Radius Arm Bushing and Rear Diff Clutch Pack

[BigDave]

Hi all (and thanks for any and all help in advance)...

These question apply to a '94 XLT 4x4 with the limited slip rear end. Everything on the truck is stock...Now on to the questions...

I had my radius arm bushings replaced last fall, by the dealer under warranty, and since then I have had a rattle coming from the drivers side (seems to be right under my seat). I have seen it up on a lift since the bushings were changed and the passenger side seems to have a little metal cover over the bushing on the rear side, but the driver side does not. I think the dealership messed up, but the warranty is now up, although I think they should fix it for free if they screwed up the first time. My question is should there be a little metal cap on the driver side bushing? If so, and the dealer won't fix it, how hard would it be to unbolt and put the cap on it so it fit right?

and...

Does anyone know how to change the clutch pack in the rear diff for the Explorers with the limited slip rear. I have that rear and want to change the clutch pack. The parts are not too expensive, but I don't think the limited slip is working, again, I don't know if the rear diff fluid has ever been changed. I already have the oil and the friction modifier, and I figure that as long as the pumpkin is open I might as well try and change the clutch pack if I can.

Thanks

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Big Dave
'94 XLT 4x4
modified air box
K&N airfilter
"Take her easy, and if she's easy take her twice.." (The trail I mean..)

 

[Maniak]

Dave,
The little metal thing only goes on the passenger side. It is the heat shield that is supposed to help keep the bushings from getting burned up too quick.



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Mark
mark@legendz.com
http://mark.legendz.com
Off-Road and Motorcycle Information, Pictures and Movies
Click Dead Link Removed to see our Explorer Specs

 

[TPLYNCH]

Dave,
The heat shield is known to come loose and rattle, causing a racket. When the replaced the bushings, they may have loosened the shield.

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Tom Lynch
99 XLS

 

[Gofast]

Big Dave, The LS clutch packs were very easy. I bought mine from the dealer for about $75.00. Instructions were included, but make sure you have a Haines or Chiltons handy. The instructions in the box are for the mechanic and refer to manuals that he has. Anyway easy install 2 hrs tops, and that included painting my rear diff cover. I went ahead and replaced both Seals and bearings while I was at it. The only tricky part was when I removed the Big steel "S" type spring that keeps the spider gears pressed towards the wheels. I used 2 screw drivers and worked it out slowly. Everything else was a snap.

When your ready to do the front though ( EZ Locker ) take it to a shop.

Good Luck

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Rob Robertson
94 XLT 4X4 4 door
5.5" Superlift,RS9000s,Warn manual hubs,33 X 12.5's ProComp MTs
"What's Potato Salad Hill?"

 

[S.Matsushige]

Hi Dave-The metal cap on the passenger's side is to protect it from heat because the cat is so close to the bushing. I pushed my cat further back when I installed my exhaust to help protect the RA bushing from the heat as well.

 

[mrboyle]

Before you go to the expence of replacing the clutches try this! Drain and refill the rear axle (use the recomended gear oil) then add a bottle of friction modifier to the fresh oil. The best I have found is from GM. (I know Dead Link Removed ) I run two bottles of this stuff in the Dana 60 under my '61 and the clutches work great.