POSI locker
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 145
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POSI locker
I have an 88 F150 2WD XL. I was wondering how I can make or buy something that will lock the rear axles in the diff. Are there any companies that make a posi locker for my truck? Thanks.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 145
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Blurry - how is it working? Do you get posi when you need it?
The reason I am wanting posi is because I may need to get this truck through the winter here in New England. I need both those wheels in the back turning when I'm on the snow.
The reason I am wanting posi is because I may need to get this truck through the winter here in New England. I need both those wheels in the back turning when I'm on the snow.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I take it this is your first winter in the snow with a truck then?
I grew up in Buffalo and never drove anything but a 2wd truck. Good snow tires and a couple hundred pounds in the back and you'll get where you need to go. I never got stuck once.
Besides, you will NOT be happy with how your truck handles with a locker or limited slip. You want an open differential when it gets slippery. I know it sounds backwards, but trust me.
I grew up in Buffalo and never drove anything but a 2wd truck. Good snow tires and a couple hundred pounds in the back and you'll get where you need to go. I never got stuck once.
Besides, you will NOT be happy with how your truck handles with a locker or limited slip. You want an open differential when it gets slippery. I know it sounds backwards, but trust me.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
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This will be my first winter with only a 2WD vehicle. I have always owned a 4x4. Of all the things I fear the most - getting stuck is #1. I have never experienced it before 
('knock on wood'). I love the feeling of being in 2 feet of snow and driving normal while everybody else is sliding everywhere.
('knock on wood'). I love the feeling of being in 2 feet of snow and driving normal while everybody else is sliding everywhere.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Moved to appropriate forum.
I am a New Englander, and used to have a 2wd F-150. It had a factory installed limited slip rear axle and did ok in the snow. I even towed snowmobile trailers to maine but it just couldn't get the job done...
I moved up to a 4wd, and now run selectable lockers in both axles. With the tires and lift, that truck will go through any kind of snow you want to. I can stop in 3 feet of snow and take off like it's not even really there. When we got hit by those storms last year and the year before, NOBODY was out, but I was!
You won't get anywhere with an open diff 2wd truck...you can put a limited slip in it, but you still won't have all that much traction. You'll have enough that you can barely get where you'd need to go, but possibly still inconvienced by storms and what not.
With my truck, it could be the blizzard of 78' all over again and I wouldn't be worried.
Look into converting your truck to 4wd...it's pretty much a bolt in swap. Lots of threads on this site as well as a tech article in our tech articles section. I was going to convert my 2wd to 4wd but it was wrecked before I got too it, not my fault I must add! ha.
I am a New Englander, and used to have a 2wd F-150. It had a factory installed limited slip rear axle and did ok in the snow. I even towed snowmobile trailers to maine but it just couldn't get the job done...
I moved up to a 4wd, and now run selectable lockers in both axles. With the tires and lift, that truck will go through any kind of snow you want to. I can stop in 3 feet of snow and take off like it's not even really there. When we got hit by those storms last year and the year before, NOBODY was out, but I was!
You won't get anywhere with an open diff 2wd truck...you can put a limited slip in it, but you still won't have all that much traction. You'll have enough that you can barely get where you'd need to go, but possibly still inconvienced by storms and what not.
With my truck, it could be the blizzard of 78' all over again and I wouldn't be worried.
Look into converting your truck to 4wd...it's pretty much a bolt in swap. Lots of threads on this site as well as a tech article in our tech articles section. I was going to convert my 2wd to 4wd but it was wrecked before I got too it, not my fault I must add! ha.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 251
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From: Massachusetts
MustangGT221, what kind of lockers do you have in your truck? I'm in MA, I have a '90 Ranger 4x4 and I live on a hill. I didn't have any major problems last year, but I avoid too much travel during the winter. I was going to buy a Traction-Lok, but after reading about your lockers, I want maximum traction.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Mine arn't cheap.
ARB air locker w/ compressor for front axle.
Auburn ECTED for rear axle.
The air locker is either open diff or spooled - when locked, there is no differential action it's 100% locked up.
The ECTED is a limited slip instead of open diff when disengaged, and spooled when engaged.
It was about $650 for the ARB + 200-250 for compressor...about $550 for the Auburn.
Love the setup, I can't stand having an open diff in the rear axle so the selectable LS/Locker is great, and I like having an open diff in the front axle so the open/locker works perfect up front...it's a sweet setup.
A locker isn't necessary for snow use, both a LS and locker would spin both tires.
A 4wd with LS in the rear would get you anywhere you'd need to go in New England. A traction lok in the back of that ranger would probably be the perfect choice. Those can be found pretty cheap and you can install new clutches in it to make it like new. Look on eBay for a 8.8 28 spline traction lok.
Lockers are better left to the wheelers, and don't forget there is a difference between a limited slip/posi, a locker, and a spool...so watch out for the terminology.
ARB air locker w/ compressor for front axle.
Auburn ECTED for rear axle.
The air locker is either open diff or spooled - when locked, there is no differential action it's 100% locked up.
The ECTED is a limited slip instead of open diff when disengaged, and spooled when engaged.
It was about $650 for the ARB + 200-250 for compressor...about $550 for the Auburn.
Love the setup, I can't stand having an open diff in the rear axle so the selectable LS/Locker is great, and I like having an open diff in the front axle so the open/locker works perfect up front...it's a sweet setup.
A locker isn't necessary for snow use, both a LS and locker would spin both tires.
A 4wd with LS in the rear would get you anywhere you'd need to go in New England. A traction lok in the back of that ranger would probably be the perfect choice. Those can be found pretty cheap and you can install new clutches in it to make it like new. Look on eBay for a 8.8 28 spline traction lok.
Lockers are better left to the wheelers, and don't forget there is a difference between a limited slip/posi, a locker, and a spool...so watch out for the terminology.
Last edited by MustangGT221; Oct 31, 2005 at 04:15 PM.