Ford Ranger Differential Replacement

papranger

I'm replacing the (failed) ford differential in my 1999 Ford Ranger with a Detroit TrueTrac. I'm having a problem fitting the TrueTrac with the ABS exciter (tone) ring. The Truetrac doesn't have a milled notch to accept the tone-ring tab (as the original diff case did). I am thinking to grind a small recess in the diff case housing to accept the tab as its done in the original housing. Does anyone know of a reason why this won't work? Orientation doesn't seem to be relevant, but I could be wrong.

2nd question: Any reason why the original tone ring can't be reused. I seem to remember seeing someplace that it should be replaced, but I'd like to finish this job today (and its the weekend).

Thanks

jmirabil1

1998 Ranger 2WD with 142,000 miles. Rear has been whining for past few months. I popped the cover off to change fluid. found the right carrier bearing sloppy. Where can I get information on replacing carrier bearings on this truck. Nothing available in my Chilton or Haynes manuals. I have a dial indicator, so thats not a problem