Ford Rear 8.8 Inch Ring Gear-Traction-LOK Differential

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL OPERATION CHECK

A Limited-Slip differential can be checked for proper operation without removing the differential from the axle housing.

1. Jack up one rear wheel and remove the wheel cover. Install Torque Tool, T59L-4204-A or equivalent on the axle shaft flange studs as shown.




2. Using a torque wrench of at least 271 Nm (200 ft-lbs) capacity, rotate the axle shaft. Be sure that the transmission is in Neutral, one rear wheel is on the floor, and the other rear wheel is raised off the floor. The break-away torque required to start rotation should be at least 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs). The initial break-away torque may be higher than the continuous turning torque, but this is normal. The axle shaft should turn with even pressure throughout the check without slipping or binding. If the torque reading is less than specified, check the differential for proper assembly.

WARNING: A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL WILL ALWAYS HAVE BOTH WHEELS DRIVING. IF, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED, ONLY ONE WHEEL IS RAISED OFF THE FLOOR AND THE REAR AXLE IS DRIVEN BY THE ENGINE, THE WHEEL ON THE FLOOR COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE STAND OR JACK.