Almost time for upgrades
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Almost time for upgrades
Ok, it is time to do some upgrades.
I want to go to 4.56 or maybe 4.88 axle ratios and to 265/75 tires or larger. At the same time, I want to have either RAB lockers installed or a Tru-Track in the back with a E-Locker up front. Ideally it would be front and back E-lockers but they don't make E-lockers for the 10.5. Sigh.
I figured that I would buy the stuff on line (Randy's maybe) and get it installed locally. (of course!!)
Lots of questions. As most of you know, I research something until it screams. But this time, I am at a loss. So here goes.
Trying to figure out the best way to find a shop to do the axle work leaves me out. Any suggestions as to how to shop for one?
Mosta and others have done the 20" OEM wheel route. I can't seem to find a set of wheels at anything resembling a decent price. Any other suggestions is appreciated. Monsta please chime in on your upgrade pros and cons.
Tru-track? I heard they are not very strong. Anybody have info?
I know it is a lot to ask you guys about, but this one is a upgrade I wanted some opinions on, since I am at my wits end. The upgrade process starts in about 3 weeks when the money supply is complete.
Thanks in adavance for the help folks.
Bion
I want to go to 4.56 or maybe 4.88 axle ratios and to 265/75 tires or larger. At the same time, I want to have either RAB lockers installed or a Tru-Track in the back with a E-Locker up front. Ideally it would be front and back E-lockers but they don't make E-lockers for the 10.5. Sigh.
I figured that I would buy the stuff on line (Randy's maybe) and get it installed locally. (of course!!)
Lots of questions. As most of you know, I research something until it screams. But this time, I am at a loss. So here goes.
Trying to figure out the best way to find a shop to do the axle work leaves me out. Any suggestions as to how to shop for one?
Mosta and others have done the 20" OEM wheel route. I can't seem to find a set of wheels at anything resembling a decent price. Any other suggestions is appreciated. Monsta please chime in on your upgrade pros and cons.
Tru-track? I heard they are not very strong. Anybody have info?
I know it is a lot to ask you guys about, but this one is a upgrade I wanted some opinions on, since I am at my wits end. The upgrade process starts in about 3 weeks when the money supply is complete.
Thanks in adavance for the help folks.
Bion
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge NJ
Whats up man!
I've always had good luck with Detroit Lockers. My buddy just had both axles stuffed with Detroits ...and you really can’t feel/hear them disengage and engaged. He has a 03 Super Duty w/ a 6.0L and 40" Pitbull tires
I have a great shop near me...I'm just off the T-pike exit 11
Let me know if you need the info.
I've always had good luck with Detroit Lockers. My buddy just had both axles stuffed with Detroits ...and you really can’t feel/hear them disengage and engaged. He has a 03 Super Duty w/ a 6.0L and 40" Pitbull tires
I have a great shop near me...I'm just off the T-pike exit 11
Let me know if you need the info.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Bion, where have you read the Truetrac's aren't very strong? I'm curious to know.
I've had one in my Lightning for a few years now and it has endured tons of quarter mile passes as well as even more autocross runs. The L used to be my work truck until November of last year when I bought my F250, so it was always pulling a trailer loaded with 1500 to 2000lbs of everything you could imagine, and the diff never skipped a beat.
There are guys in the 7.3L forum that have Truetracs too. I don't think they've posted anything bad about them.
Stewart
I've had one in my Lightning for a few years now and it has endured tons of quarter mile passes as well as even more autocross runs. The L used to be my work truck until November of last year when I bought my F250, so it was always pulling a trailer loaded with 1500 to 2000lbs of everything you could imagine, and the diff never skipped a beat.
There are guys in the 7.3L forum that have Truetracs too. I don't think they've posted anything bad about them.
