March 17, 2025, 01:15:35 AM

Author Topic: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit  (Read 235291 times)

Offline frijolee

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #285 on: July 29, 2015, 12:36:17 PM »
Quick tip on three jaw pullers and yanking the tripod bearing.  Sometimes the bearings come easy, sometimes you need a puller.  If you do need the puller, you can use a worm gear clamp to hold the three legs down to makes sure they don't slip off the rear lip.

The thing about driveshafts is that they're really not one size fits all.  That's basically the reason we don't stock them.  If you're trying to well match your setup you'll need a different shaft based on both power and intended usage, much less geometry considerations for folks running different engine mounting kits.  Personally, I think it's better to have the flexibility to choose what u-joints, material, and wall thickness make sense for your application. 

FWIW, I had mine quoted at three of the big DS manufacturer (DSS, Denny's, blanking on the third).  DSS was the clear winner.  I'm not affiliated with them, but that was my experience for my own competitive bid a few years back.
LS2 stroker FC, Mandeville big brakes, widebody, etc
Build thread:  http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0
www.roninspeedworks.com

LargeOrangeFont says: "Joel is right, and I love Joel. But his car sounds like the wrath of God."   ;)

Offline Club_xcursion

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #286 on: September 21, 2015, 10:34:29 AM »
where does the big circlip go that comes with the boot kit? TIA
2002 F350 -7.3 Tow rig
1994 Mazda RX-7 - e85,4l80,80mm B/W

Offline jimbo03886

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #287 on: September 21, 2015, 11:59:16 AM »
I had one made from the driveshaftshop. It was originally for when I had the stock 3.9 in but I just changed the rear flange to mate it to the 8.8. Piece of cake
93 RX7 Ls1 w/ ls3 heads procharged
00 Corvette
02 Ram 2500 Cummins 6 speed
99 Honda Valkyrie
07 Road Glide
07 Heritage Softail
92 Miata Ls6

Offline frijolee

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #288 on: September 28, 2015, 04:34:51 PM »
where does the big circlip go that comes with the boot kit? TIA

Factory clip is reused (it's beefy so that's no problem) and the one that comes with the boot can be ditched.  The inboard boot isn't actually a factory ford application since our shaft is a different size.  This is noted in the installation instructions but you may have missed it.
LS2 stroker FC, Mandeville big brakes, widebody, etc
Build thread:  http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0
www.roninspeedworks.com

LargeOrangeFont says: "Joel is right, and I love Joel. But his car sounds like the wrath of God."   ;)

Offline fastfalcon94

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #289 on: October 12, 2015, 08:29:32 AM »
I finally got my diff back from having the Detroit truetrac LSD put in! I'm installing it in the car this week. Any advice on fluid? I know Ford recommends a synthetic 75w140 with friction modifier. Ronin's instructions recommend AMSOIL Severe Gear Oil 75w140 which is synthetic. The truetrac instructions don't give an oil, they just tell you NOT to use a synthetic oil and not to use any friction modifier. Right now I'm leaning towards what truetrac recommends.








Offline frijolee

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #290 on: October 12, 2015, 11:36:57 AM »
I talked to the guys at Detriot before going AMSOIL with a TruTrac myself and the rep I spoke to admitted it was a bit of a "cover your ass" kind of thing based upon customer feedback.  If you do go synthetic I'm convinced the severe gear oil is about as good as it gets.  There was a great white paper with test results floating around a few years ago.

It's a judgement call either way.  If I'd been running new gears I probably would have done break in with standard and followed the letter of the law.  Since my gears were used and I knew I wanted synthetic eventually,  I went straight to AMSOIL and called it a day.  No issues that I'm aware of, but that doesn't mean I made the right call.
LS2 stroker FC, Mandeville big brakes, widebody, etc
Build thread:  http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0
www.roninspeedworks.com

LargeOrangeFont says: "Joel is right, and I love Joel. But his car sounds like the wrath of God."   ;)

Offline largeorangefont

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #291 on: October 12, 2015, 11:39:37 AM »
Get something without friction modifier in 75w140. The Amsoil Severe Gear does not have friction modifier in it, That is what I used for my first fill, and it worked great. It looked really good coming out after 3000 track miles.

To be fair the Truetrac will keep the oil cleaner as you are not getting worn clutch material in the gear oil.

I tried Redline 75w140NS this season, and have had great results with it so far. The NS fluid has no friction modifier in it, and it is $18.50 shipped on Amazon.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2015, 11:45:22 AM by largeorangefont »
Quote from: cool
Sell it to spacevomit.  He'll finish it.

Offline fastfalcon94

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #292 on: October 12, 2015, 12:57:54 PM »
I do have Amazon Prime so ordering the Redline would be easiest for me. I've used their products before and I've been happy. Do you know how many quarts I will need? 2 or 3?

Offline largeorangefont

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #293 on: October 12, 2015, 04:50:35 PM »
2 will do it, and you will have some left over.
Quote from: cool
Sell it to spacevomit.  He'll finish it.

