I have a 97 F150 4x4 O/R with broken spider gears. I believe this is a LS. What do I need to do to replace these? Also, do I use 75x140 or 75x90, and do I need an additive? Thanks, Mike

 

What casued the spider gears to break? Is it the 8.8 or the 9.75 differential. I will hazzard a guess that it is the 8.8. Depending on what casued it you may also have a cracked differential carrier. The spec calles for synthetic 75W140 if it is a limited slip. You will also need the friction modifier.

JMC

 

JMC,
It is the 8.8. I am not sure what caused this problem, but one of the pinion gears had several teeth sheered.

I replaced these yesterday. A few of us got our heads together and got it done. Once we figured out how to get the pinion gears in the carrier, it was a breeze. The carrier seems to be fine. I did not notice any cracks.

I do have one question, though. The kit that we got from the dealership had a pair of cooper rings. We were not quite sure where they went, or what they are for. Everything seems to be working fine, though. I am assuming that these are replacement parts and not effecting current operation. Thanks, Mike

 

Just to venture a guess, but are the copper rings shims to re-shim the carrier?

 

Kind of neat the way you have to spin the carrier to turn the side gears so the pinions will rotate ino place. My first time I had one of the pinions out of sink and had to pull them all the way out and restart the whole thing. I remember copper rings in my kit, they were recycled with the box.

JMC

 

WV,
I am not sure where they would go. I am wondering if they are to temporarily secure the axles. Thanks, Mike

 

Your guess is as good or better than mine. Apparently they aren't that important if niether you or JMC found a home for them other than the spare parts pile