Hey guys,
After getting stuck in the snow on Christmas Eve, I now want to upgrade a few things. I'm hoping that you guys will give me some advice.

My truck is a '93 F250 4wd, with n/a 7.3. I have a Dana 50 TTB. I'd like to run 38" bogger TSL's. I don't do any rock crawling or anything like that. Just playing in deep snow and mud, and pulling out other's that are stuck.

My question; Do you think that the Dana 50 TTB is sturdy enough to handle 38" TSL's, or should I stick to 35" tires? Keep in mind that I will probably need to add spacers with the 38's in order to keep the truck driveable (mtn roads are usually really narrow with small areas to turn around.)

Other question: I'd also like to install detroit lockers, and not sure whether or not I should do both the front and rear or just one of them. What do you guys normally do? I am a true differential rookie, but if I am going to install these lockers I would like to do it myself. Assuming that I can get my hands on whatever tools that I need, do you think it would be ok for me to attempt to install these myself or would this likely end in a disaster?


Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions.
Pat

 

if youve gotta run spacers to fit 38's stick to 35's its just my opinion BUT spacers bring the FAIL i wouldnt trust a alum spacer but then again ive seen a few come off going down the hwy,,,

Im a firm believer in keeping the front end open, I locked mine 1 time and found out the hardway to leave it open, broken axle shaft rung off pinion and a broke wrist...

that being said I dont know how boggers perform in deep snow (im assuming thats what you have) mainly because the most snow we have is 5 or 6" but in Mud you need to have enough power and wheel speed to turn boggers to clean them out, or they will do you no good at all except dig you a hole



that being said Get Thornbirds










PS your welcome Dan

 

Always go big or you'll be dissapointed (38's). The D50 will be fine as long as you don't Go-Stupid when driving. Also, it's best to lock both front and rear but be advised that you wont be able to steer on road when in 4x4 with the front locked and a locked rear will cause pushing in turns.

 

i would stick with 35's, no locker in the front, preferably a limited slip diff in the rear, and around 500 lbs over the rear axle.

and ignore Larry's thornbird comment.
it is a joke we have .
thornbird tires suck, and are only good for mall crawling

 

I think if you have the money, Air lockers are best because you can control when its locked. Thats whats prevented me from putting lockers in my truck because I really only need a locker about 2% of the time I drive it and i can't justify it. I'd put air lockers in, but they are pricey and I don't really need them yet.

 

Huge x2 on what Tom said.

35s, open front, good ls rear.

 

Installing a locker/ls yourself depends on your level of mechanical know how.

If changing your own oil or maybe installing new wiper blades is an accomplishment then I'd pay someone to do it for you. If you're pretty comfortable rebuilding an engine or you have set up gears before then its not very difficult provided you have the tools.

 

That 7.3 won't have the ***** for boggers. I don't even know how it would like regular tsl's. I would just get a good "mud terrain." It depends a lot on how much this truck will get driven on the street, and whether it has 4.10 or 3.55 gears. 4.10's are gonna help you out some with spinning your rubber. Also, I would look into a turbo, which is gonna be your biggest friend for more power to help keep the truck from being a total pig.

 

All you need now is a little Japanese man to follow you around and say "aaaaah its Godzira!"

 

Ooops, wrong thread

 

In the snow/ice situation a set of A/Ts with lots of sipping is better than a mud tire.

Or better yet, if u venture out into the woods put some tire chains on.

I would run a locker rear and L/S front, but just to keep easy a good L/S rear will get thejob done.

 

You want 38s or you need 38s?

I would also suggest you stick with a 35 inch mud terrain like BFG or the like. the radial market has come a long way, and most of the mild looking mud terrains perform very well.

I do think that you should leave the front open , and as for the rear, I would suggest an ARB if the funds allow.

Its hard to give you a good answer because much of the performance you are looking for is a matter of opinion. You may or may not be happy with mud terrains, of differing size, or with a limited slip or locker in the rear.

What is your definition of 'deep' anyway?

 

2.25" <fiiiiiiiill>

 

What is with everyone recomending selectables all the sudden?

 

From what you said I think you would be happy with custom siped 38x11 boggers if they make them in your wheel size and open front and an aussie locker rear.