Ford 8.8 axle, ARB locker...

[cewtwo]

OK, I got a major air leak in my Ford 8.8 rear axle.

I R&R'd it and found the bushing was wrapping itself pulling the copper air tube tight. When it did, it wore a hole at the very end of the copper tube.

I got a new bushing from ARB and replaced it. I went heavy oin the pre-load and set the backlash to within tolerance. I took out the Mighty YJ and everything ran good.

I noticed the differential cover was hot after a trial run about town. Not burning hot, but warm to the touch.

I am assuming that the differential will need a break in period and that the extra heat will go away after that.

I figured that I better ask before I tore into the axle again.

Any opinions?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

New gears and bearings will run hot for a short time during break-in. I would recommend a couple short drives, 5 miles each, letting the diff cool completely between each run. After than increase to a 20 minute drive.

 

[cewtwo]

Thanks. I didn't want to tear into it again!

I'll post later with an update!

 

[cewtwo]

It was difficult not going trail riding this weekend!

But I limited travel in the Mighty YJ to city roads and streets - The differential cover is much cooler now!

Next weekend is the trail experience! (And the weekend after that is MOAB!)