REAR LOCKER
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
Detroits ate usually around $500 or so plus installation . What kind of tires do you have? A good set of tires will go a long way in helping your traction. Even with a locker, highway rated tires like these trucks come with arent going to help much.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 538
Likes: 11
From: Shiner, TX
I'm looking for a locker as well. The factory limited slip is of not much use besides a boat ramp or bad weather. When I'm off road, I frequently have only one rear tire spinning.
The options we have for a real locker (not limited slip) is the Detroit Locker or the ARB Air Locker. The Detroit is the automatic type locker whereas the ARB is a selectable that requires an air source to lock the unit. Personally, I'd prefer an electronic locking differential, but as far as I know one isn't manufactured for the Ford 10.5" axle in the rear of our trucks. Good luck
The options we have for a real locker (not limited slip) is the Detroit Locker or the ARB Air Locker. The Detroit is the automatic type locker whereas the ARB is a selectable that requires an air source to lock the unit. Personally, I'd prefer an electronic locking differential, but as far as I know one isn't manufactured for the Ford 10.5" axle in the rear of our trucks. Good luck
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
I wish that Eaton would make the eLocker for the Stering 10.50" rear axle!
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
The 2011 SD is supposed to be available with an electric locker. It will be interesting to see what they do and if there is an opportunity to retrofit. Should still be a Ford 10.5" I would guess. Wait and we'll see.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
I have a Detroit True Trac in the diff of my 03 F-450 it does well I don't think I would want a locker I already get locker steer with the True Trac which is a limited slip but its clutchless.
To the original poster is your truck a 2wd ?
When I first got my truck the rear tires were pretty much bald. I took the truck into a spot where my previous F-450s had open diffs and got stuck. The 03 didn't spin a wheel I was impressed I wish I had a traction aid in the diff of my previous trucks.
If you are going to get a locker get the ARB because it is selectable. A locker can get you into trouble in the snow or you can get in a situation where the azz end of the truck will walk sideways.
It has happened to me where you slide sideways and now your really stuck because your up against a tree or your too close to a ditch etc.
To the original poster is your truck a 2wd ?
When I first got my truck the rear tires were pretty much bald. I took the truck into a spot where my previous F-450s had open diffs and got stuck. The 03 didn't spin a wheel I was impressed I wish I had a traction aid in the diff of my previous trucks.
If you are going to get a locker get the ARB because it is selectable. A locker can get you into trouble in the snow or you can get in a situation where the azz end of the truck will walk sideways.
It has happened to me where you slide sideways and now your really stuck because your up against a tree or your too close to a ditch etc.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
If you have an '09 you probably still have the OEM tires. If so (especially if you still have the Continental tires) get some decent tires before you invest in a locker for your rear differential. Even the OEM BFG tires are poor mud and snow tires, IMO.
Putting a locker on a truck that has the Conti-Crap tires on it is like putting a 700 HP engine into a car with skinny drive wheels. You need traction to hook up and move you. Nothing you do to the truck to modify the torque delivery is going to make the tires hook up any better.
Putting a locker on a truck that has the Conti-Crap tires on it is like putting a 700 HP engine into a car with skinny drive wheels. You need traction to hook up and move you. Nothing you do to the truck to modify the torque delivery is going to make the tires hook up any better.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15
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Does anyone know if I bought the 2011 electronic locking diff from a Ford Dealer if it will fit a 2002 Ford with a 3.73 gear? I know its expensive but I already broke 2 Detroit Lockers and don't want a limited slip. In theory I think it should work, both axles are Ford 10.5inch I believe, just my concern if that the pinion will be a little off due to the gear ratio being different. I am concerned that it might not line up perfectly in the old case.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 9
From: Northern IL
If you have an '09 you probably still have the OEM tires. If so (especially if you still have the Continental tires) get some decent tires before you invest in a locker for your rear differential. Even the OEM BFG tires are poor mud and snow tires, IMO.
Putting a locker on a truck that has the Conti-Crap tires on it is like putting a 700 HP engine into a car with skinny drive wheels. You need traction to hook up and move you. Nothing you do to the truck to modify the torque delivery is going to make the tires hook up any better.
Putting a locker on a truck that has the Conti-Crap tires on it is like putting a 700 HP engine into a car with skinny drive wheels. You need traction to hook up and move you. Nothing you do to the truck to modify the torque delivery is going to make the tires hook up any better.
~Gage~
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Does anyone know if I bought the 2011 electronic locking diff from a Ford Dealer if it will fit a 2002 Ford with a 3.73 gear? I know its expensive but I already broke 2 Detroit Lockers and don't want a limited slip. In theory I think it should work, both axles are Ford 10.5inch I believe, just my concern if that the pinion will be a little off due to the gear ratio being different. I am concerned that it might not line up perfectly in the old case.
3.31
3.55
3.73
4.30
So...the real question is the axle spline count from your 2002 and the 2011/12 count. Both 11/12 should be 37 spline...but not certain. IMHO...it might just work.
Unfortunately...I don't have any true specs.
OBTW: YES...both axles are 10.50...so no worries there!
biz
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: PineyWoods
Just a thought, but if you have 4X4; what about a front locker?
I've seen it suggested before to use a performance LSD for everyday driveability in the rear with a locker in the front.
I thought the suggestion made a lot of sense.
I've seen it suggested before to use a performance LSD for everyday driveability in the rear with a locker in the front.
I thought the suggestion made a lot of sense.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
the 11/12 F250 is still a 35 spline, and the 11/12 F350 single tire axle is bigger with the 37 spline. This is from the specs sheet but that doesnt mean it's correct...... both are still the 10.5 inch ring gear