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What options are available for TTB front axles?
I don't own a 4x4 so I can't just take it apart and see. I've looked briefly at the D44 TTB in an F150 and noticed there is no front cover, seems the axle housing is solid. Does that limit traction aid availabilty?
If I end up with an F250 4x4, I'm going to want both front tires spinning. And I've been considering going the F250 route because it may ride a little nicer than a monobeam 60. For a truck that won't see much time with a plow or serious work, I'd enjoy the nicer ride.
Why bother getting into a 4x4? Just so I can move in the winter when I gotta get out and the 2wd F350 gets stuck in the driveway...yes it's pretty embarassing stuck in your own driveway...
Let me sidetrack briefly, 2wd diesels with a manual transmission don't belong in snowstorms. I can't even let the clutch out in 3rd gear with excellent tires without breaking traction and just spinning. My gasser F350 2wd is better in the snow only because the engine will bog down when you let the clutch out. With the engine bogged down, it's easier to limt immediate torque to the wheels which will break traction and leave you spinning the tires.
you dont need a front cover for traction. theres no cover because the 3rd member comes out like a ford 9" rear. you can get lockers for the ttb if you need.
My wife prefers the way our '86 F250 rides to our '00 F350. She likes the smooth D50. I think it's a pretty tough axle.
My wife and I were moving grass bails with my stepdad's 1-ton Chebby dually gasser 4x4. With one ton of grass in the bed, the front end went BOOM when going over a small dike. Parked. Obviously a real truck was needed... '86 F250 w/ a worn out D50 in the front. Effortless and no damage.
The carriers on D44 are the same for the TTB D44's, same as the carriers for the D50 are the same of the TTB D50's.
I would find a limited slip carrier for your axle, and swap that in place of the factory open diff. For snow & ice, lockers are take a good bit of getting used to. They grab hard, all the time, and can create some interesting slipping action
I just realized an OX cable locker is out of the question. It needs the front cover because the shift mechanism is built into the cover. I'd prefer a selectable locker, so ARB might be the only option for that.
Or I could go with a Detroit and only lock my hubs when I'm ready to really go.
Or I could get a Limited Slip and run it. I'm hesitant on the LSD's because they just seem to wear out. My Dad's 03 F350 was ordered with a rear LSD and it never really worked from the beginning. One rear tire in snow, the other on dry pavement and the tire with traction doesn't even spin.
Maybe an aggressively built LSD in the front and an OX locker in the rear.
Opinions?
Personally I'd go with the Auburn Electric posi/lock. It's electrically operated and in OFF mode it's a limited slip and turn it ON and it's full time locked.
The ARB requires an air source, airlines, and a hope and a prayer the o-ring inside doesn't leak leaving you dead, open differential.
id still prefer air locker. already got onboard air. e-locker can burn up and leave you just as stranded.
You'll think of me when that o-ring fails and all you got is the hiss coming from your diff, then realizing you'll need to pull both axles and carrier to change it! Of course anything can happen with any unit. I didn't break axles until I locked both axles. Not the lockers fault. I save my OBA for the impact gun or blowing up the 35's. Oh yeah, and the duece & 1/2 trumpets.
You'll think of me when that o-ring fails and all you got is the hiss coming from your diff, then realizing you'll need to pull both axles and carrier to change it! Of course anything can happen with any unit. I didn't break axles until I locked both axles. Not the lockers fault. I save my OBA for the impact gun or blowing up the 35's. Oh yeah, and the duece & 1/2 trumpets.
Don't those electronically activated lockers fail in the undesirable position?
I think oreo will be breaking things with lockers and those tires.
Don't those electronically activated lockers fail in the undesirable position?
I think oreo will be breaking things with lockers and those tires.
Think about it, What's "undesirable"? An electric locker that if fails is still limited slip, OR an air locker that fails and your left with an open diff?
I know what I'd want.
There's more to them arb's than the o-ring leaking. If any of the air fittings leaks or a electric solinoid fail your dead in te water again. I guess if you plan on carrying fittings, a roll of tubing, spare solinoids, spare compressor and what not you may be able to repair it on the trail but it's all too troublesome. I've seen alot of problems associated with the air lockers. There's a reason Toyota TRD's come with electric rear locker (& Jeep Rubiicons), simplicity and reliability with less to go wrong. Just talking from experience, I know the Aussies need to eat to but add up all the items needed and you'll see you'll come out ahead with the electric LS/Locker.
really, spare compressor? you are off the wall. so you plan on carrying spare alternator, spare batteries, spare rolls of wire, electrical tape and cutting tools. tooks to remove your diff cover and extra gear oil? no, thats a retarded argument
Think about it, What's "undesirable"? An electric locker that if fails is still limited slip, OR an air locker that fails and your left with an open diff?
I know what I'd want.
There's more to them arb's than the o-ring leaking. If any of the air fittings leaks or a electric solinoid fail your dead in te water again. I guess if you plan on carrying fittings, a roll of tubing, spare solinoids, spare compressor and what not you may be able to repair it on the trail but it's all too troublesome. I've seen alot of problems associated with the air lockers. There's a reason Toyota TRD's come with electric rear locker (& Jeep Rubiicons), simplicity and reliability with less to go wrong. Just talking from experience, I know the Aussies need to eat to but add up all the items needed and you'll see you'll come out ahead with the electric LS/Locker.
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