FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit

[dregg100]

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. 

excuse the hell out of me.  I read that they were on this forum somewhere.

Thanks for the correction v8-rx7

[Exidous]

I'm sure you guys remember these threads but for those that don't know they exist:

http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=5480.0    (the 3 fingered willy bye thread)

http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=9790.0    (cobra/exploder inner comparo)(second page)

[onefastrx7turbo]

I see 2006 axles shaft from Rock Auto for $69 each. CARDONE SELECT Part # 662193   Rear Left  $69.79

[Exidous]

I just saw that.....I'm getting Giggidy Giggidy excited about these Explorer Prices!!!!!

It looks like the 2006-2010 explorer are our years for this. All the part numbers are looking different and big price changes for the 2011. I'm thinking there was a big changeover in 2011. The 2010 to 2011 Mustang made a number of changes as well.

$70 Complete Half shafts.
$130 R&P 3.31 3.55 3.73 3.90 4.56 4.88 5.13 (just on Rock Auto)
$500 Detroit TruTrac Diff

Those numbers just make me happy.



Question:

Nutserts.......Justin uses these (with a backing plate) for the trans mount. Could this work as well for the most recent revision of the brace. Drill a few holes into the subframe? I know that the majority of the force is vertical over the pinion flange. This would cause the front mount point to "pull" away from the subframe but I'd imagine the rear mount point you have would help with the distribution of the vertical force.

I've got a TIG so either way I'm gtg. Was just thinking out loud.

[largeorangefont]

2011 and later Explorer stuff is not compatible. In 2011 the Explorer went to a unibody platform it shares with the Ford Taurus.

I would try to stay with Ford gears if possible. Generally they are the quietest, and Ford OEM gears are only $140 shipped anyway from buyfordracing.com.

As an FYI Ford does not make a 3.90 gear set for the 8.8. It goes from 3.73 to 4.10.

You can find 31 spline  Truetracs on eBay for $475 shipped to save a couple more bucks too.

[largeorangefont]

Also you FD guys have another option.. 2007-2010 Explorer Sport Trac rear ends will work for you as well. The Sport Trac went from a live axle straight to the dual front mount IRS.

The inner CVs are cross compatible between the single and dual mount differentials. Be aware you may need to knock off the axle seal dust covers on some of the early axles to be compatible with the newer axle seals. I even had to do this on my 05 differential with the single mount. My axles were off an 02 or something.

[Exidous]

I just saw that Traction Lok for ~$200. That's awesome. Never liked the Torsen style. I had the inside rear lift once and damn near spun out. Clutch pack ftw!

[Jordan Innovations]

Found a low miles Sport Trac (clutch-type diff) with 3.73's locally, might pick it up just for the axles and sell the diff itself.

[wickedrx7]

Are you sure the sport trac is locking tupe? How much would you sell for?

[markfluko]

From my research and talking to my local Ford dealership, I told them a Sport-Trac VIN #, and they told me that it did not have a locking diff.

That is why I am hesitant to just buy any Sport-Trac Explorer diff.

If someone was selling an Explorer diff with a Eaton True Trac already in it I would buy it... just throwing that out there.

[Jordan Innovations]

Picked up my subframe tonight and will get some pics installed in the next couple days.

I don't know that all Sport Tracks had locking diffs, but I know that this one does.  It's on hold for me with some other parts at a local yard, I'll see if I can grab it tomorrow.

I'll sell it for $450 if it's as described.

[Exidous]

I wish there we're salvage yards worth a damn here"Netherlands" Even with an APO box I still can't get anyone to bite on car parts....

Someone want to ship me a diff? I'll take an open one. Just going to rebuild it anyway! :-)

[largeorangefont]

From my research and talking to my local Ford dealership, I told them a Sport-Trac VIN #, and they told me that it did not have a locking diff.

That is why I am hesitant to just buy any Sport-Trac Explorer diff.

If someone was selling an Explorer diff with a Eaton True Trac already in it I would buy it... just throwing that out there.

Just have the yard read or take a picture if the diff tag. If there is an L in it, 3L73 for example, it has a LSD in it. Lockers were options in every Explorer variant.

[orion4096]

Has anyone tested this yet?  The 4.10s are starting to get to me and was hoping this would be sorted out soon so I can get a 8.8 with more reasonable ratios in there.

[Exidous]

Not sure. I've got 4.10 as well and having just moved to Europe would really like some 3.73 or more likely 3.55. I found out the ring is less than 2hr away form me......

Definitely looking to install this thing with a quickness.