Nighthawk!

[birdco85]

Not sure what your first sentence says, lol, but I don't even want it extend past the lower fender line at all.

[dtbback]

Yeah stupid predictive text. If you really like the style that cactus did as a base I say run with it And make it your own. That's how mine is going to start.

[birdco85]

Does anyone have a brand preference for gears? I've never regeared anything so I'm not sure. And is there anything that can make the stock track lock more aggressive? Just until I want to build a better third member. I'm sure the stock case will be fine for what I'm doing.

Thanks

[hooter95]

In regards to the factory limited slip. Jegs sells a couple kits. One is a replacement clutch kit that is considered 'stock' and there is one that is supposed to be for 03-04 Cobras or something like that.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/397/M-4700-B/10002/-1

http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/397/M-4700-C/10002/-1

[birdco85]

Thanks, but that's for the 8.8. I picked up a 9". I think I've heard that there are stiffer springs for it but I can't find them.

[johncharlesb]

The trac-lok for a 9" is funky with clutches on one side and a split spider gear. They will crack the carrier around the ring gear bolts and also twist the axle splines on the split spider gear side. I would rebuild it to spec, but be aware of its limits. It would be prudent to save for a conventional-style aftermarket limited slip, a spool, or a locker.

If you skip down to step four and five you can see the split spider gear and the splines on both the spider and the carrier clutch thingy; someone at Ford Motor was high:
http://diyford.com/assemble-ford-9-inch ... erentials/

The axle on the split spider gear side will often hang up during install. Put one tire on the ground and the trans in gear and rotate the axle while it is going in and it will seat.

[birdco85]

I have heard about the carrier cracking and the axle spinning. I am only keeping it because a new carrier isn't in the budget yet. And when I do a new carrier I will upgrade to a nodular dropout and go to 35 spline. So it's gonna be a much larger investment. But I will be able to use the third for a new axle when I choose to go wider.

[dtbback]

You may wanna plan for this later. The schreiner 35 spline kit can run 31 spline axles until you Have the budget for 35 spline upgrades. The drive plates are the same so you won't be buying the ff kit 2x.

[birdco85]

I see what you're saying Will, but 1125 for the kit without axles and calipers and caliper brackets, plus the labor to weld the spindles on, you'd be at at least 2000 for it all, and that's being conservative. I'll be at less than 450 for a pair of 35 spline axles with new bearings from Currie, and that seems way more in budget.

Full float is cool and durable and definitely is on my future wish list, but my bronco isn't a race truck and I feel semi float will be just fine for my needs.

[dtbback]

i keep thinking that going full float isn't really a decision but after reading your post I may need to rethink my position on the FF conversion. Mine won't be a race truck either and that I should just ride that beast till I snap something. Although the idea of having to pull the axle out again and then have it repair doesn't sound very appealing. Especially since my axle will be apart very soon to get the rear truss work done.

[ChaseTruck754]

you will always be money ahead if you do it once vs. doing it over again later. Problem with that is most guys don't think they'll need to "go big" & then decide to later - ending up spending more.

Yes FF is nice for peace of mind, but yes with 35" tires 35 spline axles are hard to break - floater or not.

[funinthesun95]

if your worried about braking 35 spline semi floater axles.....just budget ever two years to buy new and sell your used.......basically can get 250-300ish for your used axles....all day


so that is 150-200ish out of pocket and your labor for new every 2 years or so...... and if you beat on her hard ( like 3000+ hard offroad mile for example) every year 150 added into your basic care of bronco is not bad. .....just my 2 cents

with the plan above it would take you 10 years to have full float money in your rearend.

Like anything lots of ways to have piece of mind..... just cost money.....hah

[birdco85]

I'm definitely not worried about breaking 35 SF axles. I just want something a little better than 31. I could even go 33 but if I'm spending the money I might as well do 35. I'm just trying to go cheap right now just to get gears. When I'm ready I'll do a true track or a locker in 35 spline and get axles.

I asked earlier and since I'm getting a lot of replies, what brand gears do you guys recommend? Also what are good parts to take to Mexico? Emergency stuff.

[funinthesun95]

what number are you looking to run 4.56?

Yukon have been good for me not load on highway

[birdco85]

4.88 I think. I hear nothing but good about that

[Rmc]

What ever is affordable. Especially if it's a temporary gear set. I have 4.88 and 37's it does fine. 1800 rpm at 70-75mph 2k-22k at 80-85

[birdco85]

I'm thinking when I pull the front off to regear it, I'm gonna do that one the way I want it. Just because I don't want to pull it all apart again. I'm thinking a true track. What does everyone think it's the best for the front?

[dtbback]

I found and Auburn limited slip on ebay for a great price.

[tcm glx]

if your worried about braking 35 spline semi floater axles.....just budget ever two years to buy new and sell your used.......basically can get 250-300ish for your used axles....all day


so that is 150-200ish out of pocket and your labor for new every 2 years or so...... and if you beat on her hard ( like 3000+ hard offroad mile for example) every year 150 added into your basic care of bronco is not bad. .....just my 2 cents

with the plan above it would take you 10 years to have full float money in your rearend.

Like anything lots of ways to have piece of mind..... just cost money.....hah

Excellent and sensible advice.

[yikes]

Auburn won't hold up for long.