rebuilding stock ford limited slip?

[roadkill]

Anyone know how hard it is to rebuild the stock ford limited slip? I know it wouldn't be as good as changing it out to an Auburn, but I want to save up for that right now.

 

[Brian1]

I think if you got the Auburn you would be money ahead in the long run. I have heard that the stock l/s is not too great. I have one myself and it is about to die. I will replace it with an Auburn.

 

[Scott B.]

I hear they are fairly easy to rebuild. Also, you can add a clutch pack to each side when you rebuild it, making it tighter than stock.

Sorry, no personal experience..........

 

[RON COX]

It is fairly easy to do. Hardest part is getting the spider gears back in. Have patience.

 

[Brian Ward]

Limited Slip rebuild

The limited slip is a rather easy rebuild. I had a Trac-Loc in my F-150 with the 8.8 rear and it really is a cut and dried procedure. You can purchase a rebuild kit from just about any reputable auto parts store. When puting in the new clutch discs, remember to soak them in the friction additive first for about an hour, otherwise they will wear out rapidly. Hope this helps you out.

 

[FMExplorer]

Great answers guys! I have to rebuild the L/S on 3.73's next month - yeah I know I have been talking about it for some time, but I finally have another mvehicle for 2-3 months. Time to get everything done!

I will be pulling out the 3:27's that are in now and replacing with the 3:73's. Any thoughts on how long it will take? Also - maybe a dumb question - can the stands be placed directly under the axle or should I support it by the frame?

BTW - I understand the L/S rebuild is pretty simple and the clutch packs help alot (so I've heard). Anything else, short of lockers, to help out?

Jon M

 

[Brian Ward]

Gear change

Jon,
When supporting the rear of the vehicle to do a gear change, it will a lot easier if you raise the rear of the vehicle up high enough to sit under it. Therefore, putting the jack stands under the rear end would be beneficial. As far as the limited slip goes, road driving would be better suited with a limited slip, rather than a locker. Of course, some people have put in the Power Trax and had no problems while driving on the road. I guess it's all up to your personal preference. Are you going to do the gear change yourself, or pay someone else to do it? Just asking because it can be very tricky due to the fact that you have to use a dial indicator to reset the backlash on the new gears. Just thought I'd let you know.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[arsoul]

I always lift using the shock mounts...atleast thats how its suggested in my manual.

 

[FMExplorer]

Brian,
I am going to attempt the gears myself. I figure I have about 2 months to get the job done, so time isn't a factor. I've been told to be VERY patient and VERY precise. If I run into any huge problems I'll pay my mechanic to finish the job for me<G>. I agree about the L/S and street driving. I'm going to rebuild my L/S and probably put a locker in the front. What are your thoughts on lockers and auto hubs?

Jon M

 

[Brian Ward]

Gears and hubs

Jon,

Glad to see you are going to tackle the gears youself. Like you said, Time and Patience are what you will need. As far as the auto hubs go, I like them a lot so far, but I haven't had a chance to test mine in a real off-road capacity yet. I just bought this Explorer two months ago and I want to do quite a few things yet before venturing off the pavement. I have to fab up a winch mount for my S-9000 Superwinch and I want to put on a 3 inch body lift and some 31-12.50 Swamper SSR's first. And for your question about a locker, I will probably get a Powertrax down the road but for now my L/S will do. Let me know how the gears turn out.

 

[FMExplorer]

3" lift and tires

Brian,
A word of caution on the tires...
I am running 31x10.50's on stock 8" rims and there is no rubbing at all. You may need to cut some running 32x12's with a 3" lift.

I'll keep you posted on the gears - looks like the project begins in about 2 weeks. I am excited, but also a bit nervous. Oh well - you only live once!

Have you done gears before yourself? I will be taking many pics and posting the progress on my site. It's gonna be fun. I think I've decided to stay with the L/S in the rear and am about 70% sure I am doing lockers in the front.

Jon M

 

[roadkill]

thanks for the info

I appreciate the responses. Guess I'll rebuild them in the next month!

Thanks!