imited slip and tranny cooler questions

wl1193 · 03-12-2011, 09:47 PM

Hi. How do tell if a 2000 or newer Ford van has a limited slip differential? If the van has one, how can you tell if its working? Does the slip have a life span. What about a transmission cooler?
Thanks,
Will

jage · 03-12-2011, 10:21 PM

Yes it has a lifespan, especially if the fluid was not taken care of. The only way I know to check if it's limited slip for sure is to open the diff and look, although it might be stamped on the diff tag or door sticker.

I find it difficult to tell that my limited slip in the Jeep is working, that's been the case since new. Usually by the time I realize it did something for me, it's after the fact and not a reproducible event. If it was me I wouldn't worry about it, but if I was worried about it I'd probably redneck some wood blocks under one axle so one wheel is slightly off the ground then try to move the van. Have no idea how that will work, and I'm sure it's a bad idea.

wl1193 · 03-13-2011, 02:00 PM

Thanks Jage.

LeadDoggy · 03-13-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wl1193

Hi. How do tell if a 2000 or newer Ford van has a limited slip differential? If the van has one, how can you tell if its working? Does the slip have a life span. What about a transmission cooler?
Thanks,
Will

Checking for LSD:
Method 1.
With front tires blocked, parking brake OFF and transmission in neutral, jack up one rear wheel. If you are able to turn the wheel and tire, it is NOT LSD. If you can not turn the wheel by hand, then it is LSD.
Method 2.
With front tires blocked, parking brake OFF and transmission in Park, jack up BOTH rear wheels. Turn one whell in a forward direction. If the other wheel turns in opposite direction then its NOT LSD. If you can not turn the wheel then it is LSD.

What about the transmission cooler?

Silver350 · 03-13-2011, 07:33 PM

Just Google your axle code from the door post sticker and you will get your answer. I'm pretty sure that if the code has a letter and a number it is Limited Slip and 2 digit number means open diff.

wl1193 · 03-13-2011, 09:45 PM

Thanks guys. I was wondering how one can tell if you have a tranny cooler. Where do I check and what am I looking for. I am clueless.....

carringb · 03-14-2011, 02:46 AM

The transmission cooler sits in front of the AC condenser (which looks like the radiator when looking through the grill). The stock cooler is about 8"x14", and should not be confused with the smaller (about 3" x 8") power steering cooler. E350 vans get both. E150 and E250 vans it depends on which motor, and if it has the tow package.

TroySmith80 · 03-14-2011, 08:19 AM

Good info. Will my 1992 E350 (haven't taken delivery yet) also have a trans cooler for sure then, just because it's a 350? The sale description says it has the AOD transmission, but because it's a 1992 and an E350, and the gear shift pattern is PRNO21 i suspect it's actually an E40D. It has the 5.8 V8.

carringb · 03-14-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroySmith80

Good info. Will my 1992 E350 (haven't taken delivery yet) also have a trans cooler for sure then, just because it's a 350? The sale description says it has the AOD transmission, but because it's a 1992 and an E350, and the gear shift pattern is PRNO21 i suspect it's actually an E40D. It has the 5.8 V8.

Prior to '97, I'm not sure that call cargo E350 cargo vans got the transmission cooler, but the wagons did.

TroySmith80 · 03-14-2011, 07:08 PM

Cool, mine is club wagon window van. Carringb, are you a ford tech or something? You seem to have an encyclopedic knowledge on these things! Quite a helpful guy!