My 1995 F150 is 2wd and has a salvaged title however engine and trans are rebuilt 12,000 miles ago. I love this truck and I would like to keep it. Should I try to put a locker in it or try to find a donor for 4wd conversion? I don't offload a whole lot put I would prefer not to get bogged down when I do. The problem is I'm trying to figure out if I should pour money into a salvaged vehicle which isn't worth much or should I just make do with what I have until I get out of college and buy a 4wd? Thanks guys. Also I can't post pics of my truck. Is this because I'm on my phone?

 

Make due with what you have . Its not like your F150 is worth alot with a clear title but now is worth less with your title.

 

Yeah that's what I was kinda thinking. Do you know if the lockers make much difference? ( Just for future reference )

 

Absolutely.

 

Keep it simple and upgrade to a LS. You will not regret it. I added one to mine last year. In my opinion every 2WD truck should have one.

 

A salvage title on a 17 year old truck means nothing. I repair salvage vehicles for personal and family use, been doing it since I was 14 and I'm 57 now. It hurts resale value on newer model stuff but a truck of this generation, no and if you're keeping it then it matters not regardless of the model year.

Upgrade to 4x4 is not difficult with a donor truck, limited slip easier. It's your thing, do what ya wanna do.

Check this truck that will have a salvage title that's coming up at the auction.
1996 F150 Super Cab 4x4

 

If you decide you prefer to keep the truck right now then go for a 4wd. I would say get the locker, but keep the original carrier, then you can swap the locker into the new truck once you get it and return the original truck back to stock condition.

 

I put a locker in my F150 because I always believed in the old saw that 4wd just gets you stuck 25 ft futher down the trail. Then I tried to climb up a very small hill (rocky and muddy) on my property that my old 4x4 F150 clambored up and down with no difficulty, and it couldn't make it. It properly spun both rear tires like mad but could not get up to the top. I converted to 4x4 shortly thereafter.

A locker is better than an open diff, but my own experience says it is still not a substitute for 4x4. I don't use 4x4 very often, in fact not enough to be worth the effort to most guys, but I want my truck to tackle every obstacle with alacrity, even if it only has to do it once in it's life.

The beauty of old trucks like these is parts are readily available for cheap. I traded some work for the front axle and I paid $100 for the transfer case and front driveshaft. Blammo - instant 4x4.

 

Just remember it is 4x2 and don't be stupid. Locker/LS is a good idea but also good traction tires.

 

I think if you take it offroad, or get a lot of snow, 4 wheel drive is a must. A locker or l/s isn't a substitute for a 4x4. However, from experiencing my truck with no l/s front and rear, and then having l/s in both, it's a night and day difference. With my old BFG M/Ts I got stuck in a parking lot with 5" of snow. Couldn't move an inch just spinning 1 wheel in the front and 1 in the back. It was pathetic. And since I put the L/S in front and rear, having true 4 wheel drive, I have yet to get stuck anywhere.