ok, i thought my explorer was just a 4 wheel drive station wagon. thanks to you guys i see the potential and love my truck. i have a '91 EB and my first order of business is to correct the open rear end. i've never messed with this part of the truck so i know next to nothing about it. how much work, money, time and all is involved here. any help is extremely appreciated.
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I WANT LIMITED SLIP!!!!!
- Thread starter HuCK
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Tom Wilk
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Greetings, Huck,
I had a limited slip installed in mine when it only had 1000 miles on it, and it has been very helpful. I suggest you do a search of this site, as this question comes up frequently. Much has been written on the various traction aids such as factory limited slips, as well as limited slips and lockers from the various aftermarket companies like Auburn, Dana, Detroit, and ARB.
The most important thing I can think of is whatever you choose, have someone experienced install it or work with you to install it. Setting up a rear end isn't rocket science, but it is tricky and if you don't do it right, your rear end is toast.
Let us know what you decide.
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Tom
I had a limited slip installed in mine when it only had 1000 miles on it, and it has been very helpful. I suggest you do a search of this site, as this question comes up frequently. Much has been written on the various traction aids such as factory limited slips, as well as limited slips and lockers from the various aftermarket companies like Auburn, Dana, Detroit, and ARB.
The most important thing I can think of is whatever you choose, have someone experienced install it or work with you to install it. Setting up a rear end isn't rocket science, but it is tricky and if you don't do it right, your rear end is toast.
Let us know what you decide.
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Tom
well, didn't find exactly what i was lookin' for but i've got a start now. it almost sounds like it would be easier to find junked explorer and get the whole rear axle off of it. i checked and i have the 3.55 gears. so i was thinking of going with the 3.73LS. how common are they and would the junkyard trick work?
man thanks for the info, i never would have even thought about the front gears. i'm gonna check around and see if the junkyard route pans out, maybe just get both axles off a truck. i have however seen a bunch of people in love with their auburn LS's. how much did that cost (parts/install) and where would i go to get one. thanks again for the help
rockylaurence
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HUCK; I WISH I HAD THE "OPEN" DIFF-THEN I COULD INSTALL AN "EZ LOCKER" IN THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. I HAVE THE L/S REAR AND IT ONLY PROVIDES A MARGINAL IMPROVEMENT OFF ROAD. FOR LESS THAN $300. AND A LITTLE TIME (A SHADE-TREE MECHANIC CAN INSTALL THE EZ/LA/POWERTRAX LOCKERS) YOU CAN ADD SOME SERIOUS TRACTION!
I HAVE THE EZ LKR UP FRONT AND ITS THE BEST IMPROVEMENT I'VE MADE.
I HAVE THE EZ LKR UP FRONT AND ITS THE BEST IMPROVEMENT I'VE MADE.
Tom Wilk
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Huck,
I think that the 3.73's are more common on the newer Explorers, so there should be some out there. As to whether a new one will bolt right on to your 91, I'm not sure. I know that they made major changes to the front end in 95, but I don't know if the rear was changed or not.
The junk yard route is much cheaper than having a rear end set up. But, if you find a limited slip, be sure to get a kit from Ford and rebuild the limited slip clutch/spring set. The factory units do wear out after 30,000 or so miles.
Also, if you change the rear gears, you must change the front as well, if you ever want to use 4wd. Otherwise, you'll surely break something in the drive train the minute you start moving in 4wd.
I was lucky enough to be blessed with 4.10 gears on my Explorer, though the rear was open. I put an Auburn limited slip in (actually, the shop put it in) and am very happy with the results. Dead Link Removed
BTW, I think that someone here may have a set of 3.73's (brand new) for front and rear. Check out the for sale section. They're probably just the ring and pinion, but if you're having them installed, you may as well pick up an aftermarket limited slip and have it installed at the same time. It will be cheaper than setting up the axles twice.
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Tom
I think that the 3.73's are more common on the newer Explorers, so there should be some out there. As to whether a new one will bolt right on to your 91, I'm not sure. I know that they made major changes to the front end in 95, but I don't know if the rear was changed or not.
