spider gears

Comin' in Hot

Comin' in Hot

Supporting Member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Spider gears can be replaced, but they have to for a trac-loc, not open carrier spider gears as they are not the same.
 
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?
 
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.
 
witman40 said:
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?
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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).
 
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).
 
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.
 
witman40 said:
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.
Click to expand...

Yes that will fit.

You can take all the internals out and swap them.
 
No Go

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

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