Front differential for 2004 Limited AWD V8

[pet575]

Need to replace my front differential and I've found a few used/rebuilt to choose from. Have a few questions:

1. A few of these guys are asking me, "Do you need the whole thing?" My answer has been "Yes" but I want to make sure I'm telling them the right thing. If I needed less than that what would I be buying? I was under the impression that "the whole thing" is what the drive shaft from the TC plugs into and what the half axles (CV's) also plug into. Am I correct?

2. I am being asked if I have 3:73 or 3:55 ratio for this thing. Is the 3:73 standard on the V8 AWD LTD with the towing package (which is what I have)? If not, is that info on my door label? I'm not near the vehicle right now so I can't run out and check it.

3. Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for in buying a used part with x number of miles on it? I realize I will need to fill it with fluid/change the fluid if there is any in there.

4. Would I be a complete fool to continue using my current front half axles when I do this replacement? The boots are still intact and I have no reason to believe the CV joints are bad. Am I asking for trouble in not replacing them while I'm in there? If I need to do that, I'd like to stretch the cost out over time instead of having to pay for all that at once.

Thanks!

 

[RickM]

2. I am being asked if I have 3:73 or 3:55 ratio for this thing. Is the 3:73 standard on the V8 AWD LTD with the towing package (which is what I have)? If not, is that info on my door label? I'm not near the vehicle right now so I can't run out and check it.

Thanks!

Check this post out to identify the ratio you have: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2269098&postcount=7

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[Ronin8002]

1. You are correct

2. See last post

3. Check for cracks in the housing, make sure the seal on the end of the long tube (passenger side) is intact. Check to make sure there isn't any lateral play in the driveshaft yoke.

4. If your front CVs look good I'd just re-use them. They're not too hard to change out if they do go bad so might as well wait until you have to.

Need to replace my front differential and I've found a few used/rebuilt to choose from. Have a few questions:

1. A few of these guys are asking me, "Do you need the whole thing?" My answer has been "Yes" but I want to make sure I'm telling them the right thing. If I needed less than that what would I be buying? I was under the impression that "the whole thing" is what the drive shaft from the TC plugs into and what the half axles (CV's) also plug into. Am I correct?

2. I am being asked if I have 3:73 or 3:55 ratio for this thing. Is the 3:73 standard on the V8 AWD LTD with the towing package (which is what I have)? If not, is that info on my door label? I'm not near the vehicle right now so I can't run out and check it.

3. Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for in buying a used part with x number of miles on it? I realize I will need to fill it with fluid/change the fluid if there is any in there.

4. Would I be a complete fool to continue using my current front half axles when I do this replacement? The boots are still intact and I have no reason to believe the CV joints are bad. Am I asking for trouble in not replacing them while I'm in there? If I need to do that, I'd like to stretch the cost out over time instead of having to pay for all that at once.

Thanks!

 

[pet575]

Thanks guys. Door code is D4 so I've confirmed a 3.73 limited slip axle.

Huge help from you guys-MUCH appreciated!