So I just bought my 2001 Ford Ranger Edge 4.0 SOHC 4x2 a couple of weeks ago and have been doing regular maintenance and today I did the rear differential fluid, gasket, and new diff cover (even painted red to match my truck). Anyways I found that my truck has an open differential and that I would probably be better off with a locking differential. Now here is my issue. How do I find out if I have 28 spline or 31 spline axles so that I can get a locking differential to match. Also what is the best differential under $400 for a ranger 4x2 (not really concerned about road noise so much as I am about longevity and reliability). And last but not least, how hard is it to install a locking differential?

My differential is as follows:

Code 95
Open 8.8"
Ratio- 3.55

 

It is probably a 28 spline. I am pretty sure all Rangers with 31 spline came with the Torsen differential. One way to find out is by measuring the diameter of the axle housing near where the wheel bearing is mounted. The 28 spline has smaller bearings than the 31 spline. Unfortunately, I don't know the diameter of either but some one else may be able to help you there.

 

I want to report that I got tired of waiting for a selectable locker for the front of my Ranger. I ordered a Torsen for the front and I am very happy with that decision. I have made two extensive trips off-road and had very good results. That in combination with the 33" tires seemed to handle everything I threw at it without loss of traction.

The first trip was a 2-1/2 week excursion into Mexico with a lot of off-road travel. Nothing extremely demanding but gave me a good feel about the Torsen in the front. My next trip was 1-1/2 weeks in Northwest Arizona and Southern Utah. There were some areas that tested the Torsen combination very well and the did not fail me. I am sure I will eventually find the limits of the Torsens but I think I will be probably be doing something that I shouldn't be attempting anyway. I have already gotten pretty close to that.

 

here is my differential. torsion meaning power gets transferred from one wheel to the other depending on which wheel has more road surface? something like that? because I have noticed, that sometimes, i can burn out and my left tire spins and sometimes my right tire spins.

 

A torsion is a type of limited slip. It transfers power to both wheels.

 

so sometimes my right wheel spins and sometimes my left wheel spins. by spins, i mean is capable of doing a burnout. does that mean i have a torsion limited slip and not an open differential? my differential tag says its a 3.55 8.8 open

 

The picture you posted is an open differential. Either side will get power depending on which has the least resistance. With a torsen, or other limited slip, BOTH wheels would spin. Just one may spin faster than the other.

 

Does anybody know the name of this seal? It's for the Front driver wheel. I'm trying to replace it and I can't figure out what the TECHNICAL name it is for this seal. It's preventing my 98 4.0 engage in four wheel drive because this seal is preventing the vacuum.

 

Diff tag from my 2004 Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4 Automatic.

 

4:10 limited slip 8.8

 

With Tow Package.

 

i have an 89 xlt v-6 auto with 4:10 , I have owned since 1994
but lately rubbing noise on cornering, under accleration 162,000 miles
I don't drive it much, should i be worried