Installing a Trac Lok or Eaton Truetrac for a Super 8 (8.8)

[Tall Tail]

Yes, the backlash and gear pattern were unchanged using the same shims. There were no issues with this install.

The only observation I had was that the "plug" that fills the access hole in the differential was looser than I expected after installing the snap ring. I suspect that is to prevent it from getting stuck in the hole. I know that Eatn has been using that design for a while in other differentials, so I would assume that they do it this was for a reason.

Before you take your truck apart, test your snap ring pliers to make sure they work on that snap ring! I lost a couple of hours looking for a place that sells a tool that would work. The hole size is small for a snap ring with that diameter. Most of the larger snap ring pliers that I have seen have larger tips and those do not fit in the small holes on the ring that comes with this unit. My snap ring plier sets with smaller tips were not wide enough. Disclaimer: This job contains some adult language, but no animals were harmed during the install. Viewer discretion is advised.

Where was the needed tool found?

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[5.0Screw22]

Where was the needed tool found?

I was not able to find a correct tool locally. I went to a few parts stores and a home improvement store and all they offered was the universal snap ring pliers with the replaceable tips (junk). I have two sets of those and those tiny little tips do not grab in the holes in the snap ring properly. The second you try to compress the ring with one of those, the snap ring pops off of the tips. A proper set of snap ring pliers has a slight angle in the tips to help keep them in from slipping. I ended up finding a 6 inch long set of skinny needle nose pliers at a Tractor Supply. They had small enough tips to fit into the holes and the long jaws allowed me to easily compress the ring. After several stores, any tool that would do the job was going to be acceptable.

 

[SALEEN961]

I really hope that I have the right size, I don't want to buy any more snap ring pliers

 

[5.0Screw22]

I really hope that I have the right size, I don't want to buy any more snap ring pliers

Well, the universal set in that photo might work, but I doubt it. They look exactly like one of my sets that would not work. Those skinny little tips will pop right out. The rest of your sets appear to be for external snap rings and the differential has an internal snap ring. It appears you would have the same issue that I had. ?

 

[TexasTruck]

This time I'll make sure the carrier bearings and hubs are clean and smooth *before* I press them on ?‍ Live and learn I suppose. Looking back and replaying the job steps, it wasn't that bad. Honestly I was more hung up on putting the sealant on the diff cover and bolting it on.

Oh for others watching, be very careful of your electric parking brakes (EPB). There is a procedure to put your EPB in maintenance mode. I was unaware of this at the time I did my LSD, but I'm used to disconnecting the battery anyway. If you disconnect your battery (like I did) be sure to remount the rear calipers *before* you reattach your battery. When you reconnect the battery the truck will wake up and test the EPB causing the rear caliper piston to over extend, pop out and leak fluid everywhere. I wondered if there is a way to recover from over extended caliper pistons but I couldn't find an honest way to do it short of replacing and bleeding new EPB calipers. It's best to just be aware and careful.

 

[HammaMan]

This time I'll make sure the carrier bearings and hubs are clean and smooth *before* I press them on ?‍ Live and learn I suppose. Looking back and replaying the job steps, it wasn't that bad. Honestly I was more hung up on putting the sealant on the diff cover and bolting it on.

I was working on a lexus FWD intermediate shaft once that needed a bearing pressed off. Was using a 20 ton hand-pump press and thought it was taking more pressure than it should have so I started to put up shielding around the press and sure enough, boom, hidden C clip fragmented. Always best to double check such things. Check twice, and then once more for good measure.

 

[5.0Screw22]

I wondered if there is a way to recover from over extended caliper pistons but I couldn't find an honest way to do it short of replacing and bleeding new EPB calipers.

You can retract them by disconnecting the plug and pulling the two T30 torx bolts that hold the electrical mechanism onto the caliper. Once the mechanism separated, just spin the gear on the caliper clockwise until it is in the fully retracted position and reassemble. You will need to put pressure on the pad while turning the gear. I suggest opening a bleeder so the fluid from the caliper does not go back into the lines. I took a photo of a caliper so you could see what I am talking about.

 

[TexasTruck]

Still no word from Stage3 on the Eaton rear diff....... Eaton must make a few as needed and they sold out quickly.... I'll be patient...

 

[TexasTruck]

I lost my patience?‍ I looked around and saw Drive Train America has 3 units. Emailed them and they actually do have 3, now they have 2

Drive Train America / Eaton 917A739

 

[5.0Screw22]

I lost my patience?‍ I looked around and saw Drive Train America has 3 units. Emailed them and they actually do have 3, now they have 2

Drive Train America / Eaton 917A739

I figured these would go really fast. I was told that the Eaton's first shipment of the front differentials was only like 84 units. They went very fast once the word got out. I imagine the first shipment of the rears was about the same size. It looks like that vendor got a couple for their shelf when they were announced. Good find!

 

[TexasTruck]

All the parts are here. Just need Labor Day weekend now Tested my snap ring pliers too. To refill requires ~2.2 quarts of GL-5 non-synthetic gear oil.

 

[5.0Screw22]

All the parts are here. Just need Labor Day weekend now Tested my snap ring pliers too. To refill requires ~2.2 quarts of GL-5 non-synthetic gear oil.

You can expect to use less gear oil with that unit. It takes up a lot more space that the old unit. I think I was under 2 quarts. Maybe just over 1.75qts?

 

[TexasTruck]

You can expect to use less gear oil with that unit. It takes up a lot more space that the old unit. I think I was under 2 quarts. Maybe just over 1.75qts?

Ah! I did wonder if it would be case. Thank you for the notice.

I still can’t get over the workmanship in this unit, incredible IMO.

 

[5.0Screw22]

Ah! I did wonder if it would be case. Thank you for the notice.

I still can’t get over the workmanship in this unit, incredible IMO.

I totally agree with you. It is one of those rare times when you open the box of a new purchase and feel like the quality actually justifies or even exceeds the price. That's a really rare feeling these days!

 

[HammaMan]

There's a long thread discussing this over on F150Forum.com, it seemed like I was one of the first people to do this swap on a 2021+ F150 so there's lots of discussion over there as a few of us figured out what would be needed.

The parts you need will vary based on your model year and trim level as not all trucks have IWEs, but every truck with a mechanical locking transfer case does use them. I you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them.

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/lari...rsus-limited-raptor-tod-hi-lock-cases-501782/

So whatever happened to needing a different driveshaft length? Didn't see it addressed again. Furthermore did you measure the output shaft length vs the yoke to see if trimming the output yolk is enough for clearance -- or do they mate perfectly?

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