OK, what is this 8" rear I have?

[GT1966]

OK, so I purchase this newly-built 3.25 pumpkin from an eBay store. (Yes, just another eBay story!) It was billed as: "8-Inch Ford Posi HD 4 pinion rear end". Installed about 3000 miles ago, but now this rear end behaves more like an open rear than a locking rear. ie: it'll leave marks from both tires for about 3 feet, then all power is transferred and the thing burns the passenger side tire like an open rear. Now that I know a bit more about what I'm looking at, I notice there is no counter-bore where the ring gear attaches to the diff. The housing is a waffle casting, so that appears correct. The guy says to send it back and he'll adjust it so it operates correctly. Whatdya think; did I get ripped-off for $575? GT1966

here's a couple pics:

 

[96 DOHC Cobra]

Looks like just another open rear to me. Either the seller had absolutely no clue what he had, or he outright lied to you. That's definitely not a Ford traction lok, and the only "4 pinion" 8 inch rears are aftermarket (which yours isn't). I seriously doubt it's even a 3.25 ratio. Send it back. Don't ask for any adjustment. Demand your money back. File a claim with E-bay and PayPal before it's too late.

 

[horseballz]

From what I've been told, the parts to do a 4 pinion aftermarket with new gears cost more than what you paid. The guy with the best reputation on E-bay gets $800+$55 shipping but when send him back your old chunk (on his shipping dime) he'll send you a check for $65 for a total overall cost of $790. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for, and these days, sometimes less Sorry for ya, I hope he makes good on it one way or the other and that he doesn't pork you some more! Here's the link to the cool guy, (I hope it's not TABOO) I think his name is Tim, Tom or maybe he goes by TJ. If you call him on the phone, he seems look a pretty cool older guy.:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD..._Accessories&hash=item4cf4c19b86#ht_600wt_985
Gene

 

[GT1966]

....thought so.

Yeah, I started talking with a couple rear end guys at Carlisle at this past summer's Ford Nationals, describing my symptoms. Once I mentioned the company I did business with, both rear end guys said "You got ripped off"! Ugh. Yep, they knew of this eBay builder. I will first see how this gets resolved before I post a warning to others. Thanks for your insight. BTW, I could not find the eBay link to the other builder you sited in your reply.
Cliff

 

[horseballz]

Try just clicking on the link. It doesn't appear to work by copy/paste.
Gene

 

[jmarks99]

Yup you got jacked! If you didn't sign for the package then report it to Paypal as never received. They will not pay a not as described claim. Just buy a used 9" limited slip for $250.00 - $399.00 and have it narrowed and the spring mounts moved. Way better differential anyway!