The differential is a system of gears that allows different drive wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, for example when your 1998 Ford Explorer is turning. Your outer wheel travels a longer distance on a wide turning radius, therefor it needs to rotate faster. Without a differential the outer wheel would slip making your 1998 Ford Explorer much harder to handle and wear your tires out at a dramatic rate.

When browsing for a differential there are different terminology you will run across and its important to understand what each one is. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) the differential is alongside the transmission inside a housing, and the unit is called a transaxle. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles the differential is between the rear wheels and connected to the transmission by a driveshaft. All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles add a centre differential or a transfer case to distribute power front and rear.

The simplest and most common differential is the "open differential". It gained its name because the wheels can always turn independently of each other. Its main drawback is that if one wheel doesn’t have traction, such as if it hits ice, it still gets lots of power. It spins helplessly, and you go nowhere. To combat this situation, some manufacturers use electronic systems that detect spinning wheels without traction and send signals to partially engage brakes on that wheel to channel the engine’s power to the other wheel on solid ground. A hydraulic differential lock can be temporarily engaged in a difficult off-road situation when one of the drive wheels digs deeper into snow, mud, or sand.

If you are an enthusiast looking for better vehicle handling for cornering, faster acceleration on the street, strip or track then you may benefit from installing a high-performance ring and pinion set with different gear ratio’s. Browse our digital shelves for your 1998 Ford Explorer to find a huge assortment of premium racing differentials and related components, such as durable and lightweight differential cases, housings, rings and pinions, spider gears, and much more.

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Arb Usa RD81
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

Arb Usa RD81 Differential
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$1,254.65

Save: $163.65
Sale Price:

$1,091.00

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 3 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
L
 
Axle: Ford 8.8
Shaft: 1.32"
Spline: 31
Ratio: All
confirm axle spline count
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
L Axle: Ford 8.8
Shaft: 1.32"
Spline: 31
Ratio: All
confirm axle spline count
,
MARK WILLIAMS 39112
Please Note:

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Mark Williams 39112 BILLET STEEL U-JOINT
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$123.38

Save: $16.09
Sale Price:

$107.29

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 3 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC
 
With Ford 8.8"
Series Axle. Fits Models with MW 1350 Series Pinion Yokes with Nuts.
Sport Utility 4-Door
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC With Ford 8.8"
Series Axle. Fits Models with MW 1350 Series Pinion Yokes with Nuts.
Sport Utility 4-Door
,
MOROSO 85830
Please Note:

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MOROSO 85830 U-Joint Girdle Use w/ 1-3/16" dia cap & 1.668" bolt centers For 1350 Series Race Yokes
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$83.94

Save: $10.95
Sale Price:

$72.99

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 5 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC
 
With 1350 Series Race Yoke
With Ford 8.8 Series Axle
Sport Utility 4-Door
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC With 1350 Series Race Yoke
With Ford 8.8 Series Axle
Sport Utility 4-Door
,
Dana 5-213X
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Dana 5-213X U-Joints
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$24.71

Save: $3.22
Sale Price:

$21.49

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 7 New In Stock
EnginePositionFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8,
4.0L V6
 
At Transmission
 
Drivetrain: 4WD
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8,
4.0L V6
At Transmission Drivetrain: 4WD
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8,
4.0L V6
 
Rear Differential
 
Drivetrain: 4WD
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8,
4.0L V6
Rear Differential Drivetrain: 4WD
,
Dana 5-153X
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

Dana 5-153X Universal Joint-Spicer 1310 Series Greasable
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$19.38

Save: $2.53
Sale Price:

$16.85

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 26 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC
 
[Universal Joint] Front Driveshaft at Front Axle
4WD
1.062in Bearing Cap Diameter
Front Driveshaft at Front Axle
Greaseable
with 3.219in Outside Snap Ring Dimension
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
Sport Utility 4-Door
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC [Universal Joint] Front Driveshaft at Front Axle
4WD
1.062in Bearing Cap Diameter
Front Driveshaft at Front Axle
Greaseable
with 3.219in Outside Snap Ring Dimension
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
Sport Utility 4-Door
,
MOOG 437-10
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

MOOG CHASSIS 43710
for 1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED

$11.17

Save: $1.46
Sale Price:

$9.71

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 8 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC
 
[Universal Joint Strap Kit] Front
4WD
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
Sport Utility 4-Door
 
1998 Ford Explorer LIMITED equipped with
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
4.0L V6 Gas SOHC [Universal Joint Strap Kit] Front
4WD
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
Sport Utility 4-Door