D35 Loced or L/S?

[97fordrunner]

I am in the process of planning a re-gear for my '97 ranger, i am gonna go with 4.88 gears and i am gonna lock the rear for sure and am wondering what kind of issues i might run into if i lock the front as well? I am running 33's and might go to 35's for the street and it is driven quite a bit to and from wheeling spots and work. thanks for any input guys

 

[Ranger44]

I would run a selectable locker or just leave it open. A locker might mess with steering. An L/S's performance is limited.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Running a locker would be fine with 33s, 35s would be alright if you didn't get too crazy unless you install full circle slips and larger u-joints, then I don't think you'd have any problems.

 

[Thumper113]

Do you live in a snowy region? If so, a front locker (unless it's a selectable locker) sucks on snowpacked/icy roads. It goes straight when you turn the steering wheel if it's slick out there. You'd probably be amazed at what just a rear locker will do for you on the trails. You'll have good handling on on slippery roads when you need the 4wd if the front is left open. I've broken 2 front axles but I was giving it hell when it happened both times. Once with 38's & the other with 37's. I was stupid with the skinny pedal & didn't need to be. If I did those obstacles normal (like I've done before), I seriously doubt the axle would've broke.

I'm not trying to discourage a front locker, just lettin' you know the truth about it. If you don't get any snow/ice.............yeah baby!!!...........Lock the front for sure

 

[Totalled]

Lock it.

 

[97fordrunner]

thanks for the help guys, i live in minnesota so yeah i get snow and ice but the only time i ever use 4x4 is when its deep and i am goin in to plow roads so the should be ok, and i probably won't get around to this project till march or so. Well thanks again for the info guys i was reading thru the list of what you guys are running and i think i'm gonna run lock-rites sounds like people are having decent luck with them