Oh the locker! Help?

[Trckmagik]

This weekend I removed the Powertrax from my 1992 Ford Explorer to install it in the 2001 Sport Trac. These both have the 8.8 31 spline axle. It was thought that this would be and easy undertaking. So I get the Powertrax out of the 92 and go to install it in the 01. What the ___? It doesnt fit! The carriers are real diff. from each other! Did anyone know that they changed the carrier in this year explorer! Who out there has a 2001 w/ a locker? Help me out as my truck has been on jackstands for 2 full days now.

 

[Trckmagik]

The poor ST is just sitting on jackstands! The poor thing! We need some help.

 

[zensius]

Why not just change the whole rear end? I've no experience with the Sport Trac but if you thought the pumpkins were similar enough to change than the rest must be similar enough to swap whole.

 

[Trckmagik]

We are in the process of doing this, but i cant get the four bolts off that hold the driveshaft to the pumpkin rear! Any ideas on how to get these off w/ out stripping them? Thats my problem.

 

[FMExplorer]

Brian,
I may be wrong here, but I think the difference may be with your gear ratio... 3.37 and numerically higher gears use a different carrier than the lower ones do. If you have lower (numerically) gears on the old X, this is where your problem lies...

Jon

 

[Trckmagik]

I have 4.10 gearing on both Explorers! This is what we cant figure out and we have people lookinh in a couple diff. states. How do i get these four bolts off that disc. the driveshaft from the rear of the pumpkin? Thanks guys.

 

[zensius]

Try heating them up with a propane torch. I think a metric 12, twelve point socket fits best. Did on my '92 anyway. The torch thing works wonders. Good luck.

 

[GJarrett]

Jon, the Powertrax uses the same unit for the different gear ratios but different units for limited slip and open differentials. Brian had limited slips in both of his so we all thought it should have worked.

Sorry to hear about that Brian. Good luck and keep us posted. I won't make it next weekend either; I screwed up my liftgate bad and Herc is back in the body shop.

 

[FMExplorer]

How to remove the bolts? Well - I'd say impact wrench, but you wold have thought of that!

They use a special bolt if I remember right. Opposite to a torx bolt. If you don't have an impact wrench, you can rent one for $15 - your best bet...

Gerald - the powertrax works inside an existing LS? Does that mean when my Auburn wears out I don't need a new carrier - just the powertrax for the LS?

Jon

 

[Trckmagik]

Gerald! WHat did you do to the liftgate? And how? I am sorry to hear that! My girlfriend was looking forward to meeting all of the Texas crew! i am still aiming at making it out there. I think I can, I think I can.............

 

[Dannyboy]

Just a thought if you are desperate. Does the driveshaft match up, break it free at the ujoint, or even take the whole drive shaft.

 

[GJarrett]

Yep the Powertrax uses the existing carrier (except for 2001+'s evidently).

Brian, I tried to adjust my liftgate a little and it shifted while the bracket bolts were loose, then the lift pistons pushed it open while it wasn't lined up right and jammed into the roof and deformed. I screwed up bigtime. Hopefully it's only bent brackets but it may be a bent liftgate frame under the skin. $$$

 

[Trckmagik]

Okay, well just a little update! I removed the 2001 axle completely from the 2001, and have also removed the 1992 axle from the 1992. We then reinstalled the 1992 on the 2001 Sport Trac! So far so good! Everything has matched up so far (ABS sensor connector, brake lines, etc.) Today after work I will be installing the actual brakes to the axle, mounting the driveshaft and starting on putting the gears and powertrax back in this axle. So far it looks good. I am just getting so tired from 4 straight days of working on this. I also still have to get my tow points installed. Like I said before: "I think I can, I think I can!" I ll keep you posted.

 

[Trckmagik]

Okay! The axle is completely installed and ready to install the powertrax back into it! I will keep you posted as to what the outcome is on its first test drive.