Can you stand another locker question?

[JimJa1943]

'05, 4-dr, 4.0L, 5 sp, 4x4, 3.73 L/S.

I'm going to change my gears to 4.10 and while those gears are being changed I'd like to install a "stronger" L/S or Locker. What do you all think?

Here's what I am considering.

- Ford Trac-loc (sometimes marketed as a Ford "Racing" L/S).
- Electric locker
- Eaton E-locker (the one with the cone L/S in addition to electrically locking).
- Don't want to install a lunch-box locker - at least at the moment.

What is the life expectancy of the Trac-loc and E-locker (it's a cone type and will wear out)?
Is Ford's Trac-loc have a higher pre-load than the standard L/S? What's it life expectancy?
Are there any other L/S units with a higher preload and long life worthy of consideration? Experience with?

I've read most everything I can find on this great site and still don't know what exactly I want. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[92ranger2wd]

What are you planning on using your truck for? I'd stay away from anything limited slip, as it will eventually burn up and become weak. Limited slips, even when new, will always fail when you need them most such as in a tight flex. I'd go with a locker. Powertrax makes a locker that will work with factory limited slip diffs like yours.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The only limited slip I would consider is the Detroit Tru-trac.

 

[Hahnsb2]

OK, the Eaton E-locker is an open or locked diff, no LS. The Auburn ECTED is selectable between LS and "locker", except it doesn't positively lock, therefore a POS, IMO. The trac lock is the same thing that's in your truck now, a POS.

I'd still go for an auto locker...

 

[Will]

There is nothing wrong with a lunchbox locker. I have had one (Lockright) in the rear of my truck for 9 years and in the front for 8 years. They get smoother with age. The rear one in my B2 is so smooth you wouldn't know it was there and it still works great.

 

[JimJa1943]

Thank each of you for your replies. I didn't mention how the truck is used.

There are six miles of gravel from my place in Wyoming to the highway and at various times I encounter mud (it's like gumbo and sticks so bad the pressure washer has difficulty getting it off), snow, and hills (a good friend's place requires 4x4 just to get up his 1/4 mile drive). There are also a fair number of switchback corners.

The truck remains at the cabin year round and makes one yearly 2,000 mile trip, mostly freeway. I also tow an ATV on a trailer ~1,100Lbs) about 1,000 miles each year. Mileage is about 5,000 miles a year. I'm not "into" serious off-roading and the truck is used mainly as a "go-to" and work truck.

I don't think I need too much help beyond the OEM L/S, but want something stronger. I really like the idea of Auburn's ECTED but understand it wears to the point it ends up being an open axle.

With a lunch-box are there abnormal tire wear issues? Are the Ford's axles strong enough to handle the constant locking/unlocking of a lunch-box, particularly when the truck is loaded?

I've been lurking for some time and this site is really great, with great people. Thanks again.

 

[Tractorman]

Powertrax No-slip. It's the cat's meow. Smooth as can be, awesome traction. Don't even need the 4wd in the mud with good tires.

 

[92ranger2wd]

I've never heard of abnormal tire wear issues when running a lunch-box locker. It would certainly have better wear than running a welded or spooled axle, which would eat up tires due to the axle being permanently locked. As for strength, the stock axle is fine, especially for the type of use that you'll be putting on it. There are plenty of people who run stock axles with lockers that go through much rougher terrain, such as rock-crawling, and they do this with much larger tires as well.
One more thing, a lunchbox locker is easy to install. If you can turn a wrench you can install one without a problem.

 

[brendank]

Do the lunchbox locker. I've gone through the l/s thing, and IMO it's a waste even for on the street. Mine was toast in 6 months.

There are way too many opinions out there that make lunchbox lockers seem more harsh than they really are.

I run a detroit in the back of my truck and -Nathan- has a lockright in the back of his. In most cases, you wouldn't even know that either of them are there. Other than the odd pop once every ~30 trips, you wouldn't notice much difference from stock, except for the obvious added traction.

There can be some tire scrub on corners as well, but most people including myself don't notice any significant difference in tire wear vs open.

Hope this helps.

 

[pdmustgt]

If you going to put in a locker put in Detroit locker. You may spend more money at first but in the long run you will come out ahead

 

[JohnnyO]

Powertrax No-slip. It's the cat's meow. Smooth as can be, awesome traction. Don't even need the 4wd in the mud with good tires.

I second the Powertrax No-Slip for your application.