how much for a locker?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Belgrade
how much for a locker?
Hello!
I just got a new engine in my 89' F-150 (302, Borg Warner T-19, 4.11 rear) and I am interested in making it a lot better than it already is. Having completed the engine rebuild, I want to lock either the front or the rear end- and I'm not really sure what would be more productive for me.
How much could I expect to pay for a decent locker that you guys might recommend and where should I put it? I assumed that the front end would be the best choice because I would only really need a locker when I'm in a tight spot when I'm hunting- It would only engage when I put it into 4x4 and when I was in 2x4 it wouldn't eat up gas mileage...
Another issue is whether I would be able to install a locker on my own. I have access to a really good shop- I am going to school at Montana State U. and they have a pretty good student shop that I've used a couple of times for some minor work. I don't think they will allow any welding equipment or open flames though...
What would you guys recommend for me?
Thanks-
-=|Scott Murray|=-
I just got a new engine in my 89' F-150 (302, Borg Warner T-19, 4.11 rear) and I am interested in making it a lot better than it already is. Having completed the engine rebuild, I want to lock either the front or the rear end- and I'm not really sure what would be more productive for me.
How much could I expect to pay for a decent locker that you guys might recommend and where should I put it? I assumed that the front end would be the best choice because I would only really need a locker when I'm in a tight spot when I'm hunting- It would only engage when I put it into 4x4 and when I was in 2x4 it wouldn't eat up gas mileage...
Another issue is whether I would be able to install a locker on my own. I have access to a really good shop- I am going to school at Montana State U. and they have a pretty good student shop that I've used a couple of times for some minor work. I don't think they will allow any welding equipment or open flames though...
What would you guys recommend for me?
Thanks-
-=|Scott Murray|=-
Last edited by smurray; Feb 5, 2004 at 02:14 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I would put the locker in the back not the front. I doubt you will notice any difference in gas mileage from having a locking diff in the rear axle but you may notice increased tire wear.
Expect to pay anywhere from 250 to 600 for the part, depending on which locking diff you choose, and more for installation if you take it to a shop and have it done. Check out www.powertrax.com for info on the LockRight and NoSpin differentials or www.tractech.com for info on the Detroit Locker, EZ Locker, Soft Locker, and True Trac diffs. Also check out www.dana.com for info on thier traction adding diffs for Dana axles.
You may want to consider a good limited slip as a possible option if you drive primarily on the street. Both those websites have plenty of information on both lockers and limited slips and both make differentials that have very strong reputations.
Expect to pay anywhere from 250 to 600 for the part, depending on which locking diff you choose, and more for installation if you take it to a shop and have it done. Check out www.powertrax.com for info on the LockRight and NoSpin differentials or www.tractech.com for info on the Detroit Locker, EZ Locker, Soft Locker, and True Trac diffs. Also check out www.dana.com for info on thier traction adding diffs for Dana axles.
You may want to consider a good limited slip as a possible option if you drive primarily on the street. Both those websites have plenty of information on both lockers and limited slips and both make differentials that have very strong reputations.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
I think the best combo for a DD is a limited slip in the back and selectable locker in the front. I have an ARB in the front of my truck. I like having the open diff for driving in snow and easier turning (the locker is hard on the axle when turning) and being able to lock it in extreme situations.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 0
If you put a full time locker in the front and intend to drive on the street you will not be able to steer and will likely have an accident. Locking the rear end will open a new world to you. Learn to fully use the back and then decide if you need the front.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
What are you guys talking about with full time lockers? My 78 used to be a daily driver. I have a detroit locker in the rear and it always worked fine. It is not always locked. When you turn corners it unlocks. If you put some power to the rear and one wheel slips it locks back up again until it needs to disengage. This is just kind of a simple summary. I would not recommend using a spool on a daily driver. This permantently locks the two axles together and allows no differentiation between the 2 wheels. Your rear end will basically hop around or slide aorund corners resulting in bent and/or broken axle shafts.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,105
Likes: 3
From: Anchorage Alaska
locker
i got detroit lockers in front and rear, here in alaska, and the rear works so good i dont even use 4 wheel drive unless im out playing in the snow. i highly recomend a detroit locker for the rear, and just keep it in 2 hi, unless you got 2 foot of snow to drive over every day then put it in 4x4. alaska is as icy as it gets.
plus you can do good donuts with a detroit locker in the rear when you want to. my detroit never let me down like a limited slip, and always been predictable, never letting me spin out of control.
