LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

Anyone successfully mount a pumpkin from an explorer yet ?

Negligence

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-8-8-DIFFERENTIAL-M-4204-F318C-31-SPLINE-COBRA-31T-8-8-NEW-FORD-RACING-/191122732341?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c7fcd7535&vxp=mtr
Is this a correct rear to purchase ?

AAIIIC

iTrader: (19)

Yes and no. That is one of the correct diff options, but when most people say "rear" or "rear end" they mean the whole diff and housing assembly (like this). If you buy a Cobra rear end, it'll come with a 31-spline Traction Lok diff already in there, so there's no need to buy a new one. You would just need a rebuild kit.

If you want a new Traction Lok for some reason, search for that part number on Amazon and you'll find significantly better pricing.

DarkCharisma

What was the problem with the Explorer 8.8? The iron 8.8's are a dime a dozen around here.

LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

Can I get one of those iron ones from ya. Only explorer ones around here

54inches

iTrader: (4)

The explorer IRS differential housing will not work unless someone wants to recreate a bracket system again.

Most people are using the 31 spline carrier and gears from the Explorer and put it in a Cobra/Mark VIII/Cougar/etc housing, be in Al or Fe.

DarkCharisma

Next time I'm at the yard I'll keep my eyes open.

ryridesmotox

I would think that you could take a explorer housing and either modify the cover or get a cobra cover (one with cooling ports already plumbed in perhaps). I haven't had one side by side with an aluminum or iron diff from a car, but I've seen both and if memory serves, there isn't much difference except the rear cover. Obviously that situation makes it easier to just get one out of a tbird or mustang or Lincoln but if you see a explorer IRS diff for ridiculously cheap, scoop it up.

LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

I can get a explorer diff and axles for 100$ but have to pull it myself. If it don't fit then put the explorer guts in the lincoln housing

ryridesmotox

That's quite a bit of money for an explorer IRS diff. And why bother with the axles? You'll want new ones anyways. The axles are what break under mustangs. Honestly, all I'd want is the case. Not the gears, not the diff, no axles or CVs, just the case. Especially out of an explorer.

54inches

iTrader: (4)

There is a HUGE difference......

Exploder:



Cobra/Cougar/et al...

Al


Fe

ryridesmotox

Well, never mind then. I thought the explorer diff's had both mounting flanges on the yolk. Guess I wasn't paying enough attention when we had it out. Thanks for the correction.

Edit: Actually, it appears we are both right. My Buddy's 08 exploder center section did have a different housing... Much more similar to the cobra, just with beefier front pinion mounting flanges.

Edit again: I don't want to get any flak from mods about posting links to another forum so I removed it and switched to another picture, from an eBay add... I wouldn't buy this thing, they want a hideous amount of money for it... But you get the idea.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/161036144737?nav=SEARCH

ls1247

iTrader: (2)

Wonder what that black thing is between the reinforcing ribs at the top right of the explorer diff...some kind of vent????

hefftone

2007+ explorer has two forward ears. Ultra beefy compared to the t-bird,cobra,mark8.
Interesting article about the "s197" mustang IRS that never came to be...it use an 04 explorer pumpkin.... But was shelved.
http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-blog/?p=11329

According the article the black thing is for vehicle speed sensor.

.

ryridesmotox

I'm wondering if the thickness of the forward ears is an issue. They are considers my beefier than the car differentials. And they are aluminum cases. I might have to reconsider my decision on an iron case

hefftone

Go back and look at my post #533, check out the "norotors" forum thread for the rx7 explorer diff.
Yes the forward mounts are much thicker. The front mount would have to be changed...but could possiby be flat instead of arched over.

ryridesmotox

I've seen that exact thread. Had a friend building an FD a while back. I can't remember what diff he went with though.

54inches

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the correction on the years and changes of the exploder diffs.

There are alot of guys running the Al with no issues.....hell there are some Cobras in the 9s with this diff......I would not worry.

This thread is about the Cobra et al diffs, but I do not mind the exploder info, so we can see that there is a difference and they do not work in the configuration.

Also notice the rear flange is different too.

ryridesmotox

Just cut it off or change the rear cover if you don't want to grind it. Roninspeed, a local shop in southern California, has been using that exact case with the rear cover brace shopped down. IMHO, its rather inconvenient, especially when you can get diff covers that will fit yours or CS's brackets. Not to mention, most of the aftermarket diff covers come with fittings installed for a diff cooler, in case someone is so inclined.

54inches

iTrader: (4)

We already modify the cover; that's not what I am talking about.