[ThunderBeast86]

I've been doing research, but I still can't seem to find out what I need.
I've been looking into, Torsen, Ford TrackLok, Auburn, Detroit, Strange, etc.
The car will eventually only be a summer car...
I guess what I'm asking is...
If I could buy an Auburn, or Detroit differential locally (28 spline), I can install that into an aluminum pumpkin and "bolt" it into my car?
Is it the Side gears on the CARRIER that need to be machined or differential side gears?
Also, the gears are inside of the differential, which is then installed into the pumpkin, correct?
I've been looking at an auburn 28 spline...Could I buy that, change the gears, and install it into a pumpkin? Do the Auburn, Torsen, etc. require any more parts to install gears?

Ahh, too many questions....I just have zero knowledge on this subject, and I need to get rolling on my projects.

Also, what's up with these Powertrax differentials??

 

[nickmckinney]

First question is how much power are you planning on making, the stock Ford TL is probably just fine with a new clutch pack unless you are planning to pull wheelies. I would also get front and rear diff braces if you really plan on turning up the power past what a Ford TL will handle. IMHO - If you have never rebuilt a rear end and don't have the proper tools, let someone experienced do it. Once the pumpkin is assembled it is a simple bolt in to the car.

 

[ThunderBeast86]

but my question is...
say I buy a detroit locker brand new, or an Auburn brand new....do the gears come inside them? Or is that something i'd have to purchase and install?
I have the proper tools and the mechanics to help me at school, plus I'd like to learn. I have the money, and I want to buy something fun for the street.
Torsen, Detroit, Auburn, etc....What's the best choice?
I don't want to buy a ford TL now, and in 2 years have a vortech and need to rebuild it, I want to do it once, and do it right.

 

[nickmckinney]

You need:

Case
Gear set (3.73 for example)
Rebuild kit like the FRPP, also get the IRS add on seals
Differential be it TL, Auburn, etc.

IMHO - the issue on the diff is that I have seen 600RWHP Cobras run for 80,000 miles on the stock Ford TL with no problems. If you really plan to get to that level and plan to get the chassis to hook that hard (like 11 sec times or better) then yes get a better diff now. However IMHO the better diffs are also 31 spline and you will pay as much for a pair of those custom axles as the rest of the rear end parts combined.

 

[ThunderBeast86]

alright, but when you buy a diff. a brand new one.....are gears installed the diff? Is that where the gears are installed? Inside the track-lok or Auburn, etc.?

 

[tinman_72]

No, the gears do not come with the limited slip internals, no matter what brand.

 

[conversion02]

No, the gears do not come with the limited slip internals, no matter what brand.

Didn't the FRPP 3.73 TL's come ready to go in an alum case, so all you had to do was basically fill 'er up and bolt 'er in?

 

[dirtyd0g]

You can't get the FRPP's anymore. The side gears on oem TL's from mustangs need to be machined. I prefer the OEM TL, but thats just me.
Alan

 

[tinman_72]

Didn't the FRPP 3.73 TL's come ready to go in an alum case, so all you had to do was basically fill 'er up and bolt 'er in?

Yes, but that was a different part that included everything. If you buy a Trak-Loc unit or any aftermarket unit to install in your pumpkin, it will not include gears. And like dirtyd0g said, they are no longer available. (Unless you have one sitting in your bedroom for the last three years waiting to be installed!)

 

[sniper77]

i thought the pumpkin and differential were the same thing? the differential is installed inside the pumpkin? the pumpkin is the case/carrier then right?

 

[dirtyd0g]

The pumkin is considered the entire differential. The carrier is the part with the sidegears in it the ring gear bolts to.
Alan

 

[ScottG29]

You can't get the FRPP's anymore.

Which for gears are your referring to? the 3.73's?

 

[tinman_72]

Which for gears are your referring to? the 3.73's?

You can still get the gearset. It is just the ring gear and the pinion gear. You will have to buy the Trak-loc separately. The part that you cannot get anymore is the entire pumpkin with 3.73's and Trak-loc already installed.

 

[ScottG29]

You can still get the gearset. It is just the ring gear and the pinion gear. You will have to buy the Trak-loc separately. The part that you cannot get anymore is the entire pumpkin with 3.73's and Trak-loc already installed.

You can get all the parts from Ford still to build the rear end, including the aluminum housing. Just a note to everyone the new ford part number for the 3.73's is: M-4209-F373N. Ford replaced their old gears because they found a better way to build them called the face hob process. (CNC'ed basically)