Suspension + Rear-End Question

[huskyfan23]

Have a couple questions for you all. First, how much of a difference would the X-Spec (Explorer Express) front and rear sway bars make on a first gen? Do these decrease body roll? And, if I got new gears, what ratio should I get (for a streeter), AND would posi differentials work and what difference would this make other than both wheels spinning on a burn-out? Thanks!

 

[jimbo74]

you should know to use the search function.....

Posi works fine on street.. will allow burnouts with both wheels.... will assit in traction addition--unless you drive like a moron, then you will lose traction and spin out.... depends what you want in a streeter for gears... 3.73 are decent for street... however 4.11s will get you accelerating a lot faster... also it depends on your tire size and weights...... the x spec should reduce body roll more than stock, but i dont know by how much....

 

[Alec]

1) The swaybars are a great investment. Take your stock swaybars off and see how it feels. Imagine that much difference over the stock bars and that's what the EE bars are like.

2) 3.73 or 4.10

3) A posi will make power application more even, give you better traction in most conditions, better launches. You need to adapt your driving style to not apply too much power in the wet though.

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by Alec
1) The swaybars are a great investment. Take your stock swaybars off and see how it feels. Imagine that much difference over the stock bars and that's what the EE bars are like.

2) 3.73 or 4.10

3) A posi will make power application more even, give you better traction in most conditions, better launches. You need to adapt your driving style to not apply too much power in the wet though.

alec, isn't that what i just posted?

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by jimabena74
alec, isn't that what i just posted?

maybe he was typing at the same time.............they were posted in the same minute

 

[jimbo74]

hehe... didn't notice that... its cool... heh, at least we thing the same :rolleyes

 

[huskyfan23]

Thanks for the quick responses! What posi would you recommend? Factory or aftermarket? Does each posi setup depend on the gear ratio used? So if it had a 3.55, would it only work with 3.55?

 

[jimbo74]

posi is pretty universal... i know on some traction devices you had to specify what gears b/c of carrier diffences... but ring gear diameter is pretty much the standard... Eaton is a good company for aftermarket lsd.....

 

[Alec]

Yup, I have an Eaton posi and it works great.

 

[huskyfan23]

Alec, was it easy to install or did you get it done? I'm not really sure what all needs to be done... Does the axle have to come off or how do the parts get taken out?

 

[Alec]

I got it installed professionally. The entire carrier needs to be replaced, it's not a DIY job like the "plug-in" powertrax.

 

[huskyfan23]

What do you mean by carrier? Is that the differential or whatever houses the gears? And should I get front and rear posi-trac + gears? I rarely use 4x4 btw.

 

[Alec]

Then you just need rear. IMO it is a professional installation as the gears are affected.

 

[Silver X]

If you are changing your gear ratio, you will have to change front AND rear sets. If you have different ratios front and rear and use 4wd AT ALL, you will screw some things up.

If you are just changing the diff to a limited slip, you just need to change the rear. You don't have to do the front diff if you don't want to.

 

[huskyfan23]

Ok. Thanks for all the info everybody! I may stick with the 3.73's since they're good enough for sports cars. I'd still lock posi-trac though, think it's safe looking through junkyards? Aren't most newer F-150's posi? And that would be 31-spline wouldn't it?