L/S conversion

2003XLT · #1 03-01-2012, 03:39 PM

Can anyone find a kit, or parts to find out what is needed to switch an open 8.8 ranger axle, and put in fords trac-lok, so its an l/s axle? Any help is appreciated.

01_ranger_4x4 · #2 03-01-2012, 03:41 PM

You cant covert your open diff carrier to a ford trac lock unit, you have to replace the entire diff carrier.

2003XLT · #3 03-01-2012, 03:57 PM

How many buckaroos is that part gonna set me back?

01_ranger_4x4 · #4 03-01-2012, 04:02 PM

Summitracing has it for $195

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F288/

2003XLT · #5 03-01-2012, 04:03 PM

How complicated is install? Does it come with instructions? Does that kit have every part to do a total swap? Thanks

01_ranger_4x4 · #6 03-01-2012, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003XLT

How complicated is install? Does it come with instructions? Does that kit have every part to do a total swap? Thanks

Well, swapping it out isnt always cut and dry because thats the part the holds the ring gear and sometimes needs shimming to keep the correct gear backlash between the ring and pinion and that requires some specialized tools to measure the backlash and shims. (indicator and base, micrometer) Its not super complicated but if youre not familiar with setting gears it can be a pain. Only thing extra you will need is a shim kit if needed, carrier bearings, fluid and the friction modifier fluid for the LS.

2003XLT · #7 03-01-2012, 04:10 PM

Total price for that other stuff? Have any clue? You don't have to look if you don't know

01_ranger_4x4 · #8 03-01-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003XLT

Total price for that other stuff? Have any clue? You don't have to look if you don't know

Dont know exact numbers, friction modifier is about $5, diff fluid is about $10-$15 a bottle (cant recall how many quarts the 8.8 needs) and I dont know about the shim kit, its been a while since I bought one.

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Friction modifier
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-19546-A1/

Shim kit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RMG-3800071/

2003XLT · #9 03-01-2012, 04:17 PM

So all I need is the $195 part, friction mod, fluid, and possibly shims?

pooleo · #10 03-01-2012, 04:22 PM

Speaking from experience on the issue. I swapped an L/S into my truck. But I had the carrier with ring gear. Then I also put in the matching pinion. I wanted to change my gears from 3.27 to 3.73. I got lucky and it was a direct swap, no shimming or adjusting the ring/pinion.

Now, on my dads truck. We put in 4.10 gears. It was a royal PITA! laying under a truck and trying to get everything right sucked big monkey balls. We eventually got it.

IMHO, I would look for a new axle with the L/S already in it. And since your going this far, might as well pick up an expo rear end.

Your time is worth something and $200 for an L/S I think is a little high, considering you can get a whole rear end for around $175

01_ranger_4x4 · #11 03-01-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003XLT

So all I need is the $195 part, friction mod, fluid, and possibly shims?

And the measuring equipment if you plan to do the install yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooleo

Speaking from experience on the issue. I swapped an L/S into my truck. But I had the carrier with ring gear. Then I also put in the matching pinion. I wanted to change my gears from 3.27 to 3.73. I got lucky and it was a direct swap, no shimming or adjusting the ring/pinion.

Now, on my dads truck. We put in 4.10 gears. It was a royal PITA! laying under a truck and trying to get everything right sucked big monkey balls. We eventually got it.

IMHO, I would look for a new axle with the L/S already in it. And since your going this far, might as well pick up an expo rear end.

Your time is worth something and $200 for an L/S I think is a little high, considering you can get a whole rear end for around $175

I agree and dont. I swapped my auburn gear in after my track lok went out in less than two hours. Jason you swapped in both the ring and pinion into your dads truck right? If so that is a much bigger job than just swapping out the carrier. The pinion depth and gear mesh will not have to be changed to accommodate the new carrier.

pooleo · #12 03-01-2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01_ranger_4x4

I agree and dont. I swapped my auburn gear in after my track lok went out in less than two hours. Jason you swapped in both the ring and pinion into your dads truck right? If so that is a much bigger job than just swapping out the carrier. The pinion depth and gear mesh will not have to be changed to accommodate the new carrier.

Yeah, We changed his gears from 3.73 to 4.10, so it was a much larger job. And you are right, just swapping the carrier is not so bad, youd just have the side to side alignment to worry about

01_ranger_4x4 · #13 03-01-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooleo

Yeah, We changed his gears from 3.73 to 4.10, so it was a much larger job. And you are right, just swapping the carrier is not so bad, youd just have the side to side alignment to worry about

Right

2003XLT · #14 03-01-2012, 04:47 PM

The reason I'm looking into this is because my spider gears are out. Will I still need new spider gears or not? And I already have 4.10's, ill be staying at 4.10's sadly.

01_ranger_4x4 · #15 03-01-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003XLT

The reason I'm looking into this is because my spider gears are out. Will I still need new spider gears or not? And I already have 4.10's, ill be staying at 4.10's sadly.

This will replace the spiders and everything.