3.73 Locking rear question

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Mar 5, 2015 | 10:04 PM

mattymax

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

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3.73 Locking rear question

Was in 2WD today plowimg and got on a slight decline, very slight, and stopped. Put the truck in reverse and my back passenger side wheel spun and spun and I got stuck. My question is when does the lock happen ? I'm used to my Silverado G80 rear which locks and pulls you out of anything. I do see the drivers side wheel spinning when I'm on a flat in drive on slippery serfaces. Thanks

Matt

Mar 5, 2015 | 10:39 PM

cold_beer839

Cross-Country

Joined: Mar 2010

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Ford's limited slip rear end blows. My truck would get stuck in almost any off road situation, it was pathetic. So I put in a Detroit Locker.

Mar 5, 2015 | 10:44 PM

Pshicker

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2014

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The locker on the newer trucks is electric and has to be engaged via the switch on the dash. If you have shift on the fly, you pull the switch out.

Mar 5, 2015 | 11:06 PM

jimd1050

BuhBye F450, I'm relaxin'

Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Plainville, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pshicker

The locker on the newer trucks is electric and has to be engaged via the switch on the dash. If you have shift on the fly, you pull the switch out.

Correct - my '08 had Limited Slip and it did SUCK! The new truck has the Electric Locker and what a difference - night and day from the old truck!

Mar 6, 2015 | 06:18 AM

senix

Super Moderator

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From: Frederick, MD

might check the diff gear oil. Might not be quite right for it to work.

I have LS and it does fair but it is not a true locker by a long shot.

Mar 6, 2015 | 09:12 AM

mattymax

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

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Quote:

Originally Posted by senix

might check the diff gear oil. Might not be quite right for it to work.

I have LS and it does fair but it is not a true locker by a long shot.

I do see it locking at certain times, just not this time.

Gear oil is brand new amsoil with additive.

Matt

Mar 6, 2015 | 03:56 PM

Gage2502

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

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From: Northern IL

I guess Im not the only one that has problems with the factory LS I have the 4:10 LS. Once in a parking lot they had a piece of plate steel covering a hole and it just rained and I was on the steel the differential started slipping while taking off from a stop, other cars had no problem, how embarrassing.
Any idea how hard it is to install a locker? Anyone know what brand differential Ford uses?
Thanks....Gage

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Mar 7, 2015 | 08:12 AM

fordman19762003

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 3,358

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Ford's limited slips are pathetic, except for the Torsion brand they offer on the Raptor and the old FX4 Level 2 Rangers.

Mar 7, 2015 | 08:39 AM

#10

projectnitemare

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 984

Likes: 8

They are clutch based units and the clutches do wear out. Unless you want a full locker just rebuild the limited slip. You can get rebuild kits pretty cheap. Instead of the factory install of clutches with 2 steels back to back you can alternate the clutches and steels for more grip. The steels are what have the splines which there will be less of them but I all the years I have done it and heard of it, I have yet seen an issue. You will never get a true torque split out of a these units, 70/30 at best. If you need more you need a locker.

Mar 8, 2015 | 08:48 PM

#11

SuperDutyScaler

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 8,449

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From: South Jersey

This is the second winter with my detroit locker in my f350 and i love it. I have no issues with the rear sliding out in the rain or snow (j do but thats only when i stomp on her)

iPhone from IB AutoGroup

Mar 8, 2015 | 08:52 PM

#12

SuperDutyScaler

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 8,449

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From: South Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordman19762003

Ford's limited slips are pathetic, except for the Torsion brand they offer on the Raptor and the old FX4 Level 2 Rangers.

I don't off road my truck but i do a lot of hunting and dirt bike riding. Its sad when i cant make it down a lightly muddy lane in 2wd when my buddies in Chevys and jeeps pulling a trailer with two bikes can make it and here i am just spinning one tire in a huge F350 with mid tires! After one too many times having to get out to lock in my hubs and hearing all the crap my buddies were talking i went and had my Detroit locker installed

iPhone from IB AutoGroup

Mar 10, 2015 | 08:10 AM

#13

mattymax

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2006

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Ballpark what do detroit lockers run ? Installed

Matt

Mar 10, 2015 | 03:18 PM

#14

droldsmorland

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 1,825

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From: Land of Taxes

Look into a E-locker too. Best of both worlds. You can select open or locked when YOU want it. Same for an air locker but it has a compressor and associated controls and plumbing etc. E-locker much simpler. You may find a decent low mile Ford E-locker out of a wreck. Look here in the for-sale and want ads. Also check with the local Ford chapter in your area. The front page has a local chapter page. Not sure what they cost new at the steelership or if you can easily convert your existing carrier?