[Tommy R]

I've searched all over, but haven't found the answer. I've currently got a '96 8.8" rear with a limited slip. I'm about to install 4.56's and a lunchbox locker. To do so, I need an open diff carrier.

Obviously my current setup has an exciter ring. Can that be swapped over to the new carrier when I do the swap? Or is it a press fit I won't be able to overcome? I guess I also need to know if I need to persue getting a carrier from a later model 8.8 that was originally fitted with an exciter ring.....and if so, what year car/truck would work?

Thanks,
Tommy

 

[Ogeechee 4x4]

Yes, you can reuse your current one. It is pressed on, but if you're gentle and don't bend/chip the ring (it's brass, BTW) you can knock it off of your LS carier and seat it on to the new carrier.

 

[WasACop3436]

Yes, you can reuse your current one. It is pressed on, but if you're gentle and don't bend/chip the ring (it's brass, BTW) you can knock it off of your LS carier and seat it on to the new carrier.

Brass? Mine is stamped steel. I had to replace mine because when my rear end blew it chipped teeth off of the old one. I just placed the exciter ring on the new carrier (detroit locker) and carefully tightened the ring bolts in a cross pattern (like a wheel) and it went on fine. I can tell you that there were 2 diffrent detroit lockers for the 8.8, one that had a groove for the exciter ring, and one that didn't. So watch out.

 

[Tommy R]

So the Ford OEM carriers are the same whether they're newer and had an exciter ring or are older and never had an exciter ring? I just need to make sure that if I end up with an older carrier than my exciter ring will work on it.

Thanks,
Tommy

 

[Tommy R]

Steve, so I need a pre-'88 or possibly more accurately, to make sure the carrier in question has that notch for the ring, correct?

And I only wish this were the most difficult part of doing a diff swap. I also hate the way my garage stinks for weeks afterward!

Tommy

 

[Tommy R]

Oops.... Typo.

 

[Justshootme84]

Tommy R, when are you planning to do the work? IF you need help, jsut holler. I'll be up at G-town this weekend and next working on my 84, installing the new gears. JSM84

 

[Tommy R]

Thanks, Randy! I'm still accumulating the parts right now. Don't even have the gears (4.56's) or locker yet. I plan on doing the rear first then I'll tear down the front a week or two later on.

Wish I could help this weekend on your rig!!
Tommy

 

[Justshootme84]

Cool, just let me know when you want to do the work. You have lots of helpers. That can be good or bad!!! JSM84

 

[Tommy R]

:doh0715: :rofl:

Count on it. I'll definitely let you and "the usual suspects" know all about it!

Tommy

 

[BlueBronco]

If you are replacing the carrier, go with a full locker since you will have to setup the gears anyway. Also, replace the crush sleeve with a solid spacer and consider a girdle to minimize excess deflection.

 

[BlueBronco]

The new carrier must be built to accept the tone ring. Pre-'87 carriers had a rough edge & no notch. Swapping the tone ring is the easiest part of changing the diff.

They're all steel.

Those early carriers also had smaller cross pins which requires a different lunch box carrier than the newer ones. As suggested in the previous post, you should consider a full carrier anyway since you will have to reset the gears when you change carriers.

 

[Tommy R]

Full locking carrier = too much money. Ain't gonna happen.

Tommy

 

[BlueBronco]

Full locking carrier = too much money. Ain't gonna happen.

Tommy

Lunch box type locker $200 to $300 plus new open carrier ~$50 plus gaskets asolid spacer/crush sleeve etc. not to mention gear setup. The biggest advantage to the lunch box lockers is the fact that the gear setup isn't disturbed. If money is that big of a deal, consider rebuilding and over shimming the ls.

 

[Tommy R]

I'm confused by your logic. Are you implying that the gaskets/crush sleeve/etc. wouldn't be needed if I put in a full locker? Obviously, that's far from the case. I know the cost of a lunchbox locker and I know the cost of a Detroit. $300 more is just too much. I could spend it. I don't want to. Don't get me wrong. I'd love a full Detroit and I keep searching for a good used one. But used is likely the only kind I'll buy.

Rebuilding the Trac-lok is pointless. If I don't do a locker of some sort, I won't do anything. The Trac-lok is getting sold to someone who can actually benefit from it.....a Mustang owner.

I'm doing all the labor myself. It's messy, but it's not that big a deal. I've done plenty.

 

[BlueBronco]

I'm confused by your logic. Are you implying that the gaskets/crush sleeve/etc. wouldn't be needed if I put in a full locker? .

No, but if you end up replacing pinion and carrier bearings, it kinda defeats the purpose AND economy of the lunch box type. The exception would be if you already had the lunc box and carrier.

You should be able to find a used detroit cheaper than that. Heck, Eaton E-Lockers can be had for ~$629 new.

Regardless, it was just a suggestion and its your truck.

 

[Tommy R]

I beg to differ about the economical benefit of the lunchbox locker, even in my situation. I was doing gears (and likely bearings) anyway. It'll still save me $300 over a full locker. That's economical in my book.

I'll keep looking for a used one, but I'm not holding my breath!

Tommy

 

[Tommy R]

Mustang axles won't work with a truck diff because of the splines.

The guys I'd be selling to would want 31 spline stuff.

Tommy

 

[bigric]

You've got all the tools to do this? I'll drop off my spare axle and you can rebuild it as well; I'll pick it up next week