Lock-right and gearing...

[Surrey]

That also depends on wether your ls even works. They are clutch based, and operate as open diffs after a while because the clutches wear. 100 000 miles is about how long they survive I am told.

If the truck has to be used as a daily driver in snow,i wouldn't get an automatic locker up front... a locker up front will destroy your ability to steer in snow in 4wd.
your rear axle usually does up to 80% of the work,i say lock that first.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

When I spoke with the rep at lock-right, he said it would be fine as long as I have a way to make the front free-wheel from the t-case.

When I get my t-case repaired, I plan on doing the "brown wire mod" so I have control over when the 4x4 kicks in.

 

[BLOODBANE]

If your only doing street driving and little wheeling I would lock the rear and leave the front alone for now. I have Lock-Rights in the front of my Explorer(rear also) and Ranger. Even though they "un-lock", they are a PITA to drive on the street(locks the front axle in, and steering is tough, as a locked axle will be). I usually end up just locking one hub in and driving it that way so it has some kind of decent street manners. Just something else to think about.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Ahh...but the '99 explorer doesn't rely on locking hubs to engage the front end...it's all done through the t-case through the electronic clutch. so when the 4x4 isn't working...there's NO force on the front end at all.

 

[racsan]

dont know if there made anymore, but if the budget would allow, id go with the arb air-locker. lock 'em up like a spool when off-road, unlock for the highway, and you can control them independently, just lock the rear if you wanted to. on gears id go with the 4.56

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Yeah...not nearly in the budget. lol. But if I were to go that way, I'd probably go electro-lock. Don't want any air crap to be fussing with.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I locked my front first, knowing that I'll be installing a LS 8.8. I think it will make a great combo for the trails...... but it's pretty much a trail only rig, so it's a little different situation for me. I have the F-150 to get me around in the snow, if the locker ever becomes an issue.

If I were you I'd stick with the 4.10's, and spend your money on a selectable locker for the front. There is a lot of weight up front (lots of traction with a locker) Other people may differ, but to each his own.

 

[superds]

Ahh...but the '99 explorer doesn't rely on locking hubs to engage the front end...it's all done through the t-case through the electronic clutch. so when the 4x4 isn't working...there's NO force on the front end at all.

There's nothing to disengage the front hubs from the differential so they are always engaged, if it's like my AWD Explorer. I believe yours is more like the Rangers that don't have hub disconnect. The Tcase may be disengaged but the front wheels are still connected to the differential, always.

I would do the rear locker first. Probably do what someone suggested and get a used carrier and an Aussie locker for the rear. Leave the front open for now and probably stick with your 4.10 gears, 33" tires. Drive like that for a while and see how you like it. If your Explorer seems sluggish then change your gears. This will help spread the cost out over time to do all the work. When you do gears you could add a front limited slip (I don't think I would recommend a locker on the front of a vehicle that you can't disengage the hubs) at that time if you decide you want one.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

^ Sounds like a plan.

I visited the shop that did the work on Bull90's Military Mazda. I'll be talking to Sam about some prices. They start at $300 for a custom lift setup..so we'll see.