Okay, so basically I know that I'm supposed to have an L/S. But it seems as if I'm having alot of One-wheel spin in the snow, and when mudding. Whats up? Why is it doing that? Can the Torsen LS get worn out or something?

 

Guess the first question is ..... Is your FX4 a Level 2 ?
IF it is not a L2... then you probably have the TracLoc which has clutch packs that can wear out.....and may require rebuilding.
The rebuild kit for the TracLoc is about $150 or so.....plus $7 for the friction modifier.
If you do have a L2 then there may be a problem with the Torsen. Might want to remove the differential cover to do a inspection and look for metal in the oil.
Recently I installed a Detroit TruTrac which has helical gears instead of clutch packs. The torque sensing delivers outstanding performance. Ran this L/S in my 98 Jeep Cherokee for 5 years and the onroad as well as offroad traction was outstanding.

OR 4x4

 

His is an 02, so that means it is a level II.

 

But what would happen if a LS did fail? Complete loss of the rear diff? or would it just act like an open diff?

 

It depends. First of all, a LS does not evenly split the traction, and one wheel spin is still possible -- but there is more torque to the stalled tire then without it.

If you are a level II, you should have the Torsen LS, which is a helical gear type (no clutches). However, is it really in there? Many mistakes have been made during assembly. Make sure you have the 31 spline axle by measuring the diameter of your axle tube -- it should be 3.25". If it's 2.75", then you have a conventional rear.

It's also possible the diff was swapped since you have a used truck. The 5 speed manuals were under recall for the differential breaking and the axles were replaced. My 31 spline axle came out of a 2002 Ranger FX4 with the Torsen -- but minus the differential.

A clutch or cone limited slip USUALLY fails by losing the LS function over time. I'm not sure HOW a helical gear type behaves as it "fails". For the most part, I thought they were pretty much "eternal" -- but I really have no good data on that.

Where's Bob? He would know...

 

well I know the axle code seggests a 4.10LS, as for the spline count, I dont recall, but assumed it was a 31 spline.

 

Measure the axle tube -- that'll tell you.

If you have a 28 spline, you're not level II, and the limited slip is a clutch type and is probably worn out. It can be rebuilt, or you can use this opportunity to put in a locker or whatever.

 

These may answer some of your questions about the Torsen L/S.

Torsen L/S

http://www.torsen.com/products/T-2.htm

http://www.torsen.com/files/Torsen%2...al%20Sheet.pdf

OR 4x4

 

Hmmm. A locker sounds good. Where do you all go about getting them anyways? I doubt mine is broken @45k, but you never know. Even then, its still fun looking at stuff for your truck. I know there is the Electronic locker, ECTED, Correct? What else is there?

 

All 02 FX4's came from the factory with a 31-spline / Torsen axle. There's no way to tell if it has a Torsen from the axle code on the door jamb sticker because a Ranger 28-spline 8.8 4.10 Traction-Lok carries the same R7 designation. John's idea about measuring the axle tube is a good one, though.

Ranger Torsens do the "one wheel peel" thing when traction is very low like snow and ice. Maybe a bit more so that a fresh Traction-Lok would. If you get stuck in snow with any L/S, just click the p-brake down a few clicks and it will allow the L/S torque multiplication to do its thing and get you rolling again.

 

Hey, thanks buddy, I'll have to try that next time.

 

lots of 2002 FX4 rear ends were suspect
I would have it checked out before it fails totally

 

Yes, and only on manual transmissions because of the "shock loads" they potentially produce. As far a I know, they left them in the automatics.

28 spline or 31 spline, there are numerous choices for lockers for the axles. The ECTED works well IF you don't do something stupid like I did. Search "ected gear oil" and -- besides this post -- you should turn up one explaining my stupidity, lol. Mine is fine now, though. It's nice because it's an LS until you lock it.

 

well, he does list 5 Speed in his signature
but what the heck, FORD tells me I have a 5 speed transmission too....
I laugh about that every time I fill up..... I wonder where that 5 gear is
oh yea, between 1st and 3rd

 

lol! I know -- many people think it's like an "ultra overdrive" or something...

Well, it helps acceleration, so it's not a BAD thing...

When people list 5 speed, usually they mean a manual I think.

 

yea, so if he is driving a 2002 FX4 and feels the rear end is getting squirrly I would get the Torsen checked out.....

 

I just am getting the one wheel spinning when in snow and low traction situations. I realized this after I got stuck in 4WD with TWO wheels spinning. Is there any tell-tale signs that I could see w/o bringing it to a mechanic?

 

There are diagnostic tests that require a special jig and a torque wrench that work on regular limited slips. I'll have to check and see if they apply to Torsens or not -- they may not since they work so differently.

 

The failure mode of the early 2002 Torsens was a catastophic fracture of internal parts, not a loss of L/S function.

 

Have heard stories from a friend that works at a GMC Hummer dealer; about problems with the Torsen l/s in the Hummer.
When I researched what l/s to purchase, the price of the Torsen along with the problems my friend informed of; is why I decided on the Detroit TruTrac.
During the years of offroading my Jeep; quite a few friends have used the Detroit TruTrac in their Jeeps and several of them have even run them front and rear.....
These l/s have proven themselves to be good performers and quite durable.
Personally I have run two of them and they worked flawlessly.
The only problem I observed was at our Jeep Jamboree in Moab, Utah. A Jeep Cherokee running 4.56 gears, 32" tires in a D35 rear diff and getting on the skinny pedal while trying to get out of Mickey's Hot Tub.
He fractured the helical gears causing a high pitched whine......
This was caused by the light duty D35 differential flexing under load and the axle twisting. Unfortunately the manufacturer would not warranty the carrier since it was not caused by a defect in the carrier or helical gears.

OR 4x4

 

All the Detroit stuff in general is well proven, that's for sure.

 

I like that word 'catastrophic.' It just sounds so evil...

That being said, were there any problems with the 03 Lvl IIs? I remembered the 02 problem but I couldn't remember if they had fixed it for 03 or not.

 

I know from experience that if your clutch packs start to slip and don't grab well enough that a simple gear oil change with some new friction modifier can help a lot. I just did mine around 62K miles and it feels like a whole new rearend. I had good luck with the Lucas gear oil that is preblended with the modifier.

 

The recall was limited to about the first half of the 2002 model year. No recalls for 2003.

 

The OP has a Torsen which does not have a clutch pack.