99 Ranger front locker

[MEWolf]

This has probably been talked about before, but I would like "real world" experience from someone who has put a locker in the front of the 98-11 Ranger. I understand the CV axles are the weak link, but if caution is applied and no tire taller than a 33 is used, will it last a fairly long time? I am planning to make changes to my Ranger (112,000 miles) and want to plan it out correctly. I WILL NOT put in a Solid Axle, so please don't even suggest it. I plan to use the Powertrax No Slip locker which is less severe than a Lock Right. Thanks for a reply.

 

[MEWolf]

Also, Rocky Road Outfitters seems to think the Powertrax Grip Pro (detroit truetrac copy) will fit the front differential. Any feedback on this possibility?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I know one fella that has done a Torsen... not sure about a lunch box.

@gw33gp may have insight on the Torsen and has many "real world" miles on it.

 

[MEWolf]

Thanks, but the TORSEN is unavailable or I'd get it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Last time I looked they had them... but it was awhile ago.

 

[sgtsandman]

With the Dana35 SLA Axle, 32" tires is considered the safe limit with any kind of locker. Torsen still sells and makes the LSD, they only do them in batches once a year and people who called and put themselves on the list get first dibs. I believe the next run is supposed to be this summer.

With an LSD, you can go bigger than 32" since there is less stess on the CV shafts. Someone who has run them can tell you what size tire they have. gw33gp is the only one on here that I know of and I think he runs the tire size you are talking about.

 

[MEWolf]

Thanks for that info! I did not know Torsen makes those limited slips only once a year. Every time I looked for them the place I looked said "not in stock, don't know when or if they will be". I need to put in a locker or limited slip prior to May 1st. The TORSEN would probably not be available. However, Powertrax makes a limited slip similar to the Detroit Truetrac (operates on same principle from my interpretation). Wonder if that would work? Rocky Road Outfitters lists it for my truck on their website and I have sent them a question to verify it will work.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thanks for that info! I did not know Torsen makes those limited slips only once a year. Every time I looked for them the place I looked said "not in stock, don't know when or if they will be". I need to put in a locker or limited slip prior to May 1st. The TORSEN would probably not be available. However, Powertrax makes a limited slip similar to the Detroit Truetrac (operates on same principle from my interpretation). Wonder if that would work? Rocky Road Outfitters lists it for my truck on their website and I have sent them a question to verify it will work.

To get on the list, you have to call their customer service. The limited slip version Powertrax might work ok. I just worry about binding while steering. I think, but I'm not sure, that @Curious Hound has something like that in his front axle. I may be confusing the installation with his rear axle.

 

[Curious Hound]

To get on the list, you have to call their customer service. The limited slip version Powertrax might work ok. I just worry about binding while steering. I think, but I'm not sure, that @Curious Hound has something like that in his front axle. I may be confusing the installation with his rear axle.

I have a lunchbox locker in both axles. Selectable is the way to go for either or both. They're just so expensive. The lunchbox lockers are affordable. They just take some different operating habits.

 

[MEWolf]

Curious Hound Overland: Thanks!! I had a Lock Right in my old Commando, and therefore am familiar how they work and act. I was just wanting to know how often they take out the front axles? CVs are not that strong, but then again I am a Jeep guy and have pushed things too far at times. This Ranger is teaching me to back off a little, which is a good thing. At 70 I don't need to prove anything, just keep it together. I want to try overlanding, but not sure I can do that by myself. Powertrax does NOT list that limited slip as an application for the Ranger, so not sure it will fit. I'll see what Rocky Road has to say as I asked them is their mechanics have installed one in that application. Oh! I DO have locking hubs installed, which helps with lockers in the front. I agree with selectable lockers as waaaayyy too expensive.

 

[sgtsandman]

Curious Hound Overland: Thanks!! I had a Lock Right in my old Commando, and therefore am familiar how they work and act. I was just wanting to know how often they take out the front axles? CVs are not that strong, but then again I am a Jeep guy and have pushed things too far at times. This Ranger is teaching me to back off a little, which is a good thing. At 70 I don't need to prove anything, just keep it together. I want to try overlanding, but not sure I can do that by myself. Powertrax does NOT list that limited slip as an application for the Ranger, so not sure it will fit. I'll see what Rocky Road has to say as I asked them is their mechanics have installed one in that application. Oh! I DO have locking hubs installed, which helps with lockers in the front. I agree with selectable lockers as waaaayyy too expensive.

Keep in mind. Curious Hound has a TTB Dana 35. So, the application is a bit different. They are a little stronger than the SLA until you get to the hubs but the differential is similar, being 27 spline. I think the input is different though. In anycase, he should be helpful on the drivability side of having a lunchbox locker/lsd in the front.

 

[Curious Hound]

Keep in mind. Curious Hound has a TTB Dana 35. So, the application is a bit different. They are a little stronger than the SLA until you get to the hubs but the differential is similar, being 27 spline. I think the input is different though. In anycase, he should be helpful on the drivability side of having a lunchbox locker/lsd in the front.

That's correct. I can speak to driveability. But I wontvouch for CV joints. Just no experience with them.

 

[MEWolf]

Ok, thanks! Just fishing for real experience. Wish I had a TTB axle, but I like my 4 doors on the Supercab.

 

[gw33gp]

Having locking hubs would be a big help with an automatic locker in the front. I don't have experience with an auto locker in the front but have experience with a Detroit locker in the rear. When accelerating, the Torsen almost acts like a locker.

I use 4WD a lot in the rain especially when starting from a stop. I have learned to accelerate lightly when going around a moderately sharp corner. The front Torsen with its locker-like tendency on acceleration makes the vehicle want to go straight under hard acceleration. It is not a problem if you are aware of it and compensate with more steering input. The problem is if you let up on the gas pedal it will suddenly turn in on you. If you go around a corner without or lightly accelerating, it is like an open axle, and you don't even know there is an LSD in the front. I think an auto locker in the front would be even more sensitive to this and be more jerky about it. Unlocking the hubs would make this problem go away.

That is the only significant issue I have had with the Torsen in the front. I have learned to drive in a way that keeps this from happening. With the many years I have use the Torsen off-road, I can tell you the Torsen up front makes a big difference and works very nicely with the Torsen in the rear. In mud, sand, rock crawling, moguls and anything else I have thrown at it, it just keeps going. When I just had the rear Torsen, I had to work with the vehicle to keep it going. Now, I just pay attention to my line and let the Ranger pull me through.

In 2WD, the front Torsen is not noticeable. I imagine an auto locker would be similar with the exception of occasional clicking depending on what type of auto locker you have. Again, with hubs unlocked, that would go away.

 

[MEWolf]

Thanks for all the help! I appreciate it!