Offline fastfalcon94

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #294 on: October 19, 2015, 08:36:10 AM »
I posted on the FB norotors page too, but it doesn't hurt get a second opinion. Here is my rear diff with the LSD installed.





Here are some other parts/instructions that came with it.





The explorer axle stubs seem to just snap in. A guy on FB said I didn't need the spacer. What about the retaining cylinder and big c clip? As soon as I figure this out I can seal the thing shut and get it mounted. I'll have to wait 24 hours though for the sealant to set fully.

Offline frijolee

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #295 on: October 19, 2015, 10:48:25 AM »
Charlie,

Here's my take (this is from my build thread by the way).  The 8.8 build up including truetrac starts in post 283.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0

Quote from: frijolee
The TrueTrac diff comes with an access port intended to allow install of one of two provided spacers which in turn keep the axles with C-clips (IE those used with a solid rear axle) from sliding inward. 





The problem is that when using this diff with IRS stub axles and circ clips the spacer is just free to fall out either axle bore and I won’t be able to easily remove the diff cover once in the car to install the spacer after the fact. 

While some guys on the net report running their IRS TrueTrac’s without the spacer I was a bit concerned that my stubs could still try to slide inward putting unnecessary wear on my shaft seals.  Like the stock diff,  the circ clips pop out past splines into a void space (it’s not actually a dedicated circ clip groove).

I ended up calling Eaton to chat it up.  They recommend I install the spacer with a dab of heavy wheel bearing grease to keep it in position and just be careful to keep it horizontal during install.  The little bit of grease shouldn’t compromise the gear oil so I’m going to give it go and see what happens.
LS2 stroker FC, Mandeville big brakes, widebody, etc
Build thread:  http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0
www.roninspeedworks.com

LargeOrangeFont says: "Joel is right, and I love Joel. But his car sounds like the wrath of God."   ;)

Offline wickedrx7

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #296 on: October 19, 2015, 12:53:42 PM »
As an FYI, I included the spacer and haven't had any issues. I didn't see any downside to including.

1993 Touring, 2012 L99, T-56, Ronnin 8.8, Ohlins, Speedhut, Samberg and lots of custom parts
Build Thread - http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=19354.0
Pictures - www.flikr.com/wickedrx7

Offline R_1

Re: Announcing FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #297 on: November 11, 2015, 01:36:38 PM »
Yes the ford mounting ears on the cover need to be cut off.

I ordered the cardone complete cv axles. part # 66-2193 and 66-2194. The tripod bearing inside them appears to be smaller and WILL NOT WORK. I'm going to head to the local ford dealer and order some and see what's up.

So far impressed with the kit. The bushings are definitely a TIGHT fit. I used delrin ones that were installed in my car by previous owner. They were peeling slightly when I pressed them in.

Hello, so the Cardone cv axles don't work ( part # 66-2193 and 66-2194). Will the axles (found at RockAuto) Suretrack # FD8170 (left) and the Suretrack # FD8169 (right) work? OR do I need to buy OEM axles?  :scratch:
Today Im ordering parts to build a rear differential and would like to know if I need to seek out OEM inner stubs. Thank you all for your help.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2015, 01:47:12 PM by R_1 »

Offline frijolee

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #298 on: November 11, 2015, 01:55:54 PM »
R_1,

When folks are selling you a complete halfshaft assembly most users only care about the splines to hub and splines to diff.  They can use the same splines between shaft and CV as the OEM (which is what the kit is designed around) or they can run something else at those interfaces.  Cardone is the only manufacturer I know of who uses something else, but I can't guarantee anything besides OEM.  If anyone else can chime in with other aftermarket manufacturer's which are known to be good donors, I'll love to get that info into the install instructions.

The other thing to watch for is that you'd really like to buy new parts and avoid re-manufactured parts if you can.  I posted this a while back but if you want to see the precision work involved with re-manufacturing check this out!

http://www.cvunlimited.com/remananaxle.htm

Youtube: ! No longer available
 
I knew there was likely regrinding involved but this video is CRAZY (jump to 2:10 if you want the part that blew my mind).  No wonder re-mans don't last...
LS2 stroker FC, Mandeville big brakes, widebody, etc
Build thread:  http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1274.0
www.roninspeedworks.com

LargeOrangeFont says: "Joel is right, and I love Joel. But his car sounds like the wrath of God."   ;)

Offline R_1

Re: FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit
« Reply #299 on: November 11, 2015, 04:07:03 PM »
OMG! what a bunch of fukn hacks! WOW.

I going all new, my housing, gear, posi unit etc. all new, so I thought I'd buy new non OEM axle shafts too. Id really hate to buy new OEM axles just for the inner stub axles ($$$) but I may. Maybe I'll get lucky finding some low mile OEM units from a salvage yard unless someone can confirm another aftermarket supplier known to work.

frijolee, I still have to order the FD sub frame kit too.