I got a question,
I have a 8.8 S869B 3.55 ratio rear end in my 97 F150 4x4. Some form of factory locker

Seems ford built this a bit light and 2 days ago my exploded while comming home from work. took the carrier into 2 pieces.
My dad took it apart for me the next day and had to cut a piece of metal that the axles went through into the carrier, just to get the axle clips out.

I am going to be putting everything new in it. However I cant find out what this is. Its sort of shaped like a S when its on its side. Dad said there was no way to get the clips out with out removing it, and he couldnt figure out how to remove it.
I have never had to fool with gears befoe until now.

I think this is the right break down (best I can find) but its not shown here and the haynes manual is only good to start fires with.
Any one know what its called ??
the linkn to my break down is

Break down

 

It sounds like you have a factory limited slip carrier. I think that the "S" clip kept the spider side gears in place. I am thinking that the spider pinion (bar) needed to be removed in order to take the "S" clip out.

If the carrier broke, I (my personal choice) would replace it with a locker (locking differential). Or, I might hit a junkyard and look for a complete differential from a newer F-150 with the 9.75 ring gear. If you work it right, you would end up with rear disk brakes and a heavier duty rear end.

Just my two cents.....

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info.
parts ordered.
On a side note.... wow the price of complete axles is way out of control.. Cheapest I found so far... 900.00 plus shipping Used.
Thats complete drum to drum.

I did find one with disk brakes but no hardware and it was 1250.00

ya think there would be more of these laying around than they are.
Oh well price for modding I suppose..
Again Thanks for the info.

 

I read this thread before opening up my blow rear. sounds like the same thing happened to me the whole carrier broke into two pieces.

I just wanted to let you knwo that there is a way to get that clip out with out cutting it. You have to do it with 3 screw drivers. wedge 2 screw drivers in between the gear and the spring and you have enough room to get a 3rd screw driver in there to remove the c-clip.

When I seen that thing i was like WTF man.

By the way if you want the clip you can have it I'm buying a auburn diff now.