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1999-2004 Saleen Mustang For the SN-95 New Edge platform. Be sure to specify year, model and equipment if asking for help.

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Old 02-28-2020
SaleenDion SaleenDion is offline
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Question What in the world? What differential do I have. 2000 Saleen S-281 SC

As the title says, just bought a 2000 Saleen S-281 and cannot for the life of me figure out what differential I'm looking at?

Also, did Saleen ever do 4:10 gears on special request?
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Last edited by SaleenDion; 02-28-2020 at 10:29 AM.
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Old 02-28-2020
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If there are a bunch of gears inside it is probably a Torsen-style differential. Saleen offered a Torsen rear as an option.

What is your vehicle model year and Saleen serial number?
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Old 02-28-2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
If there are a bunch of gears inside it is probably a Torsen-style differential. Saleen offered a Torsen rear as an option.

What is your vehicle model year and Saleen serial number?
It is a 2000 Saleen S-281 SC, Number 907
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Old 02-28-2020
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00-0907 does not appear to be a vehicle that received the differential option from Saleen.

Keep in mind, the early New Edge era S281 Supercharged models had their rear gears swapped at Saleen. Ford made the 3.27:1 rear gears standard for the New Edge GT. During these 1999/ 2000 S281 conversions, Saleen installed 3.08:1 gears in the Supercharged cars. For either gas mileage/ emissions, or for both.

Owners swapping rear gears was not uncommon back-in-the-day.
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Old 02-28-2020
SaleenDion SaleenDion is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
00-0907 does not appear to be a vehicle that received the differential option from Saleen.

Keep in mind, the early New Edge era S281 Supercharged models had their rear gears swapped at Saleen. Ford made the 3.27:1 rear gears standard for the New Edge GT. During these 1999/ 2000 S281 conversions, Saleen installed 3.08:1 gears in the Supercharged cars. For either gas mileage/ emissions, or for both.

Owners swapping rear gears was not uncommon back-in-the-day.
Have you ever seen a differential like this? I can't find anything that looks like it.
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Old 02-28-2020
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I am not familiar with "hard parts."


There are a few different "styles" of locking / limited slip rear differentials.

Ford "Traction Lok" is a clutch style diff and fairly common.

Torsen-style have gear packs that handle the power transfer to the axles.

You also have ratchet and spool-type diffs that positively lock the axles together.
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Old 02-28-2020
jcar302 jcar302 is offline
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I've never seen one with a smooth rounded shape like that.
How many spline axles?
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Old 02-28-2020
SaleenDion SaleenDion is offline
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Quote:
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I've never seen one with a smooth rounded shape like that.
How many spline axles?
31 spline. I know right? I've never seen that before either
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Old 02-29-2020
jcar302 jcar302 is offline
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Scroll down half way.
Is that it?
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...arrier.980369/
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Old 03-02-2020
DarkStallion DarkStallion is offline
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Default differential carrier

It looks like the one I have in my car which is 31 spline. I actually put 3.73's in my car over a year ago maybe 2. My window sticker says I have the "maxgrip" differential. As to what the actual brand is...tough call. Even the guy who worked on my gears said he was surprised to see it and it was unusual, but did mention it looks similar to what they put in jeeps and hydrolock. Can't speak to that as I don't know jeeps. This was a while back so can't really recall, but safe to say it is the Saleen "maxgrip." Order your window sticker to see what that says as an option.
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Old 03-02-2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkStallion View Post
It looks like the one I have in my car which is 31 spline. I actually put 3.73's in my car over a year ago maybe 2. My window sticker says I have the "maxgrip" differential. As to what the actual brand is...tough call. Even the guy who worked on my gears said he was surprised to see it and it was unusual, but did mention it looks similar to what they put in jeeps and hydrolock. Can't speak to that as I don't know jeeps. This was a while back so can't really recall, but safe to say it is the Saleen "maxgrip." Order your window sticker to see what that says as an option.
Thank you!! Yes that's what it is...
Now, how do I find info for this thing??
Where do I get parts? How much friction modifier do I sue for a fluid change, etc.?
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Old 03-04-2020
DarkStallion DarkStallion is offline
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Default maxgrip

When I had my gears done, I just used the Ford Motorcraft modifier and diff fluid. The weight is more of a personal choice, but I went standard just don't overfill. Also, for clutch packs or to rebuild your differential not sure what goes in there, as I just added ring and pinion. Should be standard stuff though but hard to say. A good mechanic should be able to find what you need when you need it. Just take care of it should be good for a while. Make sure the caps are torqued down and locktite is a good idea. Ok good luck.
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