Just got off the phone with Torsen tech support verifying info for my comprehensive Differential Guide thread. I asked him if they had anything coming out for the modified Dana 35 that's in the '98+, and he said...

"It should be available in November"

I asked him if it was the same as the prototypes we have all read about years ago. He said that it's been in the works for a while, and, although he doesn't know why it took so long, that it should be available in November!

Look like we will soon have a L/S option for the front.

 

I doubt it. The diff has been around since 98 and 11 years later they decide to make something for it?

 

I doubt it too....but I'm staying optimistic. I certainly don't want to run a locker up front, I want an LS damnit! And I certainly don't need a solid up front yet.

 

Maybe demand has gone up? People are more willing to modify older vehicles than new ones. Maybe it takes 11 years of used RBVs to raise enough demand for it?

Have they said they missed a release date before?

 

Call Torsen at (585) 464-5000 and bug them about it! It's about time they got one out!

I bet if we got the different ranger / explorer boards in on it, we could give them quite the incentive to make good on the November date.

 

Well I mean they made the two and that's it. To me that sounds like after they made the two they analyzed the market and saw there was no profit for the product. Also with all this "New" Ranger talk who knows what anyone is doing. All I know is that almost every year a company or two stop making aftermarket stuff for the IFS years.

 

According to someone over on explorerforum who was talking to Torsen last February:

"This is the reply from Torsen.

The Dana 35 project has been placed on indefinite hold. The machine shop we previously used to make our parts has filed bankruptcy, other machine shops we have contacted are quoting astronomical prices, we cannot get a hold of certain material to make some of the component parts, and our main distributor has closed their doors! Until we can get these items straightened out it may be a bit before you see us release a Torsen Dana 35 model."

(Front diff Dana 35 - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®)

Looks like they got a new supplier.

 

I suppose I'll ring them up tomorrow.

 

Eh. I still wont believe it until I see it.

 

I'm crossing my fingers! I might give them a call as well.

 

I'll run it if it comes out for sure!

 

always so pesimistic! lol

 

So may promises but no action.

 

True story. It has been promised a few times and then taken back. Then the date was moved over and over again, then we heard it was never going to happen. Been following this for years, lol.
I hope it happens though, not that it benefits me at the moment.

 

we will see, I would like running a L/S up front then lock the back

 

YUP! I've driven my fair share of locked front and rear trucks in the snow. And let me just say I WANT to be able to steer! If I'm locked up front and in 4hi on our snow covered streets in the winter time, I won't be able to steer. SCREW THAT. *Remember, I'm talking from a DD standpoint here, not full on wheeler.

 

Steering in the snow? What fun is that?! lol
Have you driven anything with a limited slip up front? I'd like to (some day) run a limited slip in the front of the F150 but I've never driven anything with one. I thought about picking up a used trac-loc and rebuilt kit and running it it up there. Since I couldn't run your 31 spline torsen...