FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit

[frijolee]

Is it still possible to run the FD diff with samberg mount when the 8.8 mount is welded in?  Or even re-use the 8.8 mount for the FD diff?  I definitely wouldn't run like that all the time but it would be a nice convenience.  No doubt most of us will have a spare FD diff after installing the 8.8 which would make for a reliable backup to swap in for whatever reason.

I'm doubtful that you'll be able to do both, but maybe one of the testers can prove it one way or the other.  At this point my focus is getting the kits built and out to testers in the next month or so.

[markfluko]

I'm doubtful that you'll be able to do both, but maybe one of the testers can prove it one way or the other.  At this point my focus is getting the kits built and out to testers in the next month or so.

Alright sounds good, now I just need an explorer diff. Someone sell me one!

[Exidous]

Are all of the 06-10 explorers IRS? Car-parts is showing a 3.55 and 3.73 gear along with 4x4 and 2x4 being options. The prices are great compared to the cobra carrier but I just want to make sure I pick up the right one before I get it shipped to me.

[frijolee]

Exidous, you treed me.  This is a topic I'm hoping the forum can help with.  Otherwise I'll do the research myself once everything is going for the first batch of pieces.


Thought I'd post up a question from a tester I received via email to see if anyone else knows the answer.

After calling around and looking around on the internet, I haven't been able to find any 2008+ Ford diffs with the factory LSD. All the 3.73's I have found were not the LSD type. The only LSD type Explorer diff/carriers I can find are earlier 90's/2000 models. I wanted to ask you if you were sure the 2008+ models came with an LSD? Or if you have any other tips of where I can find a 3.73 LSD with the dual front mounts. All my local salvage yards don't even have any Explorers or Mountaineers at the moment.

Does anyone have access to the Ford Parts catalog to be able to definitely verify years and permutations of diff with the dual front mount?  To be fair, I haven't done this conclusively.  My impression is that diffs align to the 4th generation of explorer 2006-2010, and may continue into the 5th generation as well 2011-???  However, as per some of the chatter earlier in this thread, 2006 may be a crossover year.  I'd also like to know concretely which models (if any) came with LSDs.  In the 02-05 version Sport Trac meant you were getting the good stuff.

As far as recommendations on where to find explorer rear ends:

-Ebay (obvious)
-Craigslist (you can search all of craigslist not just local ones by adding the search term "site:craigslist.org" to a google search.
-Local wrecking yards (but call first as 06 and newer are just starting to trickle in and mostly get repaired rather than retired).
-Wrecking yard search engines (IE http://www.car-part.com/, but there are others as well).
-Worst case you can buy the case with bearings new for a little over $400 (Anthony, can you please verify the part number?, you'll still need the differential, cover, and gears though.  One simply way of doing this would be to buy a new housing and swap in everything else from a 02-05 diff.
-Running the 02-05 rear end directly is also an option but leaves the other mount point dangling in space.

When shopping, it's ideal if you can find the stub axles and tripod bearings at the same time.  If you pull this apart at a junkyard it may be easiest to pull the knuckle and separate the halfshaft to get it out as the hub splines (on the outer CV we're not using) can get rusty and be a PITA to separate.

[Exidous]

On car part I saw a couple sport tracks listed. I'm not sure they have an LSD but the fords are just so cheap compared to the jdms. I'm not totally worried about the no LSD just need one that works. Stubs and all.

[wickedrx7]

I have found a couple ‘06 373 lockers but have not been able to verify cause they are pretty far away.  Price on those was around 450-500.
My plan is to buy an open 373 with lower mileage, hopefully for less than $300 including axle stubs.  Prices seem to range from 200-500 in my area.  With my negotiating skills, I feel confident I can talk them down.  I will then get a new 31 spline locker for $219 and hopefully have a great rear for around $500.  I also have found a good amount of pre 2002-2004 lockers available but they seemed to be pricier, around 400-500.  I figure the extra money for the better case and new locker will be worth it. 

[mefarri]

/\ exactly.  You can upgrade the clutches as well.

[largeorangefont]

The 2011 and newer Explorers are based on the Taurus platform so nothing will work from them front or rear unfortunately.

[Jordan Innovations]

So Anthony enlightened me that I need inner CV's tonight, for some reason I thought I had them.  Anyone got a line on just the inner CVs?

Going to hit up the Fontana junkyards tomorrow and see if I can find some axles, and maybe a 3.55 diff for a couple hundred bucks.

[dregg100]

Rock auto has complete cobra axles for $144 each or explorer shafts for $61 each...Should have the inners attached

[Exidous]

How many splines are on the explorer stuff because that's a great price on rock auto.

[dregg100]

31, cobra inners and explorer inners should be interchangeable

[V8-rx7]

The cobra inners are not interchangeable with the explorer inners. Splines are the same but the sealing surface is much larger on the explorer.

[mefarri]

If you're not 100% sure, don't just say shit will work.  That's what keeps this "can we use X part from X year?" conversation going.  Once someone figures this out, there needs to be a definitive list of what will and won't work. 

[Exidous]

Now that I think about it I remember the 8.8 FAQ thread talking about the explorer inners having a larger seal. I was more interested in the 31 spline part. Means all of the 31 spline diffs should work with the explorer housing using explorers inners.