So, I was wondering...
My Crown Vic has a 3.27:1 rear axle with an open diff. How difficult would it be for me to switch it to a 3.73:1 limited-slip? Is it something that I can tackle myself? I can get all the parts... it just a matter of installing it...
Thanks.
Replacing rear differential...
- mad_finn
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
Basicly its guite simple... get new axel wich has been used in crown vic, then drop the old axel, and put new on it... basicly "bolt on" thingy...
here is link how to do it IF it has leaf springs, allthough, its not much harder if it has any other common springs...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... e_how.html
here is link how to do it IF it has leaf springs, allthough, its not much harder if it has any other common springs...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... e_how.html
13litre engine, 18 speed manual, total weight 36tons.11 years on the road,700k.miles driven
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
We swapped the 3.27 open in my Grand Marquis for a 3.55 locker by swapping the whole axle for one out of an '85 Town Car. The problem with the whole-axle swap for six's application is that the 3.73 was never offered in the Panther platform. A Marauder, Town Car, or some years of P71 would have a 3.55 locker available, but 3.73 was never offered.
That makes it a matter of changing the ring and pinion and adding the clutch packs. I've never really looked into it, but I've understood it's not too bad to do, though you need to make sure you get the gears meshed correctly. Also remember to change the speedometer drive gear, unless they've changed where they do the speedo pickup.
That makes it a matter of changing the ring and pinion and adding the clutch packs. I've never really looked into it, but I've understood it's not too bad to do, though you need to make sure you get the gears meshed correctly. Also remember to change the speedometer drive gear, unless they've changed where they do the speedo pickup.
- six
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
I can get the gears and trac-lok diff pretty easy. I'm planning on letting the pros do it because I know something will go wrong if I do it...
The 2003+ Panthers don't use the speedo gear anymore. Speed info is taken from the PCM, so I would need to have a reflash to correct my speedo after I change to 3.73 gears.
The 2003+ Panthers don't use the speedo gear anymore. Speed info is taken from the PCM, so I would need to have a reflash to correct my speedo after I change to 3.73 gears.
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
Some folks might call it an easy swap, but I'd say that's a matter of a pinion. If you swap in a new diff carrier with limited slip and a new ring and pinion set, you may need to play with it (shims) to get the correct bearing preload and to get the pinion gear correctly engaged with the ring gear (down on one knee, open ring box in hand, etc.). If you don't, it can end up being quite a mesh.
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- theholycow
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
Yep, I've read plenty of threads for people who want to DIY and it often looks like a big hassle. Some of them gave up and took it to a pro.
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watkins wrote:Humans have rear-biased AWD. Cows have 4WD
- six
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
Rope-Pusher <-- He's funny
"...quite a mesh" hahaha
"...quite a mesh" hahaha
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
i thought the "a pinion" one was pretty good as well
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Re: Replacing rear differential...
That's one of those things I'll probably never attempt to DIY. Setting the gear lash and stuff is too intimidating.
1986 Mazda RX-7 sport - slowly returning to the Earth
1986 Mazda RX-7 base - Project car, ???, In pieces, turbo parts around.
1986 Mazda RX-7 base - Project car, ???, In pieces, turbo parts around.