I have a 1997 F-150 Supercab, 4.2L V6, 5-speed manual, 139" wheelbase, and my differential grenaded itself a few days ago. I'll upload pics when I get home from work, but clearly I need to replace my rear axle assembly rather than try to rebuild this one. It's a 3.55, 8.8" and the tag on the diff cover reads S862B.
So, two questions-- which other differentials will be compatible to bolt in (I assume the 862A and 862C are, but what about 869C, presuming it's the one with drum brakes like mine?)... and do other vehicles like the Expedition have axles that would work in my truck (or does their auto trans make that impossible?).
I will be grateful for ANY advice I can get to do this-- the timing was poor, so financially I can't spend a lot of time driving around to look at axles unless I know what will bolt in. Thanks!

Here's all the shrapnel I took out...

This is what I saw when I popped the cover off...

 

Ouch.... Oh man, that is one messed up rear end.. Sorry, I can't answer your specific rear end compatibility question.. But, I would think that any 97-2003 would work from an F150 and if you have drum brakes, I'd only be looking for ones that have drum brakes on it already.. You could even go with a 9.75 rear end, but you'd have to get a shorter drive shaft.

Good luck!

Mitch

 

That is amazing!

I would just get that repaired. The axle itself is OK, just get the innards replaced.

 

I agree on the potential replace the carrier, gears, and maybe axle shafts and she'd be good as new

assuming the pinion is still in good shape in the front of the housing


I think I replied to your comment in the other thread about axle compatibility
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ot...ml#post5246076

 

How did that even happen?

Now would also be a good time to install 4.10 gears. It's a little more expensive, but also consider a differential cover with more capacity, and a drain plug for easier maintenance service. I'm glad that I did, since I can now drain & fill the differential, to ensure that I am not operating with contaminated fluid.

 

just about any diff should fit from 97 up...I even think say a 8.8 2002 etc. will also fit if you install your backing plates & brakes on it etc.....just measure the spring mounts & actual diff size to the backing plates etc......if you change rear end ratio as suggested you will have to reprogram your computer or your transmission / speedo will be off shift points.........good luck !!

 

1997 uses mechanical speedometer/odometer. He would need to change out the worm gear to get it calibrated correctly