Quick question about differential upgrade

[simmons1]

I have a "open" 4.10 rear differential and my buddy has a new Ford 8.8 LS that he will sell to me cheap. Besides installing the LS is there anything else that I would have to buy/modify to complete the project, besides the friction modifier for the gear lube. Do I need to make any provisions to the front axel? Thanks in advance.

 

[MrShorty]

If you're not changing the gear ratio, then you won't have to do anything to the front end.
Since you will be changing the carrier in the rear end, you'll probably have to adjust the backlash and wear pattern. At the very least, you'll have to check them to make sure they are within specs.

 

[simmons1]

I am going to keep the 4.10's, I like them to much! I just wanted to make sure that the upgrade is a true bolt on. I didn't want to get into it and find that I need a lot of extra part or modifications. Also, I didn't want to break into the front diff.

 

[MrShorty]

It should bolt right in. You will need shims and a dial indicator and lots of patience to get the backlash set right. If you've never set up gears before, take the time to learn how. Get someone to coach you if you can, or just pay someone to do it for you. This is one of those operations where there isn't a lot of room for error, and the consequences of getting it wrong get expensive quickly.