Swap 3.73 Open Differential with 3.73 Limited Slip?

[05Explodie]

Hi Guys,

I have a 2005 Explorer XLT 4x4. According to the door tag, I have the code 46/3.73 open rear differential. After 225k miles, it is on it's death bed with a grinding while turning left (not wheel bearings). I'm thinking the pinion or carrier bearings are shot. Anyways, all I'm able to locate at a local Pull-A-Part are code d4/3.73 limited slip units. Would the 3.73 limited slip work as a direct fit replacement for a 3.73 open if I want to swap the rear differentials? Or do I have to find a 3.73 open?

 

[05Explodie]

Update: If anyone is curious about this in the future, I'm still not sure what would of happened if I swapped in a 3.73 limited. I ended up driving 5 hours to Atlanta and was able to locate a 3.73 open diff at a Pull A Part there to switch mine out with.

 

[ashleyroachclip]

The swap to the limited slip , would not hurt anything .

 

[mountaineer2004]

I installed trac-loc in my Grand Marquis, and had a couple of scary moments in spirited driving.
The back slid out sometimes, especially in rain.

 

[ElBurke16]

The swap to the limited slip , would not hurt anything .

What about a swap the other way..could you put the 46 in an explorer that had a D4? Thanks

 

[Mbrooks420]

If the gear ratios are the same, there should be no issues with open VS LS differentials