The junk yard route is much cheaper than having a rear end set up. But, if you find a limited slip, be sure to get a kit from Ford and rebuild the limited slip clutch/spring set. The factory units do wear out after 30,000 or so miles.
Also, if you change the rear gears, you must change the front as well, if you ever want to use 4wd. Otherwise, you'll surely break something in the drive train the minute you start moving in 4wd.
I was lucky enough to be blessed with 4.10 gears on my Explorer, though the rear was open. I put an Auburn limited slip in (actually, the shop put it in) and am very happy with the results. Dead Link Removed
BTW, I think that someone here may have a set of 3.73's (brand new) for front and rear. Check out the for sale section. They're probably just the ring and pinion, but if you're having them installed, you may as well pick up an aftermarket limited slip and have it installed at the same time. It will be cheaper than setting up the axles twice.
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Tom
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I just went the Junk - errrr - recycled auto parts route. I found four 3L73 in one yard and a total of 12 in Houston for my '91. I only called truck recycling yards. A friend in Amarillo, Tx said their price was $475.
Paid $200 + exchange. Price range in area was $200 to $350.
The on I bought had limited wear onbreak drums. Limited gear slap. The oil was not dark black. There were no oil sweats on the assembly. The break drums were not corroded.
Make sure you check the gear slap and oil. Also, do you really want to have a different ratio in the back vs. front? I was always told to keep it the same.
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Paid $200 + exchange. Price range in area was $200 to $350.
The on I bought had limited wear onbreak drums. Limited gear slap. The oil was not dark black. There were no oil sweats on the assembly. The break drums were not corroded.
Make sure you check the gear slap and oil. Also, do you really want to have a different ratio in the back vs. front? I was always told to keep it the same.
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- 2006 Honda Accord
Hey Huck,
If you go with getting another rear end, why not get one from a 95+ model, then you can have disk brakes all the way around. The Ford 8.8's from 95 on all have rear disks. Dead Link RemovedOne more thing. Make sure that it is not a Ranger rear end as some do not have the same spline setup. I think some Rangers have 28 spline and the Explorers have 31 spline.
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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
If you go with getting another rear end, why not get one from a 95+ model, then you can have disk brakes all the way around. The Ford 8.8's from 95 on all have rear disks. Dead Link RemovedOne more thing. Make sure that it is not a Ranger rear end as some do not have the same spline setup. I think some Rangers have 28 spline and the Explorers have 31 spline.
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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
Tom Wilk
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I had completely forgotten to mention the EZ locker type of setup. They aren't as strong as a detroit, but they do work, and they can be used in an open carrier (thanks, Rocky).
Ray's right about the different 8.8" axles; what you want is the 31 spline. The Rangers tend to have the 28 spline, though some might have 31. The 31's have a larger diameter axle housing with thicker axle shafts in them. They're stronger. The reason Explorers use the stronger of the two is the weight of the vehicle along with more horsepower in most cases. Also, I remember reading that Explorer axles are about 3" longer than those on the Ranger. Quite a few Ranger drivers are looking for Explorer axles.
The only caution I would have on changing to disk brakes on the rear is that you may need a different master cylinder, and possibly a different proportioning valve. I don't know this for sure, but you may want to check in to it.
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Tom
99 Sport 4x4
SOHC
Auburn Rear & Gerald's old Shackles
Ray's right about the different 8.8" axles; what you want is the 31 spline. The Rangers tend to have the 28 spline, though some might have 31. The 31's have a larger diameter axle housing with thicker axle shafts in them. They're stronger. The reason Explorers use the stronger of the two is the weight of the vehicle along with more horsepower in most cases. Also, I remember reading that Explorer axles are about 3" longer than those on the Ranger. Quite a few Ranger drivers are looking for Explorer axles.
The only caution I would have on changing to disk brakes on the rear is that you may need a different master cylinder, and possibly a different proportioning valve. I don't know this for sure, but you may want to check in to it.
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Tom
99 Sport 4x4
SOHC
Auburn Rear & Gerald's old Shackles
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