Hey guys was wondering on how difficult is it to install a rear locking differential? Right now I have the limited slip and it really isn't that great. I looked at my Haynes Manuel and nothing about removing and replacing the differential?
Also should I get a air locker? auto? electric? Any brands Detroit or?
Thanks ~Gage~

 

How difficult? Some of us say not very, but others are very intimidated by the attention to detail, precise measurements, and math required to properly adjust ring and pinion gears...

Air, auto, or electric is a matter of personal preference.
Some don't want to think and are willing to put up with the noises and other quirks of a Detroit.
Some are afraid of electricity and prefer air.
Some are afraid of pneumatics and prefer electric.

They all have pluses and minuses.

Me personally, I prefer electric lockers by a large margin.

 

Thank you for that reply...This is not my truck although its the same thing that happened to me last winter in snow really embarrassing. So I know that I would like to get a locker in it. Also going to replace the tires..
Limited Slip Differential Fail! - YouTube
Check out his truck its sweet with manual=)
~Gage~

 

Just remember that if you're doing this for better performance on ice/snow on pavement, Detroit lockerss won't always unlock and can cause you to fishtail around with both wheels going. Selectable lockers or a TruTrac LS unit are typically better for ice because they're normally unlocked and engage after a wheel spins, whereas a locker is locked and needs to be forced open to allow differential wheel speeds.

The Auburn unit that came in the truck is a clutch-based LS unit, before replacing you could try messing around with the gear oil and friction modifier to see if it will lock up at all, or if the clutch packs were burned out of it. There are aftermarket LS units (like the TruTrac) that are geared and won't fail in the same way the stock unit did. I'd personally choose a better LS over a locker, just because the pavement manners are better for trucks that spends the majority of their lives there, and then a selectable locker over a Detroit, again just beacause being on pavement you'll never use the real potential of an auto locker.


Edit: The video looks like SeminaryRanger's truck, he's got some good stuff:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=320599

 

Is there an electric available for these?

 

Here bud.
http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/publ.../ct_128302.pdf

 

Guy in the video has a nice looking wife, but I think that has a lot to do with dirver error over the truck's failure.

Thanks for the info posted, I'm looking to swap my peg leg rear for a LS or posi.

Thanks,

 

Might want to gently apply the brakes to get the LS to lock.
I am thinking about a e-locker for the front diff.

 

Thanks for all the help guys...Before I do anything im going to get some new tires, right now I have BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A's LT265/70/17 with about 25k on them even when their where new I didnt like them in the snow at all even in wet grass no traction at all. I think im going to go with Goodyear DuraTrac's LT295/65/18.
If I still need a new differential I think im going to go with the onw I can lock form the cab.
~Gage~

 

New tires will make a big difference. However, if you do any kind of 4-wheeling that articulates the suspension, the factory rear limited slip is pretty pathetic. Even pulling big loads off road has caused only one front and one back tire to spin.

In my opinion, there are substantial traction gains to be has by installing a good locking differential in the rear. The more you use your truck in rough terrain, the more you'll notice the added traction. This of course has to be balanced by the locker's quirks on road if you do a automatic Detroit Locker style or the cost of the ARB air locker style.


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Off topic- yeah, that was my video earlier in this thread. It actually gets a lot of hits on Youtube. It's surprising how many people think locking the hubs means locking the differential. It makes me LoL

 

1985-09 Ford 10.25”/10.5”

Axle Shaft Dia: 1.50”
Splines: 35
Ratio: All

Detroit Locker: 225SL56A(ff)
Detroit Truetrac: 915A550(ff)
Eaton Posi: 19694-010(ff)
Eaton ELocker:


Gathered from the link above... no electric locker for these pickups.

 

+1 for the TrueTrac
Performance Products | Detroit Truetrac Differentials

Anyone have ~$600 I can borrow?

 

The Dura-Tracs are going to impress you...

My personal preference/dream is to have the TrueTrac in the rear and an e-locker in the front.
The TrueTrac is a true limited slip diff, quite a bit more positive than the factory. And doesn't use clutch packs that wear down.