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been thinking about some sort or locker or l/s


snomaker321

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
740
City
mass
Vehicle Year
2004
Transmission
Automatic
I've been thinking about putting some sort of locker in my rear end or making it a l/s. I dont really need one as it is a DD street rig, but Id still like my truck to be fully capable and have no problems if I ever need it.(Plus I cant just leave things alone:icon_hornsup:)

I did a little reading and would really like to swap in an explorer axle with disc brakes and a l/s, but I think thats above my ability level. Next best would be a rear end out of an FX4 level II, but im sure thats gonna be next to impossible to find.

Would something like this http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Racing-M4204F288-Traction-Differential/dp/B000CEM44Y work?

What do you guys think is my best bet? Or am I better of just leaving it be?
 
you get snow and ice in the winter there (i used to live in Fitchburg/Leominster) so a l/s or locker wouldn't be a bad idea really. that is about the right price for that l/s. i had a new one i didn't use and sold it for $150 a few months ago. it should do the job for you and your dd.
actually, swapping axles for that 8.8 you want would be close to the same amount of skill level or maybe even easier.
good luck with your project!
 
Look up a detroit tru-trac. Great setup and no clutches to wear out.
 
you get snow and ice in the winter there (i used to live in Fitchburg/Leominster) so a l/s or locker wouldn't be a bad idea really. that is about the right price for that l/s. i had a new one i didn't use and sold it for $150 a few months ago. it should do the job for you and your dd.
actually, swapping axles for that 8.8 you want would be close to the same amount of skill level or maybe even easier.
good luck with your project!

In order to swap to an explorer axle i thought you had to relocate some of the mounting points. Maybe i need to look into this a bit more.

Look up a detroit tru-trac. Great setup and no clutches to wear out.

Way out of my budget at $470. I need to keep cost down in order to justify this. If i can do this for around or under $200 im good
 
It doesn't look like something that ever leaves the road so it's best to leave it alone.

An Explorer axle gains you nothing.

If you need a locker, I recommend the Powertrax Lock Right. It's easy to install and easy to learn to deal with. It doesn't seem like you'll get any value for the money spent though. It doesn't do anything useful if you don't get stuck anywhere now. I'd spend the money to upgrade the sound system or install an aftermarket catback exhaust--something you will actually notice when you drive the truck.
 
One of the cheapest ways to get a limited slip is to add an extra side gear shim/washer to a conventional diff. I've done that to a 9" and a d-28. I imagine that it would be similar for the 8.8". The cost is new diff fluid, gaskets and a new [or used] washer and your time. The 9" I've put ~ 20,000 miles on but the d-28 only 2000. No problems with either.

Richard
 
i don't mind the manners of a lunchbox locker on road.. aussie or lockrite.. almost unnoticeable.. if you ever get used to it, it won't bother you at all.

idk, some people don't like auto lockers in snow/ice, here in Mississippi, i don't know what snow and ice is so.......... do some research. there is a thread on here called "aussie street manners" or something like that, i started it. and there are other threads about how people think about certain lockers on the road. but at your budget its gonna be either a l/s or a lunchbox locker. i prefer the later...
 
It doesn't look like something that ever leaves the road so it's best to leave it alone.

An Explorer axle gains you nothing.

If you need a locker, I recommend the Powertrax Lock Right. It's easy to install and easy to learn to deal with. It doesn't seem like you'll get any value for the money spent though. It doesn't do anything useful if you don't get stuck anywhere now. I'd spend the money to upgrade the sound system or install an aftermarket catback exhaust--something you will actually notice when you drive the truck.

If I did an explorer swap, i would find one with disc brakes and a l/s.
Headunit is in. speakers and amp are sitting in my room waiting to go in.

I cant just leave something alone and i figured i might as well do something to help my truck. i might not get stuck now but you never know what I might face in the future

i don't mind the manners of a lunchbox locker on road.. aussie or lockrite.. almost unnoticeable.. if you ever get used to it, it won't bother you at all.

idk, some people don't like auto lockers in snow/ice, here in Mississippi, i don't know what snow and ice is so.......... do some research. there is a thread on here called "aussie street manners" or something like that, i started it. and there are other threads about how people think about certain lockers on the road. but at your budget its gonna be either a l/s or a lunchbox locker. i prefer the later...

I'll do some more research and see what i can find.


I know with my old tires I was doing alot of spinning in snow. Unfortunately i havent gotten to try my new ones out in snow yet.

Anyway, this is just an option im exploring. If anything, at least it gives me something else to keep an eye out for on craigslist
 
I'd go with the easy to install PowerTrax "No-Slip", cost the same as the Eaton but no gear set up required. Can be done in your dirveway with common tools, be done in less than two hours. Had mine in the Winter truck for 30K miles and not a problem. Got another set going in the 4x2.
Dave of the Nord
 
One of the cheapest ways to get a limited slip is to add an extra side gear shim/washer to a conventional diff. I've done that to a 9" and a d-28. I imagine that it would be similar for the 8.8". The cost is new diff fluid, gaskets and a new [or used] washer and your time. The 9" I've put ~ 20,000 miles on but the d-28 only 2000. No problems with either.

Richard

That's rubbish.
 
That's rubbish.

Is it? It's worked for me in my '68 Torino with a transplanted 429/c-6 and a 9" from a '58 Edsel [edit; the pumpkin came from an early '60's truck with 4.10 gears]. Also in the d-28 in the front of my '84 b-II. That knowledge was gleaned from a 'hot rod' magazine from the '80's, and it works.

Richard
 
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