that Eaton and shops say shouldn't be compatible . . . hence the confusion.

Have you had any experience with any other helical gear style LSDs?

@Jet Ski Puller
I have had unfortunately no hands-on experience with the gear-type LSD's. However, being a degreed Engineer, I can pretty much see through the "smoke screen" blown by the entities pushing to sell their products. And I can understand how these units work, and predict their falibilities.

Wish I could help more here, but really cannot, beyond saying that given the vast variety of traction controlling differentials offered, I would use the Torsen design first choice, if available. imp

 

[MotorCityFats13]

or use the ford racing 03-04 cobra rear diff and its the most cost effective solution offered

 

[imp]

or use the ford racing 03-04 cobra rear diff and its the most cost effective solution offered

@MotorCityFats13
The Terminator Cobra then had an independent rear suspension? I keep learning here! imp

 

[MotorCityFats13]

@MotorCityFats13
The Terminator Cobra then had an independent rear suspension? I keep learning here! imp

all cobras from 99 on had the irs but the 03-04 went with the 31-spline halfshafts and it just happens that 06-10 explorers are 31 spline ..... its too bad you cant use the stronger axles but I dont think it would matter since nobody aims for a 700+ hp explorer

 

[Jet Ski Puller]

or use the ford racing 03-04 cobra rear diff and its the most cost effective solution offered

This is the Torsen T2 unit that is now branded as a Ford Racing product correct? I have seen this. It's actually a little more expensive than the Eaton version. Lowest price I've found is $556 vs. $529 for the TrueTrac.

The main reason I was looking for the TrueTrac is that the published bias value are higher. 2.2 for the T2 vs. 3.5 for the TrueTrac.

 

[GodStang]

or use the ford racing 03-04 cobra rear diff and its the most cost effective solution offered

For the 03-04 Cobras we use the Ford Thunderbird IRS Pumpkin for an upgrade which are like $35 bucks at a junkyard then run a Eaton True trac. with upgraded half-shafts. I have been running a True Trac in my Cobra since 2012 and it is great. I also have a True Trac in my 8.8 in my 1988 Jeep Wrangler since 2001 but that is a solid axle. Love the unit.

 

[Blakeo72]

So, I read the awesomely detailed post by The Electrician. I'm looking at the Eaton TrueTrac for my rear.

Here's the confusion . . . according to Eaton's site, this differential is NOT compatible with the IRS configuration, only a solid axle with C clips.

I have consulted several 4WD and performance shops, and they say this unit is not machined to accept the circlips/snap rings on the half shafts.

Can anyone elaborate on this?

I have attempted to contact The Electrician, but he hasn't been active on here for years.

Hey man. Reviving this thread. I just regeared my 08 Sport Trac (same as 4th gen explorer), v8 x4. Put 4.10s and Eaton TrueTracs both front and rear. Sourcing front rebuild bearings/seals was kind of a nightmare and several bearings in the correct kit...were wrong. Anywho it drives nice! Big performance upgrade Instagram @blakej.st if you want to see more

 

[Travis Brown]

Hey man. Reviving this thread. I just regeared my 08 Sport Trac (same as 4th gen explorer), v8 x4. Put 4.10s and Eaton TrueTracs both front and rear. Sourcing front rebuild bearings/seals was kind of a nightmare and several bearings in the correct kit...were wrong. Anywho it drives nice! Big performance upgrade Instagram @blakej.st if you want to see more

I'm contemplating doing the same thing (4.10s and TrueTracs) on my Explorer. Can you do a write-up or list the parts that you eventually got to work? Thanks!