Differential Questions/Help...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I added a Traction Lock with clutches to both of my axles.
Plowing snow or moderate mud are so much easier to deal with now.
My first attempt at improved traction was a Lock Rite locker, but I quickly found out that a locker and hauling weight in the bed are not really compatable.
Couple tons of stone in the bed, and the steep hills around here meant a truck that was not steerable even on dry pavement.
Straight line driving was my only option.
With a locker either the tires have to slip when cornering or something is going to break.
In my case, the Lock Rite grenaded in the end, but I did also break off axle shaft bolts a couple times before that.
Clutch type limited slip is much more friendly in my case.
As with any clutch, they do wear out.
Mismatched tire sizes can kill them in a very short distance since they are constantly slipping.
If you want ultimate traction and do haul weight, a selectable locker like the Aurburn Air Locker is the ultimate answer, but you can also expect the ulitimate price that goes with them.
The IDI trucks should have 10.25" Sterling rear axles and Dana 44, 50 or 60 front axles.
250 regular cab is usually a 44 front axle.
250 extended or crew cab is usually a 50 front axle.
And most 350's have a 60 front axle.
Special orders and previous owners may mean it has something other than stock axles though.
Plowing snow or moderate mud are so much easier to deal with now.
My first attempt at improved traction was a Lock Rite locker, but I quickly found out that a locker and hauling weight in the bed are not really compatable.
Couple tons of stone in the bed, and the steep hills around here meant a truck that was not steerable even on dry pavement.
Straight line driving was my only option.
With a locker either the tires have to slip when cornering or something is going to break.
In my case, the Lock Rite grenaded in the end, but I did also break off axle shaft bolts a couple times before that.
Clutch type limited slip is much more friendly in my case.
As with any clutch, they do wear out.
Mismatched tire sizes can kill them in a very short distance since they are constantly slipping.
If you want ultimate traction and do haul weight, a selectable locker like the Aurburn Air Locker is the ultimate answer, but you can also expect the ulitimate price that goes with them.
The IDI trucks should have 10.25" Sterling rear axles and Dana 44, 50 or 60 front axles.
250 regular cab is usually a 44 front axle.
250 extended or crew cab is usually a 50 front axle.
And most 350's have a 60 front axle.
Special orders and previous owners may mean it has something other than stock axles though.
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