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Limited slip or Open

11K views 20 replies 11 participants last post by  NorthWestern 
#1 ·
Is there a way looking at the tags on the rear end to know if you have a limited slip or open differential? The tag on mine is as follows

53003871
3.07 605295-2

And on the rear stump plate
Dana
0189
Rev-N
11-01-87

This is a 1989 Jeep Wrangler Laredo
 
#2 ·
The 5300 3871 stuck out to me as a common Jeep part number... It's for a 3.07 ratio D35 without a locker. Parts catalog says nothing about limited slip, I assume they equate limited slip and locker.
 
#3 ·
My 88' had a separate tag that says it's a LS
 
#4 ·
You can always pop the diff cover off to be sure. If you haven't done that yet, you probably need a fluid change anyway. Get some cheap gear oil at the parts store, and order a Lube locker gasket on Amazon. You can use RTV or buy a cork gasket, but I prefer the reusable gasket. Order a new rubber fill plug as well.
 
#5 ·
I went to a Dana web site and it listed the Bill of Material number on my tag as a STD rear end, could not find anything that hinted to it being LS. I was going to pull the cover but the PO had already had it done, checked the oil and it was new clean oil so I hate to pull it. I was hoping the tag would shed some light. I have been told an open diff. is useless, what would be a recommendation for this?
 
#6 ·
I wouldn't put that much money into the D35. The only time I'd justify building it would be a winter beater that you want a limited slip in just for better traction. I definitely wouldn't recommend a locker, but a True Trac may be worth a shot.
 
#7 ·
This is exactly what I did. I don't do any serious wheeling other than a few mild trails here and there. I threw a limited slip Dana trac-lok in my D35 this past year when I re-geared. In the snow it's unstoppable in just 2wd. Street drivability is excellent and it really helps out in sticky situations. I ordered mine off Amazon and got an $80 gift card. Total cost: about $225.
 
#8 ·
If I go to a Dana web site and enter the Bill of material number it states the rear end is JEEP Model 35/194 REAR 1987 - 1989 YJ. It states the rear end is STD but still not sure what I have. This is the site I entered the number in.

Dana Holding Corporation - The Expert Axle Bill of Material
 
#9 ·
1. Jack up the rear of your Jeep with both tires off the ground. If it's an LSD the tires will spin the same direction. If it's an open diff the tires will spin opposite directions.

or...

2. Jack up one rear tire and try to spin it while the other tire is firmly on the ground. If the tire won't spin or takes a lot of effort to make it spin then you have an LSD. If it spins freely then you have an open diff.
 
#11 ·
Yeah, just do the field test like chris suggested.

The numbers you found on the axle are part numbers for the assembly, and axle ratio(3.07). The numbers on the cover are part numbers and revision letters and the manufacture date of the cover.

If you had a limited slip, it would have a separate tag that warned about lube requirements.
 
#13 ·
I think the vast majority of limited slip are the clutch type. Even if an '88 came with it, the clutch would be toast by now. Clutch type limited slip may last 100,000 miles....at most. What I have read anyway...

Detroit True-Trac is a gear driven limited slip with far superior longevity.

I have welded/lockers on one vehicle and Detroit limited slip on another. I feel that lockers are for vehicles that are trailered around. Lockers are pretty severe on pavement. You don't even know you have limited slip until you start passing vehicles without it. A very good compromise for street and trail. Best thing I did to my Jeep.
 
#14 ·
Well I guess it is an open Diff. Jacked it up and if you turn one wheel forward the other goes backwards. And Softdown would have probably been right as far as if it had been LS the clutches would have had to been replaced. I appreciate all the feedback.
 
#15 ·
Info on Rear End

Hi All,

I have a 1989 Jeep YJ and the Rear End has been changed to a Dana 44, when I pulled the Cover, I found out it had Moly Gear Lube in it, Do I need to clean out all of the Old Moly Lube, before changing the Oil?

Also does anyone know what type of Carrier this is?

Thanks
Tim Hill
 

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#16 ·
Welcome to WF.....
PLEASE start your own new thread instead of bumping an old one. Thx
 
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