Front locking diff
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Last I checked an 8000 lb Aluminduty isn't a lightweight jeep. I already explained why I think an auto locker is plain stupid in the front pumpkin.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 563
the gas trucks are just a hair over 7000lb but i dont see what any of that has to do with anything. any traction device has its pros and cons so thats probly why theres a ton of different styles. over the years ive had lockrite lunchbox, auburn cone, factory toyota and ram locker and worm torsen style. i could say plenty of good and bad about all of them. my awd car has open diffs but uses a viscous coupler to send power to the rear. a superb device that works great and best of all its not at the mercy of any electrical nonsense
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
And thanks to the stupid nannies on these new vehicles, you can't use the brake and gas at the same time. The truck will cut almost all power.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
I think the idea is to choose the option that is most forgiving. Twenty years ago, I could have gotten up just about any hill in the snow, in 2wd, with a spool. But back then, I relished these challenges. Not to mention I drove vehicles that were an order of magnitude less valuable. A challenge to some is dangerous to others, and to others just not that much fun anymore.
I still think the two best options are a helical gear differential or a selectable. I do not foresee a circumstance where I’d want a locked front differential in on-road driving. I can see it in those extra syrupy mud holes, where a helical gear would do just fine because you’d normally not completely lose traction on each wheel. If I was doing anything where one wheel came off the ground, I’d do a selectable locker. I can’t think of a situation where I’d really prefer an auto locker. Maybe in the rear on an autocross car.
I still think the two best options are a helical gear differential or a selectable. I do not foresee a circumstance where I’d want a locked front differential in on-road driving. I can see it in those extra syrupy mud holes, where a helical gear would do just fine because you’d normally not completely lose traction on each wheel. If I was doing anything where one wheel came off the ground, I’d do a selectable locker. I can’t think of a situation where I’d really prefer an auto locker. Maybe in the rear on an autocross car.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
Have you used an auto locker in the front of an HD truck you have owned?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 204
I was thinking you could turn that off. In 4lo, most of the nannys go away.
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68Flareside240
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Feb 28, 2020 06:55 PM
