28 to 31 spline

can i change my 28 spline axles to 31 without getting a new center section, mine is 350 posi 28 spline, traction lock.

I do believe you would have to get a 31 spline center section for it.

No,

You'll need a new differential unit that has 31 spline side gears for the new axles to fit into.

If you don't mind taking the center section apart, you can just replace the existing traction lock unit with a 31 spline model and re-use everything else. When doing this, just be sure to clean all the grease out with solvent, check the backlash, then reassemble the unit to the same backlash setting with the new 31 spline unit.

Since the pinion is never removed, the pinion depth will not need to be messed with.

Good Luck!
[addsig]

This is a very simple change, I swapped to a 31 from a 28. I did not do it my self, but I watched the guy doing it, and like N2O Mike said just make sure to set it up with the same backlash and it will be good to go.
[addsig]

Sorry! I was thinking side gears but my typing were going another way, Sorry for the wrong info.......


Ed

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: BFXcomet on 11/26/02 9:25am ]</font>

BFX,

You are right. I'm sure you thought the person asking the question was trying to see if he could simply use 31 spline axles with his current setup... And the correct answer is 'no'... so you were correct.

In case you thought my post was in response to your reply, my 'No' answer was directed towards the original question, not your post. (yours wasn't even up yet before I started writing)

You had a good answer, no apologies necessary. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Good Luck!
[addsig]

I know i cant use 31 spline axles on my current 3rd member, just wanted to know if there is a way to change it without getting a new rear.

If you do decide to change out the trac-loc unit, be sure to clean all the grease out with solvent before checking the backlash of the existing setup.

If you try and check the backlash with the thing full of grease, you'll get messed up numbers. That heavy rearend lube will make it nearly impossible to get and accurate reading.

I usually clean them out with gasoline... but that's not exactly the safest way. Just cheap and effective. If you're a smoker, or have a stove nearby, this wouldn't be a good idea! When I need to clean with gasoline, I do it out in the driveway. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Good Luck!
[addsig]

you will have to double check the measurement on this but i think you can swap the side gears and clutch hub BUT: the sides of the t-lock case will have to be machined for the larger axles - it appears that the same castings are used but the hole inside the carrier bearings were different for 28 and 31 splin axles -- probably cheaper and easier to get a replacement carrier

Yes, when I mentioned a new differential unit, I was referring to the whole traction lock unit, not just the side gears. The differential case, gears, etc. can all be re-used. It's just the trac-loc unit that needs changed.

See the post below...

http://www.fordmuscle.com/phpBB/view...;forum=1&amp;2

Sorry for any mixup...

Good Luck!
[addsig]