Traction lock diff

[MARALYN]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.

I have a 97 4l sohc auto ltd.

Decided to change oil in the diff's, removed the rear diff housing access plate to drain oil.
When the oil was empty i wiped the inside of the housing with clean rags and noticed small pieces of metal on the rags, on further inspection i could see the two gears [app 3" in diameter that are above and below where the axled end in the diff] were chipped but no teeth broken off.
I looked at every gear that i could and did not see any other damaged teeth.

Does any body know what could have caused this and what i should do.

The diff was working fine with no noise or problems.

I would have posted some pictures but don't know how.

Thanks in advance for any help with this problem, maralyn

 

[IZwack]

Those are the "spider gears. When looking for a replacement, make sure it is not for an "Open" differential. In other words, your differential is a "Limited Slip" (some people call it "Posi", or "Trac Loc" and so on) and should have a giant "S" spring in the middle.

Replacement:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...-POSI-NEW_W0QQitemZ110406413979QQcmdZViewItem

This is the Limited Slip's "S" spring, you can also see the clutch pack in the notch to the right of the spring:

This is an "Open" differenital, no "S" spring and no clutch pack:

 

[MARALYN]

Thanks for the quick response.
My diff is like the one in the first picture but has the gear marked "a" in the second picture.

Do you have any idear how this could of happened or is it just wear and tear and what other damage should i look for.

Do you or anybody know where i could find info on how to change these.

Thanks, maralyn.

 

[rileyrs]

i would guess it probly happened when the limited slip was working and just pushed the gears to a point where they couldnt handle it, and broke. or possibly the diff got really hot at some point, also reducing their strength

look up gear changes on the forum, or even google if you typer ford 8.8 gear swap, and theres lots on info on it.

good luck