locker rear end
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2019
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locker rear end
I have been looking for a rear in and I was offered a 99 4wd ford exployer (free) it has the gears I wanted 3.73 but it is a locker. I don't think I want a locker rear end can I change anything to make this one a non rocker? Is this a dumb idea or should I just go with a locker. This is going into a 52 f1 crusier.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,511
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From: northwestern Ontario
I put an Auburn locker in mine with 3.73 in my Explorer differential and it presents no problem. I'd jump on it before someone else does..are you sure it's not just the factory limited slip..?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,760
From: Burbank, WA
I'm not sure what you mean by 'locker'? Unless it's been modified to some type of aftermarket differential, it may have the factory limited slip diff, which is highly desirable, and you'll never notice any ill-effects in your application.
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2019
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,772
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From: Kalispell, MT
"Locker" is generally a Chevy term. Ford chose to use "limited slip" - similar idea but they are different.
A true locker is basically a solid rear axle and they are only good for drag racing and extreme off-road applications. There are YouTube vids out there that show the difference in simple terms.
Limited slip has a clutch pack in the differential that tightens up if one wheel looses traction, then when it's not needed it releases and acts like an open drive diff.
A true locker is basically a solid rear axle and they are only good for drag racing and extreme off-road applications. There are YouTube vids out there that show the difference in simple terms.
Limited slip has a clutch pack in the differential that tightens up if one wheel looses traction, then when it's not needed it releases and acts like an open drive diff.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
"Locker" is generally a Chevy term. Ford chose to use "limited slip" - similar idea but they are different.
A true locker is basically a solid rear axle and they are only good for drag racing and extreme off-road applications. There are YouTube vids out there that show the difference in simple terms.
Limited slip has a clutch pack in the differential that tightens up if one wheel looses traction, then when it's not needed it releases and acts like an open drive diff.
A true locker is basically a solid rear axle and they are only good for drag racing and extreme off-road applications. There are YouTube vids out there that show the difference in simple terms.
Limited slip has a clutch pack in the differential that tightens up if one wheel looses traction, then when it's not needed it releases and acts like an open drive diff.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
I have been looking for a rear in and I was offered a 99 4wd ford exployer (free) it has the gears I wanted 3.73 but it is a locker. I don't think I want a locker rear end can I change anything to make this one a non rocker? Is this a dumb idea or should I just go with a locker. This is going into a 52 f1 crusier.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 645
Likes: 10
It should work fine. When you fill it with gear oil be certain to add Friction Modifier. Get the stuff Ford sells or sold through Ford Racing. It basically helps the clutches slip a little smoother when making turns. Without it you will get chattering or growling from the rear axle when making turns.
The friction modifiers retail parts stores sell doesn't work as good.
The friction modifiers retail parts stores sell doesn't work as good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 551
From: Kalispell, MT
Locker and Limited slip are two different things regardless of the manufacturer. Lockers are either automatic that remain locked and unlock when you go around corners like a Detroit locker, Grizzly locker, or any of the lunchbox lockers, or they are selectable they work like an open differential until you press a button then they fully lock like a Spool. Limited slips use clutches or gears to try to keep both wheels spinning at the same speed, buy they don't have the ability to fully lock so in extreme situations you will still end up spinning one wheel like an open differential. What you described as a "true locker" where both wheels turn at the same speed all the time isn't a locker, that is a spool, for it to be considered a locker it has to have the ability to unlock.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,760
From: Burbank, WA
It should work fine. When you fill it with gear oil be certain to add Friction Modifier. Get the stuff Ford sells or sold through Ford Racing. It basically helps the clutches slip a little smoother when making turns. Without it you will get chattering or growling from the rear axle when making turns.
The friction modifiers retail parts stores sell doesn't work as good.
The friction modifiers retail parts stores sell doesn't work as good.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
All the friction modifier does is make the clutches slip easier which makes the unit less effective. When I rebuild one I typically leave the friction modifier out unless it's locking up to tight around corners or the clutches are making noise.