dana 35 front diff lock

[ChristineTheRedRanger]

Hi everyone. I have an 01 ranger edge named christine I use for wheeling. 4L SOHC, automatic trans, 8.8 rear, dana 35 front, 4.10 gear ratio, electronically actuated 4x4.
I've starting shopping around for diff locker to install in the front. I don't want to "lincoln lock" it, but I also don't want to spend a ton of money either. She's a woods beater, not a competition truck. I found a locker on amazon (the Powertrax 2311-LR Lock-Right (Dana 35)). Description says for 27 spline axles and for 1993 and later models. Amazon says it fits my ranger, but I want to make sure before buying. I did read in one of the threads that the front axles are 27 spline for my year range, so I'm lead to believe that it will work.
What are your thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/Powertrax-2311-LR-Lock-Right-Dana-35/dp/B000GVDKU0/ref=sr_1_5?crid=ZWQIU07J2O7T&dchild=1&keywords=front+differential+locker&pd_rd_r=117e7a73-7c06-42f0-b275-ab225576cbcc&pd_rd_w=HHlmN&pd_rd_wg=PnGMm&pf_rd_p=ce8592e7-3f5d-4c47-8fd0-5053ffa3307b&pf_rd_r=DZ90WMMACQYNK4FZGH6Y&pid=EPlELmS&qid=1633534724&sprefix=differential+locker+front%2Caps%2C248&sr=1-5&vehicle=2001-54-696-723-34-77-11-8-3482--9-1-942-153-&vehicleName=2001+Ford+Ranger

 

[dvdswan]

It would be better to have a selectable locker or LSD for the front axle. A locker can make it difficult to turn. Aside from that I've used the lunchbox lockers before and was pleased with the operation and cost.

 

[Curious Hound]

I agree that selectable is better. But I'm not rich. So I run an Aussie locker in mine which is similar (same principle) as the lock-rite. It does make it more difficult to turn sharp in 4wd. But all that means is that sometimes you have to do a 3 point or 4 point turn to get around sharp, tight switch-backs on trails. For the money, it's great and in 2wd, it has no affect on turning. So road manners are fine.

I have Aussies front and rear in my truck and the performance surprises me all the time. I like them.

 

[ChristineTheRedRanger]

I agree that selectable is better. But I'm not rich. So I run an Aussie locker in mine which is similar (same principle) as the lock-rite. It does make it more difficult to turn sharp in 4wd. But all that means is that sometimes you have to do a 3 point or 4 point turn to get around sharp, tight switch-backs on trails. For the money, it's great and in 2wd, it has no affect on turning. So road manners are fine.

I have Aussies front and rear in my truck and the performance surprises me all the time. I like them.

Do you have a website link to the front and rear lockers you mentioned?

 

[Curious Hound]

Do you have a website link to the front and rear lockers you mentioned?

I think I ordered mine through Yukon. But there are other sellers.

Automatic Locker – Torq-Masters

www.torqmasters.com

I think there may also be a Spartan locker for our axles.

 

[sgtsandman]

I believe the 2001 has the Dana 35 SLA. They aren't as strong as the TTB Dana 35 axles on the earlier generation Rangers because of the half shafts. If you decide to go ahead with a front locker, tread lightly and make sure you bring tools and spare half shafts in case you break one. Me personally, I wouldn't go with more than a limited slip in a Dana 35 SLA.