Stewart
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
I've had the true trac in the back now for 3/4 of a year. Never a problem. Has worked flawlessly, and I know that it did come in handy a few times.(both tires out back churning) As for the lockers, I think Scottf4444 has ARB lockers front and back. Also a good time to look into a better/new covers on the diffs front and back while you are in there, minimum the 09 stock alum cover.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Great. Now I find out that neither the Trutrac or the Elocker is available for the front Dana 50. The Trackloc was dropped and is a kludge, anyway.
That leaves the configurations of ARB front/rear, or ARB front/Truetrac rear. No way am I going to put in the Auburn unit with clutch packs.
That leaves the configurations of ARB front/rear, or ARB front/Truetrac rear. No way am I going to put in the Auburn unit with clutch packs.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
OK. Slightly off topic.
How expensive is it to change both differentials from say 3.73 to 4.10? Is it cheaper to change whole axle or to change just the gears? I've got limited slip 3.73 rear right now.
How expensive is it to change both differentials from say 3.73 to 4.10? Is it cheaper to change whole axle or to change just the gears? I've got limited slip 3.73 rear right now.
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
If you are keeping the same axle, it is much cheaper to just have the gears changed and add a Eaton Truetrac. (Better limited slip than factory. Much better)
Complete NEW axles go for greater than 3 grand and the sky is the limit. That is pretty much a stock. I've been calling around to try to find a used dana 60 from the front of a 2004 F250 so I could rebuild it with all the goodies, but have not had much luck so far. It would be a lot stronger than the Dana 50, and I would just rebuild it from scratch. Even that would be expensive.
It all depends on what you can find in the used market if it needs a rebuild or you can just bolt it on. BUT keeping and regearing your axles is the cheapest.
Complete NEW axles go for greater than 3 grand and the sky is the limit. That is pretty much a stock. I've been calling around to try to find a used dana 60 from the front of a 2004 F250 so I could rebuild it with all the goodies, but have not had much luck so far. It would be a lot stronger than the Dana 50, and I would just rebuild it from scratch. Even that would be expensive.
It all depends on what you can find in the used market if it needs a rebuild or you can just bolt it on. BUT keeping and regearing your axles is the cheapest.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
Why?
(For those who not familiar, the ECTED is limited slip when off, locked when on.)
You're not likely to wear our the clutches in the front axle. If your hubs are open & t-case in 2wd there is no movement in the front carrier. The clutches should last a long, long time.
Just wondering what your reasoning is.
(For those who not familiar, the ECTED is limited slip when off, locked when on.)
You're not likely to wear our the clutches in the front axle. If your hubs are open & t-case in 2wd there is no movement in the front carrier. The clutches should last a long, long time.
Just wondering what your reasoning is.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
Good decision. I have that set up and love it. I rarely use the front but when you have both locked, the thing is like a tank. You actually have to TRY to get stuck.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Howler- I have a dislike for clutchpack limited slips. I never had any luck with them in the past on the two vehicles I had with them in the rears. It is one of those things I steer clear of just because they can go bad at the worst time. And with the way my luck runs, it will.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
I did find a shop real near me that can do the job. West Deptford Transmission. The local Ford dealer sends their Tranny and differential work to them. He is supposed to call me with a labor estimate today or tomorrow.
Decided:
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
Decided:
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
I did find a shop real near me that can do the job. West Deptford Transmission. The local Ford dealer sends their Tranny and differential work to them. He is supposed to call me with a labor estimate today or tomorrow.
Decided:
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
Decided:
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Howler- I have a dislike for clutchpack limited slips. I never had any luck with them in the past on the two vehicles I had with them in the rears. It is one of those things I steer clear of just because they can go bad at the worst time. And with the way my luck runs, it will.
Decided:
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
4.56 gears with 285/75-16 tires
ARB Lockers front and rear.
The reason for the 4.56 is that with the 285 tires, the effective final ratio of 4.37 is close to factory 4.30. That will put me in the power band sweet spot.
With the bumper and winch install, everything should be done by Christmas. I hope!
Make sure you post pictures of the new front bumper and winch!
Stewart