I have a question about lockers whether or not I need them or just want them. I have a 79 F250 4x4 that I will be restoring hopefully soon, but definitely at some point . I don't have any plans to rock crawl, go mudding, or major off roading. At best, my use will be trails when I go fishing and generally just a daily driver. I've always thought having lockers was almost a necessity but I am doubting the need, and cost, if there is not a viable use for them. I do plan on making a few upgrades on the NP205 transfercase and have TMI build another 434 stroker for me and that's it.

Thoughts?

 

434 stroker = rear locker

IMO rear locker (or trac-loc) is mandatory and front is optional.

 

I have thought about the ECTED lockers from Auburn, have heard of them, have an opinion, etc?

http://aftermarket.auburngear.com/ec...-lock-343.html

 

A little extra traction is really nice on the trails and in the winter. Some folks feel that a locker is a bit hard to handle in the snow/ice but I haven't ever had a problem. For what you describe as your use for this truck I would lean more towards a limited slip diff over a locker (unless you go for a ARB or something like that).

Adding a locker to your rear is a fairly easy job. Why not run what you got until you feel you need a locker or a limited slip. Who knows, maybe you'll find you don't need it and you can save the $$$.

 

I think when I get to the point of restoring my truck, I'll definitely consider using a locker. I am leaning towards a selectable locker but not an ARB.

 

They are nice to have when needed, versus the other way around. And yes they can cause for some interesting handling in rain and snow, but it is better than getting stuck.

For a pavement bound mall crawler DD, some say it is a waste of $, but so are big low profile mud tires on that same truck......it is what it is, YOUR truck, you money.

You can go lunch box locker $ or ARB $$$. And also use the compressor also as a tool and tire air source.

Lil red Bronco has a rear spool and front locker, off road only rig and climbs like a billy goat on crack. lol

 

We dont have snow and ice down here. A good limited slip is all that is really needed in the sand. If you do have a locker there are very few times you actually need to engage 4wd. Unless you are in some serious mud. I know of a few people who have 2 wd trucks with detroit lockers that can go nearly anywhere a 4wd will go. Of course a good driver is worth at least 1 wheel drive.

 

I'd say for what you've described you would not need a front locking diff. Limited slip or track lock in rear however is good.

 

I've got a 79 f150 300 4x4. 4spd tranny, 3:50 gears and putting on 33in tires.

I'd like to go limited slip on the rear. What is a good link to exactly what I need? pretty easy to do?
How does one know that we have 28 spline or 31 spline? Thanks.

 

Need, I mean what ya gonna do without em if the zombie apocalypse happens?

 

I hate my spool, did I say I HATE my spool?? Lol

I could see it being good off road but parking at Walmart is a royal pain and chirp show!

 

I would not waste money on a factory type limited slip if you are running open diffs now. They don't provide much of an advantage over open spider gears off road, just not enough of a power bias.


I am running a Detroit in the rear and TruTrac in the front.


This winter the Detroit was great! Both tires getting as much traction as the tires could grab really helped move things along. Most of my time is spent doing the daily driver duty on pavement and I have no complaints. Even in a short wheelbase and manual trans it behaves very nicely.


The TruTrac I am not as pleased with. Since it is a gear driven limited slip rather than a locker it does not provide maximum traction. It sends partial power to the wheel with grip, and the majority of power to the wheel that can spin more freely. The front did not seem to grab near as much as the rear in snowy conditions.


The way I see it lockers are relatively cheap insurance. Sure you can probably get everywhere you want to go with open diffs. But you will more than likely have to go faster or make the truck work harder at the obstacles. Being able to lumber along and move slowly over things reduces the chance of carnage.


If you are running open diffs, I would just get two Aussie lockers. Not too hard on the pocket but will act just like a Detroit.


IF your axle is factory to the truck you are running the big bearing, 31 spline axle shafts.


This is a link to an Aussie locker for your 9 inch. They come with a 2 year unlimited warranty! http://www.aussielocker.com/index.ph...-xd-45831.html

 

If you have an F250 that would have at least a Dana 60 in it, right? If you have that, then a Power Lok LS is the way to go. I have them in my Dana 70's on my Dodges and I'm very happy with them. My 96 Ram has almost 280K on it, with the original Power Lok LS unit and it still works like new. I know this because I don't have quite enough friction modifier in it and when I have my gooseneck hooked up it tends to chatter a little in corners. If I had a locker I imagine I'd break an axle turning corners loaded. Chris

 

hm, Aussie locker. Does that disengage for corners? Sounds like a cool solution, is it just a standard locker? I'm pretty sure i'm open diff on both ends. Probably easier to modify the rear.. yet she is a daily driver.

 

ARB Air Locker also seems to be a viable option. Apart from me being a weight **** and having 'more things', anyone use the air locker?