Hello gentlemen,

I have a 1995 F-350 Dually with an E4OD... I am considering installing some sort of a locker or posi system in my rear... To get better traction anyone with suggestions, war stories or considerations any help is greatly appreciated. Thankx in advance!

Mike
95 F350 Dually

 

Hi, I have a f250 4x4 with a diesel and c6 with detroit lockers they are positive thats for sure there is no slip with a locker.
John

 

Is the "soft locker" detroit capable of being driven daily on ice, snow, and typical ohio winters??? I want the off road traction ability and the on road ability to not risk my life and others to stay straight.
Or...
Do I go with the mechanical lockers that are coming available. ie. non air lockers???

Your responses are welcomed.

Ohio Bob

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4byford


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1. "RE: With out starting a fight, can some one in simple terms tell me...."
23-Feb-01, 01:28 PM (EST)


Yes it can- however, the driving characteristics change with a locker, and I would encourage anyone to fully familiarize themselves with the changed handling in an empty field/parking lot before taking to the road. The shorter the wheelbase, the more "squirrely" the handling can be, in my experience (79 Bronco/ Detroit Locker rear/Tracloc front; 77 Hiboy F-250, Detroit Locker rear, open front). You have to be aware of the understeer, and how to counter it. I have found by letting off the gas, you can unlock the locker and initiate the differentiation of the rear axle, allowing you to complete the turn. In 2WD at slow speeds, it seems that understeer is most pronounced. The increased traction at the rear will sometimes make the rear end want to swing out when making a turn, especially in a SWB vehicle. Normal caution and appropriate speeds will avoid this.
The best option is a selectable open/locked diff; however, I do not like the expense/complexity/lack of reliability of the ARB (that is MY opinion, and I understand if others disagree). The only mechanically selected locker I know of is the OXTRAX, and I believe that is only avail for Dana axles (I will look into one for my front Dana 44) No air, no electronics, just a positive cable connection to the diff locking fork.
Does anyone remember International Harvester offering a cable locking differential (rear) in their products? I remember an IH Travelall (like a Suburban) with a cable under the dash that said diff lock... What a great idea.

 

A long wheelbase dually should be a good candidate for a Locker. You will really notice the difference in traction...

 

I thank you all for your comments, but I really want some vendor, brand or type of unit recommendations... Can anyone help me out?

Mike
95 F350 Dually

 

Detroit Locker is the way to go for dependability and positive traction to both wheels. Put one in my Jeep CJ-7, 15 years ago and one in my F-250HD 4x 3 years ago... absolutely no problems with either.

 

Where can I find the Detroit locker for a 3.55 on a '91 F-250 diesel, and how much will it cost? Is it hard to install with the axle still on the truck? Thanks for the help - I'm tired of getting stuck on wet grass while the 4x4's all laugh.