Locking Differential Questions
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Savannah, GA
Locking Differential Questions
I own a 1982 F100 with an inline 6. Its all 2WD but so far have been able to do just about all that i wanted offroad. I read about installing a locking differential and getting a little more climbing power / torque out of the truck. I don't know much in regards to differentails but am looking to see if anyone can suggest a diff or if this seems like a bad idea. Please help me out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 4
From: Western Central NV
I have had limted-slip diffs. & my wife now owns an 04 Trailblazer with posi-traction. If I ever change my F-250 rear end I will buy a POSI-TRACTION, not limted-slip. That Trailblazer off-road continues to surprise me everytime my wife and I go off-road. It is a 4x4 with 3:73 POSI TRACTION. In two wheel drive if one rear tire even thinks about spining the rear end locks right now.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
You might be lucky with your possible traction device addition. Your truck should have a FORD 9 inch rear end. The third member can be removed from the truck and taken to the Driveline shop for your L/S or Locker install.
Limited slips (some) operate by locking up clutch packs, they will wear out over time- think of tranny clutches, plus they need a special gear oil.
Locking diffs- Detroit locker- are mechanical and tough as nails. This would be my first choice in any truck.
They can be noisy while cornering, because the teeth disengage to make the turn- think of a ratchet when you turn it in the opposite direction. click-click.
There are also units that can go in your existing- open diff.
Your budget will dictate your final direction.
If I had the cash, go with the Detriot locker.
Limited slips (some) operate by locking up clutch packs, they will wear out over time- think of tranny clutches, plus they need a special gear oil.
Locking diffs- Detroit locker- are mechanical and tough as nails. This would be my first choice in any truck.
They can be noisy while cornering, because the teeth disengage to make the turn- think of a ratchet when you turn it in the opposite direction. click-click.
There are also units that can go in your existing- open diff.
Your budget will dictate your final direction.
If I had the cash, go with the Detriot locker.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Originally Posted by kermmydog
If I ever change my F-250 rear end I will buy a POSI-TRACTION, not limted-slip.
Posi-traction is a GM term for their OEM limited slip system. It's got nothing to do with Ford.Not all lockers and limited slips are created equal - some are better in certain conditions than others. If you get a detroit locker and drive it in icy conditions, you will hate it. It will lock and slide around every corner.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 2
From: Billings Montana
Another option would be a selectable locker like an Eaton electric locker or an ARB air locker. The benefits of these types are that on the street, you get the feel and operation of an open differential but at the flip of a switch or two, you get a full on locking diff.
The downside to these are cost. They cost an arm and your first born while a standard locking rear is somewhat cheaper to buy and install.
The downside to these are cost. They cost an arm and your first born while a standard locking rear is somewhat cheaper to buy and install.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 2
From: Billings Montana
Originally Posted by GOTH_TRUCKER
ok,ur asking for off road cappabuilities from a 2wd truck,unless ur doin desert runs,just find ur self a 4wd man lots better wit less mods..
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Another characteristic you will have to be aware of with a Locker off road is, when you have wheelspin(both rear wheels) the rear of the vehicle will slide to the lowest side of the trail or road.
Watch NASCAR cars when they do their victory burn out. The rear of the car
moves to the infield of the track. (somebody please explain the physics)
You will have to learn how to drive your truck differently in different situations.
You can get alot done with 2 rear wheels locked together, have fun.
Watch NASCAR cars when they do their victory burn out. The rear of the car
moves to the infield of the track. (somebody please explain the physics)
You will have to learn how to drive your truck differently in different situations.
You can get alot done with 2 rear wheels locked together, have fun.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
get either a mini spool or full spool installed. they are cheap and predictable because they are always engaged. Detroits are great to but more expensive and can lock at times when your not expecting it to. there is no E locker for the 9" yet so an ARB would be the only selectable locker option. when the ARB is disengaged it acts as a limited slip which is nice for winter driving.
it all comes down to how much you wanna spend. the other great part is because you have a 9" the third member can be transfered to a 4wd if you ever get one that has a 9" in it as well.
it all comes down to how much you wanna spend. the other great part is because you have a 9" the third member can be transfered to a 4wd if you ever get one that has a 9" in it as well.