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What differential to use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter csledd
  • Start date Start date Jun 6, 2006
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csledd

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I want to upgrade the rearend hopefully this fall to a 31 spline, and I've always heard I could get a differential out of a Ford truck/suv that would work and is just as good as the aftermarket ones? Just wondering what years I need to look for because I have access to an unbelieveable amount of Ford trucks/suvs lol
 

stangman

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you can grab one out of an explorer or something (come with 3.73 gears as well) & be set if you double pack the clutches. but if you plan on launching hard on slicks a fair amoutn i'd get an eaton posi if it were me
 

Cobra Jay

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You can get an 8.8 out of a Ranger,Explorer,F-150 2wd. They're the same, just make sure that the clutches aren't worn out. Also, you might be able to find one with 4.10s.

P.S., they're fine for the strip and slicks!
 

jasonh_86

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csledd said:
I want to upgrade the rearend hopefully this fall to a 31 spline, and I've always heard I could get a differential out of a Ford truck/suv that would work and is just as good as the aftermarket ones? Just wondering what years I need to look for because I have access to an unbelieveable amount of Ford trucks/suvs lol
Click to expand...

Don't lie!

Just kidding lol... But i've heard Explorers and trucks would be your best bet
 

csledd

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I already have 4.10s lol so im good, so any year Ranger, Explorer, or F-150 2wd?
 

squares98

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I take it the Truck axle is the same lenght as the 99+ Mustang one?
 

csledd

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I plan to buy all new axles, was just trying to save some money on the differential if at all possible /shrug
 

squares98

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The truck route seems like the way to go if it is the right lenght. I know I would do that way before going aftermarket, because of the price.
 
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Yellow2002GT

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I you want the best bang for your buck get a set of good aftermarket 31 spline axels......go to ford and buy a good bearing kit and use and f 150 diff and install 4 new clutches into it.... (they come with 3 already).....The clutches aren't much at all about 30-40 bucks and you will have one hard hitting strong rear end.....total in parts shouldn't run more than 300-350 bucks!

"ED"
 

Marks5.0!

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im more than happy with my Detroit tru trac, its held up to plenty of 6k+ launches on slicks and hasnt given me a bit of trouble
 

BooWFO

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Like many have said the exploder / truck ones are most common. Good axles and they live well. Now I do know some that have destroyed the 31spline tlocks and have since moved up to something stronger.
 

RandyStinchcomb

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GT JAY said:
You can get an 8.8 out of a Ranger,Explorer,F-150 2wd. They're the same, just make sure that the clutches aren't worn out. Also, you might be able to find one with 4.10s.

P.S., they're fine for the strip and slicks!
Click to expand...


not 100% true, most Rangers still use the 7.5 rear, not the 8.8. your best bet is a F150 wth an 8.8 and look for an "L" in the tag code which denotes it as being a locker. ie: 3 L 55 or 3 L 73, 4 L 10

or we sell new ones for @$260.00
 

csledd

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Marks5.0! said:
im more than happy with my Detroit tru trac, its held up to plenty of 6k+ launches on slicks and hasnt given me a bit of trouble
Click to expand...
is this in the fox? so where'd you get it and why didn't you order me one?
 

Mike97gt

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squares98 said:
I take it the Truck axle is the same lenght as the 99+ Mustang one?
Click to expand...


nO they are not.. you use the carrier from the truck and buy the FFRP 31 spline axles.
 
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Pennywise2

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svttech76 said:
nO they are not.. you use the carrier from the truck and buy the FFRP 31 spline axles.
Click to expand...
+1 Right you are.
 

Cobra Jay

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RandyStinchcomb said:
not 100% true, most Rangers still use the 7.5 rear, not the 8.8. your best bet is a F150 wth an 8.8 and look for an "L" in the tag code which denotes it as being a locker. ie: 3 L 55 or 3 L 73, 4 L 10

or we sell new ones for @$260.00
Click to expand...


I never said EVERY Ranger, F-150 or Explorer had a 8.8 in it did I ? :Zip2:

Trust me, I know what size rear axle goes in what, a what ratio's are availiable.
 

RandyStinchcomb

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GT JAY said:
I never said EVERY Ranger, F-150 or Explorer had a 8.8 in it did I ? :Zip2:

Trust me, I know what size rear axle goes in what, a what ratio's are availiable.
Click to expand...


....and your point is
 

Cobra Jay

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RandyStinchcomb said:
....and your point is
Click to expand...


That I NEVER said ever truck and SUV comes with an 8.8.

FYI I work at Sterling, so I know just a LITTLE bit about Fords axles.
 

RandyStinchcomb

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GT JAY said:
That I NEVER said ever truck and SUV comes with an 8.8.

FYI I work at Sterling, so I know just a LITTLE bit about Fords axles.
Click to expand...


ok, well thats nice.....but what you said was a little mis-leading as 90% of Rangers have 7.5 rears not 8.8's so someone reading this might waste alot of time looking at rear ends on Rangers when it much easier to just grab one outta a F150 and be done wth it.
 

Cobra Jay

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RandyStinchcomb said:
ok, well thats nice.....but what you said was a little mis-leading as 90% of Rangers have 7.5 rears not 8.8's so someone reading this might waste alot of time looking at rear ends on Rangers when it much easier to just grab one outta a F150 and be done wth it.
Click to expand...

All I was saying is that if you found a wrecked Ranger WITH AN 8.8 or an 8.8 FROM a Ranger that you could use the carrier and gears!


I'm done with you!
 
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