about a year or two ago i came across a aftermarket limited slip component that could be installed in a open rear end[specifically a 95 f-150 and a 99 e-150 club]. Cannot remember where i saw this item , does anyone know of somthing like this and if so are they functional?

 

I know Eaton makes a limited slip unit for the 8.8". Im pretty sure ARB and others do as well. I have run limited slips before, and I was very happy with them. I liked being able to get that extra bit of traction, without having a full on locker. It never failed me around my farm, or on the occasional trail.

Rich

 

Don't waste your time with limited slip, lock it up. It's cheaper and lasts longer. Plus you get full power to both rears,(50/50). Most locking differintial manufacturers make a product that can be installed at home in the OEM open dif housing.

Just my opinion.

have fun

Damon

 

You can install limited slips in the oem housing in your drive way as well. oper2nyst, I guess it boils down to what you use your truck for. A locker, like stated, will give you 50/50 traction, but that also means your tires will wear much faster (both tires turning exactly the same, even around corners, get that bumping feel and hear the tires chirp). Whereas, with the limited slip, it will corner just like a regular open rear end would. You just get that extra traction when your wheels slip on sand, or in snow. A limited slip is much better suited for street driving, and the occasional trail jaunt, but a locker is at home on the trail...no doubt about it. Once we establish what you use the truck for, we can help you better from there.


Rich

 

Here's a debate for the ages.

My experience. The automatic UN-locker as I like to call it. With lockers, especially a LOCK RIGHT, NO-SLIP or the Detroit drop in (can't remember the name, but it uses clutches instead of cogs), stay locked until you turn, then they unlock or allow one wheel to spin faster. This can make it harsh on the street. Especially the lock right. The NO-Slip and Detroit versions are better. The No-Sliip uses syncronizers and the Detroit uses clutches, but it will still be quite noticeable. You will also notice it pushing all the time when locked and backlash when going from power to coast especially when cornering (as in an exit ramp).

If you DO NOT plan on off roading there is little need for a locker. THe limited slip will be fine. Yes the clutches can wear out, and if you get really stuck you can burn up one side since you can over power it if only one wheel has real traction (ie one wheel in the air).

Now, the drop in lockers are GREAT if you do any OFFROADING at all. I don't, so I couldn't justify the harsh nature of them. As far as being cheaper, the Lock Right cost $350 while the OE trac lock (only other thing really available for my truck) cost $200. It was a little more difficult to install, but doable by most shade tree mechanics with a few heavy duty tools.

 

thanks to all for the replys, my needs are on the lightweight side[chicago city boy, snow traction w/occasional light forays offroad ,being all thats needed, hence the limited slip bent as opposed to full locker] i'm pretty sure the unit i looked at was a limited slip that could install into a open gear housing without having to remove the gear carrier. am i mistaken about the availability of this type of unit?

 

Nope, there out there. Yes, a limited slip is absolutely the way to go for you. There are quite a few manufacturers out there. You can check with Summit Racing, Jegs, and all the biggies. I just did a quick search of ebay and stumbled upon this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33731

Eaton is a very reputable brand. Have you posted in the F150 forum about this? I bet you can get all sorts of ideas of what you should run. As for that link, dont let the term 'posi' fool you. That is Eatons term for their limited slip unit (contrary to what most, myself included, would think it means).


Rich

 

Guess I should have researched better. I went to the dealer and inquired about the limited slip and they quoted me over $2000. Thats when I decided on a locker and installed it myself for < $400. Maybe they wanted so much because the truck was still under warranty. . . no that doesn't make any sense. Any how I am happy with the detroit, I have a stick so I don't feel the negative effects of the street driving as much, learned to drive different. Only have slight additional wear on tires, I believe I can still get 3 years out of the set. If your mostly driving in the city and just really need it for snow, limited slip should be just fine.

 

If you have a full detroit locker they are nice. I couldn't get one for my truck because they are not made for a 10.25 semifloat axle.

I would have gotten an eaton too, again same problem don't make it. The eatons are very nice units that have a bit more preload than a stock unit. But between the stock and the eaton, its a matter of price. I think the eatons run around $400, where I think you can get a stock unit for $200 or even less for an 8.8 inch. Posi is a term that should really be applied to mean any non-open rear, but I think GM used it on their limited slips (actually, I think GM used eaton so that may be why!). Ford uses trac lock, dana uses trac loc (different spellings same sound) and then there are others like power loc but i can't remember them all.

This is a really good explanation of different types of carriers.

http://www.randysringandpinion.com/s...carriers.shtml

chris