Does anyone know of a good shop in the Dallas/Ft Worth area to install a posi diff? I'm wanting to replace the open rearend in my '95 F150 (8.8" 3.31), since the pinion bearings are shot after 100k. I'm wanting to install either an Eaton or Auburn unit (opnions on these?). The truck has a stock 5.0, and is just an around-town 4x2, no hard use or off-roading. I guess the dealer wouldn't install an aftermarket unit, and even if they did, would I want them to?

Thanks,
Steve

 

You might try Truck Parts Specialists in Dallas. ph# 800-536-4416 or 214-638-6550. Likewise, my first choice would be the Auburn, then the Eaton-Posi for your 8.8.

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1999 Teal Blue F-150 s/c
4.6L, XLT, 3.55 L/S
Tow pkg., rhino liner, engine block heater & hard toneau cover. single c.d.
255/75 r16 Generals-owl

 

Do you recommend these guys for installation? If they're the ones I'm thinking of, they would be at Hwy 183 and Loop 12, near Texas Stadium, where the Cowboys play. Also, why do you prefer Auburn over Eaton? Also, if my ring and pinion are okay, should I just reuse them? I really want to stick with the 3.31s (gas mileage).

Thanks,
Steve

 

I think TPS-Dallas is on the Loop. Never have been there Steve; Last June I met alot of the Guys from TPS @ a truck parts trade show in Tulsa. I like the Auburn better because it does not have the "whacky" govonor that usually breaks-off & trashes your diff. Also, Eaton-Posi is now the standard used by GM. When wife's 8.8" OEM trac-loc fails--her truck will get an auburn. The factory trac-loc does not always pull both wheels when spinning on snow or ice. The auburn which I installed in my 1979 F150 (driven dailey)--always drives with both wheels when spinning on ice or snow. I never had the old 79 stuck, since installing Auburn in 1996. I've owned this 79 since 1987. 79 came with OEM, ford trac-loc; which didn't seem as responsive as the Auburn.

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1999 Teal Blue F-150 S/C
4.6L, XLT, 3.55 L/S 4x2
Tow pkg., Rhino liner, Engine block heater & Swiss hard toneau cover. Premium sound
255/75 R16 Generals-owl
This" is Mama's pride"

 

Hey gearmanx17, what is the "governor" you're referring to on the Eaton? Is it internal to the clutch pack, or external somehow? Would I be able to see it on a picture of one? Also you said the Eaton is used on the Chevies and GMCs - is it on the new ones (GMT800 platform)? Sounds like a subtle slam on the the GM products.

 

I've always used 4 wheel parts. I live in North Richland Hills and have made the drive over there and to Mike's Offroad on I-10/Baker Blvd in Richland Hills. 4 wheel parts did my suspension lift and my new rear end with a master install kit to replace all bearings and seals. They have beaten every price in town substantially on every occasion.They are off Hwy 80 where Las Vegas Trail crosses.

(Below posted from there website)
Fort Worth
3421 Brandon Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Phone: 817-560-2455
www.4wheelparts.com

 

I'm not for sure what the GMT 800 platform is. In the 60's, 70's & 80's Eaton Corp. produced many limited slip assemblies for the various GM divisions. These units had a small "grabbing" pawl or finger (which was visible thru the differential, case window). It seems like the "pawl" was notorius for breaking off in severe shockload situations. Eaton has recently redesigned their unit for open aftermarket sales (trying to grab more market share, vs. strictly new installiation @ factory assembly level). You might want to check out their website: http://www.eatonposi.com
The govonor or "pawl" (in my opinion) is what made most eaton (factory installed units fail). I don't think Eatonposi has a govonor like the old units did. Good Luck, Gearmanx17.

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1999 Teal Blue F-150 S/C
4.6L, XLT, 3.55 L/S 4x2
Tow pkg., Rhino liner, Engine block heater & Swiss hard toneau cover. Premium sound
255/75 R16 Generals-owl
This" is Mama's pride"