Ok this question has probably been asked somewhere else but I could not find it. I have a 2004 3.0 Liter 2x4 5 Speed Manual regular cab Ranger. I want to swap the differential to a locker or LSD but I do not know what size axle I have or the best place to get one. Any help you have is much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

if you cant tell what axle you have, odds are you shouldnt do this type of job yourself...you have a 7.5 most likely but some 2wd trucks got 8.8s

post a pic of the axle cover...your best bet is to get a junkyard axle with a limited slip already in it

 

I found a site that told me how to tell right after I posted this haha. So I have the 7.5 Axel. You have any recommendations on a new diff? I would like a locker but a Limited would work fine also. I have been looking around at the Detroit lockers. Any Opinion on those? Thanks a lot, Mike.

 

Don't waste your money. Get a 8.8" axle out of the junkyard and swap that right in. The axle tag will tell you if it has Traction-Lok limited slip differential.

For example

3L73 = 3.73 gears, Locking axle
3 73 = 3.73 gears, open axle

 

Do you suggest getting the whole axel because it will be cheaper or easier? None of the yards by me have sh*t for rangers or explores.

 

YEah, get an 8.8 out of an explorer or ranger. Most expos came with limited slip.

But really you're wasting your money...ask yourself, do you really need a l/s or a locker?

 

Well I don't really need one but I want one for insurance purposes. I pull my fishing boat all over and have almost gotten stuck on the ramps because of my one tire fire of a truck. Would make me feel much safer.

 

Swapping a whole axle will be much cheaper and easier than rebuilding your existing one.