Gear ratio on a '96 XLT? Limited Slip?

[jrfranz]

I have been reading a ton of posts about limited slip vs. non-limited slip rears and different ratios - I have a box stock but new to me '96 XLT with just about every option except for leather seats. I have the trailer tow wiring in place - so I assume I may have the trailer tow package Is there any way I can tell wich rear end I have and what the gear ratio is? I assume by the low mileage I get that it is geared pretty low. Where would this info be??
Thanks in advance -

I am learning a ton from all of you here - I would guess the 3 hours I spent reading today probably saved me $250 in repairs I will now do myself based on members advice. Thanks y'all

 

[TPLYNCH]

The info plate on the door should have a code for the axle ratio, ie 41 or D4. If it is numbers only, it's an open Diff. If it has the letter and number, its a limited slip. If the plate is not there, there is a tag on the differential itself that will have the ratio on it. Run a search for axle ratios to find the list of what code relates to what ratio.

Welcome to the site!

 

[Stephen S]

If you have the towing package, it's likely gonna be a 4.10 limited slip. But check your door tag on your driver's door and find the axle code. Then go here: http://www.users.qwest.net/~ntrpriz/main.htm and look at the axle code chart to find out for sure.

Welcome Aboard!!

 

[KEbert]

My mom's 99' sohc has the tow package and it has a 3.73 LS. So it can very.

 

[Robert]

Yup, Ford takes into account the tire size, engine size, whether or not it is 2WD or 4Wd and whether or not you have the towing package to determine the axle ratio. A '97 4x4 with 235 75R15 tires and tow package would get a 3.73. My '97 with 255 70R16 tires and towing package came with 4.10. The only way to get the 4.10 was if it came with 16" tires. Ford never offered the 4.10 axle on an Explorer with 15" tires.

 

[jrfranz]

And the winner is:
3.73 Axles with Limited Slip - D4 code in the door. I also do have the P235 15" tires and wheels.

How offroad worthy is this combo?
My buddy has a 4 runner and I just want to be able to stay with him - I think my biggest advantage will be the limited slip - he has open diffs all the way around, but bigger tires and lower ratios.

Thanks again for all of the feedback - I think my wife thinks I am surfing for **** all the time when in fact I am reading threads here. I can't wait until the weather breaks a bit here so I can get dirty and do some work on my truck or get it up north for a little off road test run.

 

[Robert]

There are some types of terrain that your Explorer will probably do better in and some that he will probably do better in. You will probably do better on really loose surfaces that don't require a lot of ground clearance such as mud, ice, snow and sand. Cover a trail in any of these surfaces and you should do a little better provide it isn't deep enough to bottom you out. He would do better in situations that require more clearance such as rocks and deep ruts. The 4-runners have better clearance to start with than the Explorer has.