Limited Slip

[Matty]

Hey guys, I was interested in getting a Detroit true trac for the front,and the guy from Eaton said they don't make one for the stock Ranger Sport front. He also said he didn't think that anyone made an aftermarket one.

Does anyone know if there is one that fits into the stock front?

I don't want to change the whole axle, carrier setup to get one, I was hoping there was a posi unit that could be slipped right in.

[prerunr]

The only LSD that is available for the front of the IFS Rangers is the Auburn ECTED. Torsen has one in pre-production with a target for availability of this summer, but expect delays on that.

Reviews on the ECTED are mixed, so I'm waiting for the Torsen.

[Matty]

What are the negatives about the Auburn? Usually their products are top notch. I have a Pro-Race posi in my Mustang and has been great.

Thanks for the info! It is a great help.

[Matty]

Well I emailed Torsen asking about the Limited Slip and here is their response.

C/P

We were supposed to release the unit one year ago but unfortunately that had been postponed due to material and manufacturing problems. We are trying for a release this summer. We have yet to get interest from our Distributors to carry these units and unless they place orders, we will not manufacturer small quantity runs. If we did manufacture in small quantities, the end cost to you would be astronomical!



Thanks for the question and interest in Torsen.

End C/P


So it doesn't look promising. :icon_sad:

[prerunr]

When I asked for opinions of the ECTED on another site, I received the following "private" opinion from an employee of a large driveline service company:

"Regarding the Ected, the main differences between the Ected and all other selectable, is the way it locks and the fact that it starts as a clutch driven LSD instead of open. The Ected locks through the clutches instead of by any type of gear lock up. This method allows slippage if the clutch pack is overloaded. Overloading is possible with deep gear reduction, large tires and extreme grade with high traction. The Ected unit can and will slip when 'locked'. We've had quite a bit of feedback from users about this and I've even seen it myself. This slippage can become more frequent as the clutches wear. The other issue of concern is the amount of axle spline used when in the unlocked position. One of the side gears is a 2 piece design. In the unlocked mode, the axle is being driven by about 9/16" of axle spline. I've seen 2 cases personally where the end of the axle splines have stripped. I'm sure there are some applications where these issues will not have any effect on the use of the product or the longevity of the application. My concerns are about durability in vehicles with oversize tires that see aggressive off road use."

This was enough to turn me off the ECTED. The same guy also throughly investigated the possibilities of modifying a rear D35 TrueTrac to work in the front. However, this could only work on the older TTB Rangers. We're hooped because of the CV joints.

Regarding the Torsen, I know a number of people have contacted Torsen directly regarding the IFS D35. However, I'm not sure if the same people have contacted the distributors. I know I haven't. So maybe that would help. Of course, one of the few distributors for Torsen is Ford Racing. Maybe the dealerships that offer upgrade packages could ask Racing to make such a part available (hint, hint).

[Matty]

One would think that with such a good selling truck that there would be more options available.

I was reading up on the ECTED at other sites and the slipping seems to be a factor under heavy load. A few have said they haven't had problems but I could see what that guy told you about the longer it being in there the more prone it would be to slip.

Hopefully the distributors start stocking these.

I also sent a message to Auburn asking if there was something other than the ECTED available or if they plan on making a "real" posi unit for us. I doubt it but, hey it doesn't hurt to ask.

[prerunr]

One would think that with such a good selling truck that there would be more options available.



Yeah, and don't forget all the Exploders - they use the same setup. And, anything that works for the SLA Rangers will also work in the TTB's.


But it doesn't sound hopeless yet for the Torsen. Check out this thread...
http://www.offroadrangers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28774

[Matty]

That thread looks very promising.

The email in that thread is pretty much the same one I received, but I don't think the distibutors would have any problem unloading these units once the public was made aware that they were available.

It looks like there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.

[Matty]

Well I got a response from Auburn as to if they had a LS or had one in the works. In the email I asked if they had anythin other than the ECTED.
Here is what they said as a copy paste.

C/P

Matt,

Limited slip differential are not recommended for 4 X 4 front axle. A limited slip will effect your steering. The ACTED Ford 8.8 is your best choice.

End C/P

He says a LS is not recommended yet put an ECTED in (which he refers to as an ACTED mind you), which can lock up the front like a spool if you flick the switch. :happy096: Maybe it is just me, but I am wondering who they have working at Auburn.

[prerunr]

... The ACTED Ford 8.8 is your best choice.



And you did say Ranger, right? :icon_rolleyes:

Okay then, one more reason I won't buy an Auburn.

[prerunr]

... And, anything that works for the SLA Rangers will also work in the TTB's.


:signs139:

Just to set the record straight, in case anyone with older Rangers or Bronco II's is watching this, I've since found out that the carriers in the TTB are not interchangable with the SLA's. :icon_redface:

[Matty]

Yah I mentioned the model to them. I had to re-read their email a couple of times just to try to make sense of it. Cheap labour I guess. :icon_rolleyes:

[Matty]

Well for anyone interested I emailed Torsen again and this the response I got back.



Copy/paste

The only distributor who was going to carry it was Reider Racing and unfortunately they have closed their doors. The project has been placed on hold until further notice.



Thanks for the question and interest in Torsen!

End C/P

[canadian.bacon]

here another option, wonder how much was spent on all that :icon_eek:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/3106/241/7762620016_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/3106/241/7762620017_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/3106/241/7762620010_large.jpg

[Lone Ranger]

Ok, no the carriers are NOT the same between the SLA D35 front and the TTB D35 front (which is the same carrier as the Jeep D35). I wouldn't even install a limited slip in the front of anything without locking hubs, it'd just be too much to steer.

Why not look into an Aussie locker for the front? They're great quality, and relatively simple to install if you know anything about diffs. Plus, they sell for about $260 (according to their site). If you're really looking for some real traction then this is the way to go, no slippage and it still unlocks when not under torque (which means no adverse steering issues, and ratchets in corners when in 4wd). Running stockish size tires and if you're not trying to put all 207 ponies to the ground 24/7 your front diff will handle it fine. LR