Hey guys I just picked up a new to me trac-lok for my 94 gt that came with 3.73's. They guy said it was pulled from his cobra at 30,000. The gears show no signs of wear at all. I'm wondering if there is still a break-in period being that they've already been broken in before. Also I plan on getting royal purple fluid, would I still need the friction nodifier? Thanks in advance

 

no but if you don't install them in the eaxact same wear pattern , they will make noise, difficult to do that.

 

I should be able to install them with the shims that are already on there correct? Obviously I'm gonna check everything but that would keep them in the same pattern, right?

 

DID THE T-LOC come with shims?? if so doesn't mean it'll fall in same place when transferring from one housing to the next........all you can do is try it

 

The t-lok didn't come with the shims. I originally bought cause mine has to be rebuilt. The fact that it came with 3.73's was just a bonus. I thought that if I got the wear pattern setup right it would be fine. Is there a way I can check the current pattern and just match it up. The gears are frpp if that matters. Everything I've read says those are the best and usually require little adjusting to get right

 

just set it up per spec and run it and see if it's quiet, 'bout all you can do on used gears

 

I recommend having a shop do it. One that is equipped with the factory Ford tools. Otherwise you will be having noises and improper wear, I can almost guarantee it.

 

My buddy is gonna do it while showing me. He's a certified tech

 

Good luck with it ! cross your fingers.......

 

Ok here is the way ford sets up a 8.8
the most critical measurement is the pinion depth (not saying that the others are not, but this is the one that is a Pain in the @$$) the housing is cnc machined by ford, the distance form the axle bearing centerline to the pinion height or depth is the most difficult when changing gears. especially when they are from another differential. when changing gear sets in the same axle, about 99% of the time the factory pinion shim (between the inside bearing and the pinion) remains the same especially if you use frpp gear sets as they are made in the SAME plant as all your original factory gears. the issue you will run into is if the gears were setup properly in the old rear that they came out of. if they are still in the old rear, check the wear pattern with gear paint. if not you may get lucky. just make sure your pattern is centered on the ring gear and the back lash is correct. or to save yourself a headache, just get a new set of gears they are around $170 at jegs and summit. also use your pinion shim initially out of your old rear end. I thoroughly agree that a professional should do this that has lots of experience and the correct tools. and most importantly will stand by his work. (Not likely on a used gear set) I have setup 8.8 rears for many years as a ford field engineer and will only do it with the proper tools, as i have a set needing to be installed i just dropped it off at a reputable differential shop locally, out of the car and already stripped and powder coated and the price is $175. it may sound like a lot of money between the gears and the labor but you will be happier in the end. a noisy rear end drives me nuts. (Not that i would hear this one over the exhaust)