Merry Christmas all and Thank you in advance for any and all the responses to my query!

I have a 2WD lifted 1998 F150 Single cab short bed which is lifted and running on 35's with an open 3.55 rearend! Here lies my dilemma, I want to get rid of the open rear-end and think I want to add a powertrax no slip locker due to the simplicity part. I need you all to be my "devils advocate" and talk me into something better!

1) Should I be changing my rear gears and going with just a posi?
2) Should I be changing gears and going with a detroit locker?
3) Should I just go with a selectable locker?
4) Should I stick with my original plain, powertrax no slip with the 3.55's?
5) Should I swap out the rearend for a 9.75 out of a later year?

My overall goal is to have a pickup which can play around on some beach sand and some dirt roads! Never going crazy mudding, never going crazy rock climbing, just want to be able to have fun and enjoy the DW's company with some favorite country songs playing in the cab!

Mahalo to all,

Jack

 

Your current plan is the cheapest and should work just fine. Yes 35's are big for 3.55 gears (you don't say which engine you have) but if it works now, no need to spend money on regearing.
If you were replacing gears, then I would say get a TruTrack since it is a limited slip and that is all you need for sand.

 

Happy Friday Blupupher,

Thanks for the response! I have the 4.6L V8 with an Auto transmission. Personally the truck feels zippy enough when driven on the "tarmac" however a separate concern is what I believe is some "axle wrap" which I presume is due to the combination of 3.55 gears and 35's or maybe just some old tired leaf springs!!!!

There is a kid selling an 8.8 complete rear-end with 4.56 gears and a Detroit locker for $400.00 bucks! I was considering swapping the guts over to my existing rear-end but read somewhere that the Detroit version is noisy and punishing! What are your thoughts?

Again, I greatly appreciate the input and will look into your other recommendation, I'm just wise enough now in life to tap into the wisdom of others so I don't have to waste time and monies!!!

Many Mahalos,

Jack