Ok guys, I have a 96 150 4x4 with a 4.9 I fit a set of 33" Generals on a cheap set of Wagon wheels. Had to shim my front bumper out 1" to get them to fit. Nothing rubs or bumps. I would like to put an autolocker in the rear (maybe a powertrax noslip) and maybe a limited slip in the Dana 44 front. If I'm going to open the front and rear up to do this, Should I just change the gears ?? And what size gear ?? Has anyone done a limited slip in the front and a locker in the rear ?? What do you think ?? Good plan ? or not ? Help !!

 

The LS front is a bad idea, that's a VERY high wear application, especially on pavement. You'd be far better off spending a bit more and going with a Torsen which has no clutches to wear and is basically designed for that application.

With 33" tires, I wouldnt go less than 4.11s which would be approximately equal to 3.55s with the stock 29" tires.

 

In my opinion a limited slip in the front is a great idea. A good unit will give you the traction you desire without the problems of a locker up front. The Torsen StrangeRanger spoke of is actually considered a limited slip, its full name is Zexel Torsen. Much like Tractech's Truetrac it uses gears instead of clutches to transfer torque from the spinning to the non-spinning wheel. However, some consider it to be a heavier duty unit than the Truetrac, and it definitely reacts quicker due to a higher torque bias. Personally, I use a Truetrac in my front end and a Detroit Locker in the rear. I chose the Truetrac for two reasons; I think the gear unit reacts quicker than clutch type limited slips and also because I've used Tractech products in the past and I have every confidence in them. Deciding to put a Detroit Locker in the rear of my rig was a no-brainer for me. I feel it is the strongest, best locking, and most dependable differential on the market, hands down. I absolutely love the limited slip/locker combo for vehicles that are going to see a lot of time on and off the road. I think you will too, even if you don't decide on the same traction-aid devices that I use.
As far as gearing goes I would go with 3.73s or 4.10s for those 33s. Remember the 4.9 is a low rpm torque producer. You don't want to over-rev it and get it out of its power range. I'm pleased with my 3.73s with 33" rubber but mine is a daily driver and I feared the possible gas mileage reduction of 4.10s. Good Luck.
-Cope

95 F-150 4x4
4.9L M5OD
Front Truetrac Rear Detroit
3.73 Precision Gears
Warn Premiums
4" Superlift Superunner

 

I should have been clearer. The front LS is a good idea from a performance standpoint but a very bad idea in terms of wear and reliability. The clutches sinply cannot take the constant abuse. Technically the Torsen isn't a limited slip, it's a torque proportioning diff which sends the majority of the torque to the laden wheel, a near perfect design for a front diff. Because of it's lower bias and lower cost, the Truetrac may be even better, but I don't have any personal experience with them. The Torsen I know works.

 

Apparently we have our definitions of limited slip confused. Simply put, an open differential allows differentiation, a limited slip allows Limited differentiation, and a locker allows none when it is "locked". If you look at Zexel's information on the Torsen they say that their unit operates, "without unduly restricting differentiation." This means that the Torsen will not Excessively limit differentiation, nevertheless it still does to some point, so technically it can be catagorized as a limited slip and usually is by the respected businesses that sell it. Zexel likes to claim that it isn't a limited slip, this is to make it sound more unique and therefore appealing to potenial customers. That's fine, it is one of only two differentials that I know of that transfers torque over to the non-spinning wheel by means of gears, so I would certainly consider it unique. I would also consider it to be a mechanically sound device and therefore a good differential, afterall it does accomplish what it says it will. I'm sure it would make an excellent choice.

95 F-150 4x4
4.9L M5OD
Front Truetrac Rear Detroit
3.73 Precision Gears
Warn Premiums
4" Superlift Superunner

 

First of all thanks for your help and info. I've never even heard of a Zexel Torsen before. I checked them out online, and they look cool, but expensive. Here's another question to do with the front dif.
If I put a regular limited slip in the front, it will just sit there, not moving at all until I lock the hubs right ?? If that's true, do you think it would be ok in the front if I'm only using 4wheel once in a while ?? Maybe in the snow 3 times a year, and on a slipery boat ramp 10 times a year. A don't do alot of 4wheeling but I hate getting pulled out of anywhere. It's a Pride thing. If the truck says 4x4 on the side, then I want all 4 tires getting me out, not just two.
Maybe I'm nuts but ...

 

You're absolutely correct. The front diff does nothing unless you lock the hubs in. You will hardly notice the difference in handling between a good limited slip and an open diff in the front axle, even when driving on the pavement, that is, until you successfully drive up that tough trail or mud hole that leaves open diff trucks stranded! I've said it before and I'll say it again, locker in the rear and limited slip up front is a great combo. I don't say that because that's what I have in my truck, I say that because that's why I put them in my truck.
-Cope

95 F-150 4x4
4.9L M5OD
Front Truetrac Rear Detroit
3.73 Precision Gears
Warn Premiums
4" Superlift Superunner

 

Maybe i'm wrong but isnt it a good idea to have a locker mostly on off road situations? If you're mostly driving on the pavement, isnt a limited slip much better for the rear instead of a locker because of the whole turning deal?

 

ItsET: I got lucky. My 96 came with Factory limited slips in both axles. I back a big utility trailer and a heavy 20 foot boat across my grass without slip or damage to yard. The drive is steep gravel. Again no slip. The traction is impressive.

I know what you mean by wanting true four wheel drive. My Dad had a 96 4x4 with open axles. One winter we had gone to an auction in town. The snow was along the side but a strip up the middle of the road was bare. We parked along the curb. Road was level. When we went to leave the truck would just spin the curb side tire. With auto hubs I just pulled the lever into 4low. Even then we spun a fair amount (still 2WD) to get out. Kinda embarassing... I then removed the goofy 4x4 offroad stickers from the bed. False advertising.

I run BFG 32 x 11.5 All Terrain KO's. 3.55 gears. If I didn't already have the Trac-loks and wasn't on a tight budget I would do exactly what your inquiring about. Traction devices and for gears I would go with at least 4.11's.

If you have the cash, check out the ARB locker. It works off of a small air compressor. All the benifits of open diffs on the road. When the going gets tuff you throw the switch for fully locked traction. Put one in each axle for the best grip. Don't tell anyone of your upgrade. Imagine yor friends amazement as you crawl through the nasty stuff with ease.

Chris