ford newbie

[elk nuts]

Hi all, new to fords and I'm wanting to put 4.88's in my ranger but it's not clear what locker choice I have with a 8.8 28 spline with the limited slip. Some sites 4.88 and up with grind ?? I would like a power traxs first or a detroit but not sure what will work, any help would be great
truck is a 2007 ranger sport 2wd 3.0
thanks

 

[scotts90ranger]

a 3.0 will most likely have a 7.5" axle unless it's been swapped for a 8.8

 

[elk nuts]

Its says R7 on the door for axle ID ?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

My vote is the Detroit. Hands down the best locker I have used. No cables, air lines or wires. When you're on the throttle, its engaged. Plain and simple.

 

[scotts90ranger]

if you have a R7, that would be a limited slip 8.8, I don't know if there are any lockers for that setup (28 spline 8.8)... but you could load up the limited slip...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

There are a ton of lockers for the 28 spline 8.8......

Auburn Ected (more of a limited slip than a locker):
http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_48_294&products_id=500

Detroit locker:
http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_48_294&products_id=644

Eaton E-Locker:
http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_48_294&products_id=2812

Powertrax No Slip:
http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_48_294&products_id=431

Powertrax Lockright:
http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_48_294&products_id=428

My vote is still the Detroit.

 

[4x4junkie]

Only two lockers in my book are the Detroit Locker (if you want automatic operation) or ARB Air Locker (if you want selectable). Both are available for the 28 spl 8.8".

Most of the other selectable "lockers" tend not to be lockers at all (the ECTED being the best example), or lack a positive engagement mechanism (E-locker), rather they rely on ball ramps for engagement, which tends to disengage for a moment if you change from forward to reverse (and vice versa).

If budget is tight, then I'd say get an Aussie Locker. Remember this one is only as strong as the stock differential carrier though, which is not a known strong spot on 8.8s.

 

[scotts90ranger]

what I meant was whether or not there was a lunchbox locker for the LS 28 spline 8.8, that severely narrows down options

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I have an 8.8 open carrier on my shelf here if you want to go with a lock right or aussie locker. I'm in BC too.

 

[elk nuts]

I was more thinking what locker can I get if I have 4.88's ?. And can I get a lunch box locker with the LS ? because if I have to buy the open carrier for $200 plus locker I'm better off buying a Detroit I would think. Another question , this is going in a truck I'm building to race in the in few years but my girlfriend is going to DD it for this year, is she going to kill herself with a Detroit and 4.88's in a 2wd truck ? I have had toyotas in the past and I just welded up the spiders on those but I"ve never driven anything with a real locker.

 

[4x4junkie]

A Detroit's road manners aren't much different than any other auto-locker, although it does have a bit more lash in the couplers (you'll notice this most if you have a stickshift). Care should be given when accelerating through turns though, as this can cause the rearend to break loose and slide out if you nail the gas too hard (mainly when it's wet out). Expect some tire chirping at even medium throttle input.

L/S carrier narrows your lunchbox options, yes. I do believe the Powertrax No-Slip is among the few available. It's a bit more $$$ than std lunchbox units though, so it might be better in the long run to just get the Detroit.

Gear ratio doesn't change what lockers you can put in. At the most you might have to grind a ring gear tooth ever so slightly to get the differential crosspin back in (most lunchbox units require a full-round, not notched pin), but that's it.

 

[elk nuts]

Thanks that helps alot, and I think I'll just order a detroit with the gears. can't wait to do some dirt drifts

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Your truck is an automatic?

If so you won't even notice the Detroit being back there on the street. I know I don't with mine.

 

[elk nuts]

ya its auto