Hey all, I'm getting close to rebuilding my rear axle. It's at 325k (leaking). There is a lot more options than I thought there was so I'd like some help narrowing things down. I'm looking for opinions on the true trac vs the Auburn Cone LS - the new one is called a grip n lock. Secondly what rebuild kit did you go with ( gears, bearings, seals, etc). BTW it's a work truck with winter duty still and some mild trailering. Thanks.

 

I went TruTrac, threw in a Yukon install kit and did 4:10s since I was already in it.

Strange but the pinion seal didn't last long... swapped it with a cheap duralast and it's doing fine.

-Mac

 

Of those two options Truetrac for sure.

 

Why not buy a newer electric locker from a factory ford diff. from a junkyard and wire it up to a switch. They are strong a cheap.

 

Because it's not real useful on a truck that is mostly driven on the street and used to tow with.

 

Thanks all that replied. I've decided to go with the truetrac, it's well regarded in work truck use and reliable. Plus it's widely available for this axle. Looking forward to have ing more limited and less slip!

 

You made a good choice. One thing to note you can change the behavior of the truetrac buy changing the gear oil type. If you run the petroleum-mineral based oil for the truetrac it locks both tires quick and firm when you are having fun applying the go pedal. For my driving preference I run Valvoline full synthetic and it provides a good balance on tire slip before it engages.

 

You should only use regular gear oil with the Truetrac.

 

Respectfully I am going to disagree in regards to the Sterling. The sterling axle runs at much higher temperatures than most light truck axles by utilizing a full synthetic in my sterling it did reduce the max operating temp by 20 degrees versus running conventional.

 

Ok I doubt fluid alone did that but if so that means nothing, 20 degrees doesn't make any difference. Eaton recommends using regular mineral oil with the Truetrac.

 

What? Its the perfect for a tow rig. When its not locked its a open diff. perfect for towing. When you get get stuck flip the switch and lock it.

 

An open diff sucks for street use in the rain, snow, loose gravel or even on dry pavement trying to take off quick, and it's what he has already. Having it locked isn't great on the street either, you will get far more use out of a Truetrac.

 

If traction is very limited like snow or rain the Tru-Trac will lock up just like the electric locker does. Your best bet in such a condition while towing is open diffs and 4wd.

 

No thanks, I dealt with that garbage long enough. A Truetrac in the rear is superior to an open diff in those situations.

 

Well we will have to agree to disagree. A side note I have had both have you? Also I tow heavy often, although it is mostly dry conditions with low traction at tmes.