96 F-150: new Eaton differential getting hot

Only if you spent like 6 hours driving in very tight circles.

Refresh my memory, how much work was done to the rear axle when the Eaton was installed?

Eaton, axle shafts, all bearings (original ring/pinion reused)

Wild guess would be that there is too much bearing pre-load somewhere.

So how hot should it get? I'll get a temp reading tomorrow. I have one of them laser/Infred aim-n-shoot temp probe things.

THis is quite normal as it can easily exceed 200 degrees at times and is no cause for concern.

----------------- The SnoMan

Cool, thanks (now, to just solve the pulsating rear brakes) I've took some readings with the thermometer below: (30+ mile ride home on a 80-degree day, 96 F-150 auto)

- rear diff housing near yoke/pinion: 142-150 Degrees F

- rear diff back cover: 140 Degrees F

- back half of muffler: 260 Degrees F

- edge of new brake drums (shot thur hole in rim): 180 Degrees F

So wow, yeah, the hand is deceiving, thats for sure. To touch, feels like it can melt solder. To meter, not bad as all. Meter is:

Well, there ya go...

Good deal. You want to see something, read it after towing and climbing a long hill too. It will likely be well over 200 degrees.

----------------- The SnoMan

Does it have the clutch-pack type limited slip? If so check your rear tire pressure...if you have one side low you're grinding those clutch discs just driving in a straight line.