I currently have an open diff. and I want a limited slip. Do I need to changer out the whole rear end or can I just mess with the diff? How hard is it? And can I just do the rear or do I need to do both front and rear?

 

All you need is a new diff., and no you do not need one on your front as well.

 

If you have to ask how hard it is, then you aren't qualified to do it yourself. Special tools & knowledge are required.

 

As long as their geared the same. and again if you have never installed or helped install gears, take it to a shop that specializes it gears

 

I hate when people say that. You dont know how qualified he is or what is capable of. He might have a complete shop with all the tools you could ever need.

 

I can rent tools, Im pretty good at doing anything mechanical, so those arnt really a problem. Any body know of any references that I could use (specific books, websites, how-to's) that would help me out?

 

setting up ring and pinion depth and backlash is not any easy task if you have never done it before. it is very very presicse

 

Generally, I hate it too. But the wording and subject matter of the OP's question makes it plain that he has neither the knowledge, nor the tools to perform the work without a LOT of coaching, and if you've ever done rear end work, you know what I mean. I'd hate to see him trash his gears, or expect to get the job done on a Sat. night and then have the truck apart for three weeks due to difficulties.

That said, I think that the very best shop manual is Ford's own. I have one, and it's about four inches thick. Available at Helm, Inc.
They're not cheap, but they're the best.

Pat