The test of jacking up the rear axle is a sure fire way to know.

But if you want to double check it, let me help you out here. There is a difference in the right side of the differential carrier (the side opposite the ring gear). If you have an open differential in your 9.25" rear axle, the differential carrier will look like this...

(ignore the arrow... the picture was originally for something else)


Notice how the right side of the carrier is kinda tapered in toward the bearing.

If you have a Trac-Lok limited slip differential (this is the LSD that came factory in the 9.25" axle), the carrier will look like this...



Notice how the Trac-Lok keeps the same diameter all the way across the carrier, without that taper to it.

Also, the Trac-Lok LSD will have clutches in it behind the side gears...





If you aren't sure before you go to the store, you can always buy the additive and return it if it turns out you don't have the limited slip diff!

 

318, you are the man! finally a solid, confident answer. i think this helps out the entire forum for the future if someone doesn't wanna play spin the wheel game. these are great pics, sharp looking diff. i should be able to see the clutch packs behind the gears if i shine a light back into the carrier correct?

now what do you use to clean the inside and outside of the diff?

i was thinking just wipe out the inside and use a degreaser on the outside.

 

Lots and lots of brake cleaner!

Thanks! Those pics are from when I rebuilt the limited slip diff (replaced the clutch packs) and I'm also working on installing 4:10s in it. Haven't done much recently with it because of other projects and the truck its going in won't be done for a few years. :P

Here's the link of my write up for rebuilding the Trac-Lok if anybody is interested...

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...c-lok-lsd.html

 

so brake cleaner on the inside huh? i guess you really can use that solvent on anything.


nice, what truck is getting the 4.10? the 95?

 

Not the green '95 Dakota you see in my sig pic... that one is currently undergoing a SAS with a dana 44 front and GM 14 bolt rear to sit on 37s.

The one thats getting the axle is a 1995 Dakota 2wd. Its currently a bare frame in my garage. End plan is 408 stroker, t56 6 speed, 12 point rollcage, 9.25" rear axle with 4:10s and limited slip diff with coilovers and a custom built 3 link. Plus a lot of other things that will take way to long to list!

 

well i removed my diff cover and took some pics. i thought it would be easier to differentiate between the two but it wasn't. the angle of the open diff picture makes it harder to tell how much it tapers. so i took pics of mine and hopefully yall can help me out and tell me its either an open or LSD.

im pretty sure my truck is open. just wanna be safe and not jack up my truck. what if i put the additive and it didnt need it? would my truck get f**ked?

 

...

 

had to try photobucket???? anyway, im gonna see if this works.

 

so i just got off the phone witht he dealership. what a bunch of a$$holes. anyway, he asked me if i saw clutch packs, which i don't (which is a give away that its not a LSD) but i don't know if i have to remove anything in order to see the packs. from the pic up top, it looks like the packs can be seen easily if i look behind the gear. however on mine, i don't see anything. does that mean i don't have them or do i have to remove the carrier so i can see them? and my build sheet doesn't say anything different either. "Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle"


see on my third pic i tried to get a shot of behind the gear as if i was looking for the packs. as i stated earlier, the dealership was a pointless call..

 

If you lick it and can taste sounds and smell color, then it's definitely LSD.