I have a 2000 2wd SD with a 7.3. I also have the factory 3.73 LS rear end. From the get go I have not been impressed with the performance of the LS. I get stuck in wet grass and on boat ramps and the other day on a steep gravel road.

I am not looking go off-roading, but I would like to not get stuck on a boat ramp, wet grass or gravel roads. What is the best option for me?

-ARB air locker
-Detroit TrueTrac
-Powertrax Lock-Right

My truck is stock with Michelin LTXs.

 

True Trac.

 

X2. I'm really liking mine. Only had it about 2 weeks, but no complaints so far. No more 4x4 to back my boat up into the grass on the side of my house.

 

That sounds exactly like my problem. If a TrueTrac can solve this, then I'll almost be 100% satisfied.

But not considering money, this is still a better option that ARB?

 

It's a 20ft Triton with a 200, and I live on a decent slope. Check my recent Duratrac thread I just posted to see kinda what my yard is like. I had no chance with the old LS. True trac got it done.

 

If you need on board air, then ARB is a consideration. There are also some considerations based on what your weather is like year round. Some people don't like driving with a more aggressive LS if they see a lot of snow and ice. I wanted the "thoughtless" operation of a good LS. Don't see THAT much snow and ice here in Arkansas.

 

I live in East Tennessee, which is pretty hilly. Not much snow, mostly wet grass, boat ramps, and gravel roads.

If the TrueTrac solves these problems then great. But I'd hate to install this only to wish I would have gone ARB route the first time.

But any suggestion from a guy with Early Cuyler as his avatar has got to be good.

 

I have used detroit lockers many times in the past. I love them. Saving my pennies for one now for the SD. The selectability of the ARB would be nice, but the locker isn't the only thing to install. You will have compressor, air tank, lines, etc. IMO the true trac would be better for your app.

 

The TrueTrac really does sound like the best option for you. No differential is perfect for every possible scenario... So you have to pick which is most likely to meet your needs most of the time!

Where might you regret it and wish you had the ARB? Hmmm....
In a situation where one wheel is airborne and the other has great traction and needs to apply LOTS of torque (think rock crawling). I would hope that is extremely unlikely for you!
Trying to move across a serious off camber (sideways slope) surface that is extremely slippery (think ICE or muddy, snotty dirt). So technical the truck is barely holding on. Major bum pucker situation.... In that situation, you would prefer to have only one rear tire spin when you apply too much power. If both spin (as will happen with TrueTrac or any engaged locker), the rear end will slide downhill and get you all kinds of crossed up. Or into a tree. This is the situation where a selectable locker really shines.

I've run Lock-Rights in other vehicles, and while they are a serious bargain and wonderful for off-roading, they are rather intrusive on asphalt. I feel the same about Detroit Lockers, but to somewhat less of a degree. More tire chirping, popping, ratcheting, other "breaking things" sounds, axle binding, and other noises and "character" that I find intrusive. They also induce understeer when accelerating while turning, as well as make steering feel heavy. Can catch unprepared drivers off guard.

 

As long as we're spending YOUR money, I really like the selectabilty of the ARB!

 

Try setting the parking brake about half-way. That's a dirt cheap fix for the problems you've described. Just remember to release the brake once you get going!

Gravel roads? Really???

 

not to hijack but i was thinking about installing a locker for the same reason but i do tow a large 5th wheel is a locker still a wise choice?

 

What about getting an electric locker from a 2011?
I don't know if they'll bolt in, or if you'd need to get the entire axle.

 

I think its a different pumpkin (Eaton doesn't show them for the earlier 10.25s) , had my eye on that one, good set-up.

 

A selectable locker, yes, absolutely. Just leave it NOT engaged unless you really need it. An automatic, not so much as it will be pretty hard on tires.