Need advice on rear locker....please.

[GMWIGGS]

I know this has been asked a thousand times but I need info based on what I actually have.

I have a 2000 ext 2wd cab ranger 3.0 auto trans, 7.5 rearend 373 gears.
I've done some searching and found a lot of good info, but I'm still not sure what I should get.

I use my truck for a DD and also to hunt with on weekends during hunting season (which is beginning of October and ends January 1st) so it will see a lot of mud puddles during that time. Other that I also get it a little dirty about every other weekend or so when we run our dogs. I'm not crawling over rocks or anything like that. I'm just going through mud holes, some are slick and some are hard bottom. I like the idea of pushing a button and locking it in, but damn are they pricey! So, it looks like its going to be a drop it locker of some sort. Based on the above use criteria, what would be the best option for me reguarding lockers?

[4x4junkie]

Unless you swap to the 8.8" rearend, you're kindof limited.

The Lockright I know is available for the 7.5, and I think the Aussie Locker. The Detroit Locker is also available (and would be by far the strongest option). All of these are full-time lockers that operate automatically.

If you swap to the 8.8", that would open the door to having a selectable locker (such as the ARB), along with drop-ins such as the No-Slip which is said to be smoother than the Lockright (and similar).

Given your use, I would definitely consider a locker (vs. a limited slip). Which one will more than likely have to be based on availability and budget however.

Hope that helps.

[Nhaz]

Where i am during this time of year the roads can go from good shape to unfreaking drivable without a 4x4 in only the space of a few hours. I have no experiance with anything but the limited slip. but it is damn nice for traction on horrible roads.

It also can easily light up both rear tires even on perfect traction pavement. you have to be gentle with it on wet or bad roads in 2wd. But you will still have far better traction with it then without it.

[GMWIGGS]

Well doing my research I've found only the Lockright and the Detroit Locker. I went to Aussie website and they didn't indicate on the list that they had a locker available for my truck. I drive about 52 miles round trip to work every day. So Lock right or Detroit locker are my options right now. Which one would you choose and why? Any and all comments and opinions are appreciated.

[slammer67]

definitely detroit if you got the cash, it'd be the most dependable, the lockright replaces your spider gears an is easy to install without paying a shop or pro. but I'd be worried about the strength of the lockright in a tiny 7.5" axle. If your tire size was reasonable, you should have no probs with the lockright.

but for $5-600 plus about $200 or more install to do a detroit, you could shop around for an 8.8" with better gears (like 4.10's) and a posi or locker for way less than that. or even an explorer model with disc brakes. just my 2 cents.

The locker - detroit or lockright is gonna require some changes to your driving style also, as both axles will be locked when you give it gas, you don't want to be accelerating during a turn, or you could kick the rear out and spin out.

you can get a 7.5 with a limited slip from the factory, maybe you could find a used one for cheap.