Ray
AK
plus you can do good donuts with a detroit locker in the rear when you want to. my detroit never let me down like a limited slip, and always been predictable, never letting me spin out of control.
Ray
AK
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Peter,
Did you ever get a reply somewhere for this? I'm looking for a rear locker in my daily driven F250 4x2 and I while I don't live near snow now, I probably will soon. I don't want to slide into a ditch with my boys in the car. At the same time I want something that will help me in muddy or sandy areas. The open differential I have in the rear now has let me down many a times. Especially in the sand...
Let me know if you heard anything.
Thanks...
Did you ever get a reply somewhere for this? I'm looking for a rear locker in my daily driven F250 4x2 and I while I don't live near snow now, I probably will soon. I don't want to slide into a ditch with my boys in the car. At the same time I want something that will help me in muddy or sandy areas. The open differential I have in the rear now has let me down many a times. Especially in the sand...
Let me know if you heard anything.
Thanks...
Originally posted by Peter94
I heard that front and rear lockers make you slide around in the snow, is this true? like if the tires loose traction, you go flying cause there's nothing to keep you in line
I heard that front and rear lockers make you slide around in the snow, is this true? like if the tires loose traction, you go flying cause there's nothing to keep you in line
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
From: S/C Texas
I have L/S front and back and love it.
It doesnt lock up like a locker, but it gets all the traction I need. Almost all my wheelin is done in the sand at the beach. Up to 18" off deep loose sand.
It doesnt lock up like a locker, but it gets all the traction I need. Almost all my wheelin is done in the sand at the beach. Up to 18" off deep loose sand.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Hey Peppy,
Thanks for the note. Goining by your sig line, aren't you running a 4x4 already though? I only have a 4x2 so whatever the rear gives me is all I get. Perhaps I should shell out for one of those Arbs or Electracs or something if they even make them for 10.25 sterlings... <sigh>
Thanks...
Thanks for the note. Goining by your sig line, aren't you running a 4x4 already though? I only have a 4x2 so whatever the rear gives me is all I get. Perhaps I should shell out for one of those Arbs or Electracs or something if they even make them for 10.25 sterlings... <sigh>
Thanks...
Originally posted by peppy
I have L/S front and back and love it.
It doesnt lock up like a locker, but it gets all the traction I need. Almost all my wheelin is done in the sand at the beach. Up to 18" off deep loose sand.
I have L/S front and back and love it.
It doesnt lock up like a locker, but it gets all the traction I need. Almost all my wheelin is done in the sand at the beach. Up to 18" off deep loose sand.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 0
From: St. Peter
Yeah, i'm thinkin if your gonna move to a snowy place, you'd want a selectable locker, especially if your gonna be going through some muddy or sandy areas. that way when your on snowy street you can have it open, then if you need help getting unstuck you can just push the button and lock em up!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
From: S/C Texas
My bad. I would go selectable, yes. Open is great for just riding around. If you want serious traction only when you need it, open w/ ARB or similiar is the best, yet expensive. A few G's for the ARB system. If money is an issue and you dont like auto lockers, a L/S works decent, and a couple hundred instead of 2 or 3 thousand.
A good place for some unbiased info....go to the tech articles at....
http://www.ring-pinion.com/
A good place for some unbiased info....go to the tech articles at....
http://www.ring-pinion.com/