Mounting the big finned Explorer differential cover
#26
05-20-2005
Originally Posted by BananaEdge
ok i know this is goin to sound stupid or i just didnt read it right but what exactly is the point of this mod other than the visual upgrade
Originally Posted by N3ELZ
One benefit is strength. If you hit the back of the stock cover on something, it will dent or rip. This one should be able to take one HECK of a hit.
Benefit two is more oil capacity. Should help the oil last longer.
Benefit three is the fins and greater surface area provides cooling. This is especially important in limited slips that use friction, because they generate extra heat. The extra oil is also beneficial here as well.
Benefit two is more oil capacity. Should help the oil last longer.
Benefit three is the fins and greater surface area provides cooling. This is especially important in limited slips that use friction, because they generate extra heat. The extra oil is also beneficial here as well.
#27
05-20-2005
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#28
05-20-2005
See? And guys like Neil can say it in about 1/10 as many words!!! (a skill I lack, I must admit, lol! 
)
Never-the-less, the information was there and it annoys me when I take the time to be complete in my answers and somebody thinks their time is worth so much more than others that they can just ask again rather than taking time to read the thread.
)Never-the-less, the information was there and it annoys me when I take the time to be complete in my answers and somebody thinks their time is worth so much more than others that they can just ask again rather than taking time to read the thread.
#29
05-20-2005
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#32
10-31-2005
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#33
11-01-2005
I think they would hold fine. They actually mount part of the suspension on the independent rear Explorer.
That's an interesting idea but it would make for a very short panhard bar, I would think. The shorter the bar, the more arc it will swing through for increasing amounts of articulation. You want to make that sucker as long as you possibly can on an offroad truck (limited by needing to match the steering in the front) so that side-to-side displacement of the axle during flex is minimized. If you're doing a street truck, probably not as critical.
Make sure you get the longer bolts that come on the Ex cover, or get some longer ones.
I got mine on eBay, sold in "raw" condition -- absolutely no processing at all. It wasn't even "clean" when I got it, lol (I paid to ship the crud...). But it was dirt cheap...
That's an interesting idea but it would make for a very short panhard bar, I would think. The shorter the bar, the more arc it will swing through for increasing amounts of articulation. You want to make that sucker as long as you possibly can on an offroad truck (limited by needing to match the steering in the front) so that side-to-side displacement of the axle during flex is minimized. If you're doing a street truck, probably not as critical.
Make sure you get the longer bolts that come on the Ex cover, or get some longer ones.
I got mine on eBay, sold in "raw" condition -- absolutely no processing at all. It wasn't even "clean" when I got it, lol (I paid to ship the crud...). But it was dirt cheap...
#34
11-01-2005
I also have one of those covers that I got from eBay, waiting to get installed. There are so many of them available, clearly removed from in-service vehicles, that these must be replaced parts from a TSB or recall or general warranty work. I haven't been able to find out why they were replaced and wonder if anyone who works at a dealer knows. I would be concerned about anyone using the mounting ears for anything structural if that's the reason for the replacement.
The only possibility I've found that makes any sense is that Ford has been replacing a lot of the 02+ Explorer diff assemblies for gear whine complaints. Maybe some enterprising folks are scarfing the covers from the warrantied units and selling them on the sly.
Can anyone confirm or refute any of this?
The only possibility I've found that makes any sense is that Ford has been replacing a lot of the 02+ Explorer diff assemblies for gear whine complaints. Maybe some enterprising folks are scarfing the covers from the warrantied units and selling them on the sly.
Can anyone confirm or refute any of this?
#35
11-01-2005
I had considered getting the $200 summit unit but this is looking like a very economical alternative. I read it comes off an explorer independant rear. Do all Explorers have this? What should I ask for if going to a JY (year/model?). An e-bay link would be helpfull also if anyone spots one. Thanks.
#36
11-01-2005
#37
11-01-2005
Originally Posted by n3elz
The main thing would be for it to have the 8.8" version of the rear. I'm pretty sure 2002 through 2004 at least do fit. There was no independent rear prior to 2002, I don't believe. Bob may have some additional data to expand that.
#39
11-01-2005
#41
11-01-2005
#42
11-01-2005
#43
11-01-2005
#44
11-01-2005
#46
11-01-2005
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I have one of these in the garage too (with bolts, unpainted, ears and all) but I'm not planning to put it on until I have need to take the old one off. Does anyone know offhand what the Ford service schedule is for replacing diff lube? Mine is newer than the truck, I wish I could remember the mileage when I put the limited slip in.. its probably only been 30K since I did that.
#47
11-01-2005
What Ford says about replacing axle lube in the 2003 owners manual:
General use: "lubricated for life"
Police or taxi use (LOL): 100,000 miles
Normal trailer or rooftop carrier conditions: 60,000 miles
Severe trailer tow conditions at high ambient temps: 3,000 miles.
Any time the axle has been submerged.
General use: "lubricated for life"
Police or taxi use (LOL): 100,000 miles
Normal trailer or rooftop carrier conditions: 60,000 miles
Severe trailer tow conditions at high ambient temps: 3,000 miles.
Any time the axle has been submerged.
#48
11-01-2005
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Originally Posted by Wowak
I have one of these in the garage too (with bolts, unpainted, ears and all) but I'm not planning to put it on until I have need to take the old one off. Does anyone know offhand what the Ford service schedule is for replacing diff lube? Mine is newer than the truck, I wish I could remember the mileage when I put the limited slip in.. its probably only been 30K since I did that.
#49
11-02-2005
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Originally Posted by SUPERGILDO
its like 12k says ford...
#50
11-02-2005
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when I was having the recent clutch work done on my '04 I asked about getting the diff oil changed. I was told it's synthetic (knew that) and that I didn't have to change it unless I managed to get water over my breather tubes.
Funny thing is I've read to change the oil every 10-12K. A friend with a '98 taco tUrd does his about every 5k, but he also has a small leak (which I assume is NOT good). And he b**ches at me for not getting a taco and the selectible locker.
I'm just saving up to do this....
http://www.mag-hytec.com/differential%20covers.htm
Funny thing is I've read to change the oil every 10-12K. A friend with a '98 taco tUrd does his about every 5k, but he also has a small leak (which I assume is NOT good). And he b**ches at me for not getting a taco and the selectible locker.
I'm just saving up to do this....
http://www.mag-hytec.com/differential%20covers.htm
