I would like to "fix" my truck by adding trac-lock, (limited slip) to the rear axle before winter.
What do I need to do this? New gears/carrier? Entire axle?

What kind of $$ am I looking at to do this? (new/used parts?)

How hard is this to do?

 

A track lock or power lock are faily inexpensive. ($180) All you need is some pretty basic tools, and an open differential carrier. You don't even have to take the carrier out of the rear end. It's pretty easy, don't be afraid to do it.

RubberDuck

 

First of all what rear end are we talking about? Assuming it's a late model 8.8 31-spline, then adding a Power-Trax (sp?) unit is a simple bolt in with the stock carrier in place. If you're looking to add a Ford Traction-Lok differential, it is a major project. The answer to what's required depends on two things: Are you going to change your ring and pinion or reuse the existing? Depending on mileage, you may want to change to a new R&P even if you keep the same ratio. What year truck, or more specifically, do you have an electronic odometer? There's a difference in parts involved.

 

Ok, the truck in question is :
1993 F150 4x4
3.55 gears
Yes, I have an electronic odo.

Currently the truck has 44k miles

What do I need? (and how much approx $$$ ?)

Thanks

 

Parts:
Ford Trac-Lok unit, $250 at Summit
Exciter ring, $38 at a Ford Dealer (cannot reuse existing)
Install kit, about $100-120 for the complete kit w/all bearings, etc.
Shop manual, $80 from Helm for the Ford book, less for aftermarket, but they're nowhere near as complete.
Blue loctite
Black RTV silicone

Tools:
Standard hand tools, etc.
Torque wrench
Slide hammer
Dial indicator on a magnetic base
Access to a press to install and remove bearings from carrier
Access to a lathe to make installation tools for the bearings and seals in the housing.

You do not need the Rotunda setup gages that Ford sells for around $1000 a set. There is a work around, but it's a more than a bit complicated. Repost later if you decide to do it yourself, and I'll try to explain it.

This is a PITA job. I just did this last winter on my truck, and I think I'd spend the $200 or so to have a shop do it if I had to do it again.

 

I would go with one of lockers I put a power-trax in and it took about an 1 hr to do and they work a whole lot better then the factory limited slip they are not cheap but they do not take a lot of effort to put in.