FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit

[2jfd]

What LSD's are you all running in the explorer diffs? What the shipping time on this set up? I really wish someone would make a kit for the nissan r200 series differentials to work in the fd! Super strong and decent lsd from the factory! Can get them for under 300.00 all day long with lsd in them already. Fitment is allmost the same as ford with similar ratios. I tried calling but it seems to be a boot leg voip number. It looks like you could modify your existing ford set up to work. The only issues would be getting the conversion shafts made.

[Jordan Innovations]

What LSD's are you all running in the explorer diffs? What the shipping time on this set up? I really wish someone would make a kit for the nissan r200 series differentials to work in the fd! Super strong and decent lsd from the factory! Can get them for under 300.00 all day long with lsd in them already. Fitment is allmost the same as ford with similar ratios. I tried calling but it seems to be a boot leg voip number. It looks like you could modify your existing ford set up to work. The only issues would be getting the conversion shafts made.

R200's are iron, use relatively small output shafts, and the VLSD's are terrible.  You're much better off with the Explorer 8.8 setup here.

I used to have the Ford Racing clutch-type 2-way from Summit ($250) and it worked fine in a straight line, but once we really put some lateral load on the car it opened up and would spin the inside tire pretty badly.   Recently got the first OS Giken 31-spline 8.8 diff and have the car taken down, as soon as we get back running I'll give a review.  I'm expecting it to be perfect, like the other OS Giken 1.5-way racing diffs we've used.

[jdm91t]

I am using the Detriot True-trac and from the reviews looks great, especially for the price. Haven't gotten the car reassembled though so don't know just yet. Also the t2r is really good and comes in the boss laguna seca mustang from what I've read. These are both helical. Then there are clutch types from the typical aftermarket manufactures, and lockers for drag only setups also.

[2jfd]

The j30 types do have smaller outputs however the q45 are bit larger. I have yet to break one with over 750hp on stock axles. My experience with lockers are they can be unpredictable and noisy.  The vlsd are not that bad especially when you add a shim or two to fine tune the lock.  The extra weight doesnt bother me from the iron case as it probably help me in my application for balance. 

Stock for stock I really think the r series runs circles around the 8.8.
now built thats different but hell your talking 1500.00 plus to do one right. Just saying

[largeorangefont]

Stock for stock I really think the r series runs circles around the 8.8.
now built thats different but hell your talking 1500.00 plus to do one right. Just saying

Sorry there is no chance of an R200 being better for this purpose than an 8.8.

Also, the Detroit Truetrac is not a locker, it is a Torsen style diff. It is very consistent and is silent in operation. It it one of the best mods I have done to the car.

A $219 8.8 Ford OEM carbon clutch LSD is great for 90% of people that drive on the street, even people that run 600+ HP. A Detroit TrueTrac is $450 if you want a bulletproof Torsen style diff for corner carving or racing. There are also other diff options like the T2R, Wavetrac, OS Giken etc. that range from $600 to $1000.

You can fully rebuild the 8.8 for $80, and any gear ratio you could ever want is available.

[stbrn19]

So build a subframe for your nissan diff and be done with it.  Myself and many others will continue using 8.8 variants because they are extremely strong and cheap.

[2jfd]

Real mature!

This is a simple discussion between two different set ups. This entire forum is based on thinking outside the box! Stupid replies like that are not productive and not needed.

I never said the 8.8 was a bad set up only a lot more expensive.

I have never seen anyone break a q45 ever! This is in stock form. I have burned up the clutches but they are stupid cheap to fix or replace. This was done tracking the car! I have never burned one up on the street.  I would love to install one but its not going to happen in time I have without help.


My original plans was to build a sub frame and run the q45 but I am simply running out of time. So I am now leaning towards the 8.8 for convenience. I am time limited on this build due to an upcoming addition to the family.

Being the 8.8 is a crappy open diff in stock form it must be rebuilt with goodies. Now whats the feedback on the best bang for the buck build on the 8.8. Now that's helpful information! Just because we may disagree on a few points doesn't mean we cant inform one another with valuable information!

I have experience with nismo and kaaz lockers both were loud and jump
I will most likely order one these kits from ronin. I however am having little to no luck contacting them for info.

These both are strong units imo, just one comes with a vlsd while not the best still better than none!

[stbrn19]

Cluttering up a thread that is for a particular 8.8 rear end kit with your opinions on a nissan diff was why you got a short response from me. This thread is not here as a open forum for your would be build dreams.


If me telling you to build the subframe you want to ultimately use in your car offends you, Good i don't give two shits.
To your newest question which actually is relevant to THIS thread...
You can get a new track loc for a few hundred dollars, and new bearings and seals are around $100 dollars or less. gearing options may as well be infinite but i would use ford racing gears.
Power and usage will dictate what diff will best fit your needs. I would do some reading on the mustang forums about some brands and types of diffs to get a better feel.

[largeorangefont]

A budget build up of the Explorer diff is very simple. Buy the explorer take out with the gear ratio you want if you want to run 3.55 or 3.73. If you don't want either of those, you'll need gears anyway, so buy the cheapest you can find and then buy the gears you want. A brand new 8.8 Cobra spec LSD is $220 shipped. Full rebuild kit is $80. Take it all down to a rear end shop and have them put it together.

You are done and it's a 100% new diff.

The Ronin guys all have day jobs and families, but they are very helpful and responsive. Drop them a line and they will get back to you.

[2jfd]

Thanks!  The cobra lsd might have to do for now! I can always up it to the trutrack later. This car is being built for 1/2 to 1 mile events and a little street use. However even though most of its life will be in a straight line this car is expected to put down 900plus on e85. So with that in mind it still needs to be some what strong. This car is killing me, 25k and still counting!! The rear end is the last major thing left so I will be glad to just get it done to move on. Thanks largeorangefont for the bounce back of relevant information!  I am just over budget as always and have been spoiled with Toyota and Nissans in the past!

Still haven't heard back from ronin yet????
Would like to order something soon!

[largeorangefont]

The OEM Cobra rear holds up well to straight line power. The guys with High HP Shelby's and Cobras run them and the cars weigh another 700-900 lbs.

[frijolee]

Still haven't heard back from ronin yet????
Would like to order something soon!

Had one open inquiry from John.  If that's you, I just replied.  If it's not can you please resend?  We do have plenty of these in stock if that's what you needed confirmation on.

-Joel (for RSW)

[wickedrx7]

Just wanted to give a final update on this kit.   I got the car tuned and finally had a chance to beat on it a little. 

My overall driving impression is I can't tell there is anything different than stock rear end.  There is no noise, no vibration, no wheel-hop (don't really have sticky tires but so far nothing).  I have absolutely no complaints with this kit at all. It seems like it will take a ton of abuse. 

As for the Detroit True Track- It is awesome.  I really can't tell the difference between that and the stock FD locker.  Drivabilty is awesome, seems to lock up fine.  Highly recommend for the price.
 

[UH-60Pilot]

I installed this kit back in April. So far I have no complaints. The 3.31 gears are perfect. I'm able to turn 1,900 rpms at 70MPH now

[markfluko]

My only complaint after running the kit in 5+ autox events... Why didn't I just get a TruTrac from the get go...

 Now I will have to do all this extra work pulling out the axles etc... just to swap it out when the time comes.

I am still using my 8k miles(only reason I kept it was low mileage) Explorer open diff and still remain to be competitive, just kind of sucks with power transfer and certain turning scenarios.

So, if you are thinking about going with the setup, just do it how you want it from the beginning if that isn't obvious to most people on the forum anyway.