spider gears

[Comin' in Hot]

Yesterday I noticed that my diff cover was leaking, so today I decided it was time to change the fluid. All was going well until I ran my fingers along the bottom of the diff housing and felt about 20 chunks of metal. After further inspection I noticed that all the spider gears had chunks missing. The ring and pinion gears are like new. My question is could I replace just the spider gears? I know people have taken them out to replace the clutches(I will also be doing this at the same time). IMHO I can't see replacing just them being a big deal. but I'm looking for other members' thoughts. I also would like to know where I would be able to find replacements.

[WI Fordguy]

Yeah, if the ring and pinion are fine then just replace the clutches and spider gears. I would use Ford parts to replace them, maybe somebody else knows of an alternate source.

[fastblackmerc]

You can just replace the spider gears but you have to get ALL the metal particles out of the rear or you'll only have problems later on.

[MOTOWN]

Spider gears can be replaced, but they have to for a trac-loc, not open carrier spider gears as they are not the same.

[RacerX]

You can get kits:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4215A/86-04-Mustang-88-Rear-Differential-Spider-Gears-28-Spline-Traction-Lok-Will
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-32324G-8-8-trac-lok-gear-kit.html
http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=189 5&Product=YPKF8.8-S-28&Brand=Yukon_Gear_and_Axle
You could get a new carrier for not much more!

[Comin' in Hot]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am weighing the costs of replacing the clutches and spiders vs buying a whole new diff carrier and having it installed. The other route I am thinking about is a Richmond Gear Powertrax unit, does anyone have any experience with them?

[WI Fordguy]

You don't want a powertrax in a Marauder. They're a great setup, but they can be abusive around corners and they make a ratcheting noise when turning sharp. I have one in my 96 F350 and it's great......but that's a very large truck that makes noise anyway, not a nice car. Stick with the clutch style diff. My 2 cents, hope it helps.

[Mercracer]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am weighing the costs of replacing the clutches and spiders vs buying a whole new diff carrier and having it installed. The other route I am thinking about is a Richmond Gear Powertrax unit, does anyone have any experience with them?

With clutches and spider gears, you are at the cost of a new diff unit. (the carrier is what the diff and gears sit in).

[blazen71]

If you replace the spider/side gears and clutches, you shouldn't have to reshim the carrier. If you replace the whole unit(not a bad idea) there is a 50% chance you'll have to reshim. When I swapped to a 31-spline trac-loc I did not have to reshim. Also, replace the carrier bearings while your in there( Another reason you may have to reshim).

[Comin' in Hot]

my plan is to buy a complete unit from summit, it's only $194.75. The unit I am looking at is this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F288/

I need to know is this the correct factory replacement unit?

Also I would like to know if it would be ok if I took all the internals out of the new unit and swapped it into the one in my car? My thinking is that I would not have to worry about disturbing the ring and pinion gears.

[fastblackmerc]

my plan is to buy a complete unit from summit, it's only $194.75. The unit I am looking at is this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F288/

I need to know is this the correct factory replacement unit?

Also I would like to know if it would be ok if I took all the internals out of the new unit and swapped it into the one in my car? My thinking is that I would not have to worry about disturbing the ring and pinion gears.

Yes that will fit.

You can take all the internals out and swap them.

[Comin' in Hot]

Yes that will fit.

You can take all the internals out and swap them.

Thanks for the quick response. I will stop at Summitto pick it up on my way home from california next week.

[GreekGod]

OEM side and spider gears are no longer available. Obsolete years ago. Ford changed to different (not interchangeable) gears ~2005.

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