If anyone willing... Please help with some options

[Compbuilder]

what I got... 09 Ranger XL, 4 cyl, 5 speed, w/ air box mod, k&N, clutch fan removed, Diablosport tuner, BII rear sway bar

I am looking at getting a L/S or a locker for my 09 Ranger. I have a few mods on it including a Diablosport tune. Trouble is now... (even before) I have exessive wheel spin on wet, icy/snowy roads thanks to light weight in the back and added "GO" in it. Ive put bags of sand or salt in the back but it doesn't seem to really help a lot....... she'll still break loose at 40 mph <--- made that the American way for y'all (like it should be).

I use this as my daily driver so I'm a little turned off by the Powertrax Lock-Rite .... They have a Powertrax No Slip but its not available for 7.5. I really don't want to swap axle out... I know 8.8 is stronger and you can get 31 spline but I really don't need that ... as I said its just my daily driver... I just don't want to die.... yet

 

[Vexy]

Limited slip will be sufficient for a DD. As long as you aren't a hardcore offroader, you will be surprised what can be done with a L/S. Good luck man.

 

[Hagan]

Your truck should have a 28 spline 8.8. Not a 7.5.

You're are always going to be spinning tires in a 2wd. I used to have a 1991 2wd Toyota with an Aussie locker and 27" SSR Swampers. It was a great truck for light snow but when I got into deep snow you couldn't steer and there still wasn't any traction even with my aggressive tires. The reason I installed a locker was because boat ramps were becoming a problem...especially with gravel. But with the locker I had a lot more traction.

If I were you I would look at a Detroit locker or an electric or air locker (locks when you want it too!) and I would look for a new set of tires.

 

[Compbuilder]

My axle code is 86.... It's a 7.5 open rear for sure. I was thinking L/S.... now I have to try and pick one. I wish I would've gotton one from the factory

 

[4x4junkie]

Your truck should have a 28 spline 8.8. Not a 7.5.

AFAIK, the only year that got a 8.8" with a 4-cyl engine is '11.

Agreed, a good limited slip should be all you need. Any actual locker (except for a selectable, which I'm not sure any are made for a 7.5" anyway) is gonna have some driving quirks you won't have with an open diff or L/S.

I think the Detroit TrueTrac is available fr the 7.5, though you could also just throw a factory clutch-type one in there too and it should keep the one-wheel-peel at bay pretty much everywhere except offroad.

 

[Hagan]

Oops! Sorry for the misunderstanding!

I thought all Rangers got the 8.8 when they redesigned. You could always find a 8.8 LS and swap it.

 

[kryptonitecb]

Explorer 8.8 swap is real easy, did it in an afternoon on the first try and had it on the road by 9:00. While I understand you don't need the extra strength it opens up your options for lockers, and L/S, maybe even some gears to go with your tune

 

[Vexy]

I'm not sure if L/S or a locker will fix wheel spin in wet/snowy conditions. You may need to just change your driving style. Sounds like you have a lead foot. I have an open diff for now, and I have no problems as long as you accelerate nice and steady.

 

[Compbuilder]

Yeah I think I'll go with a L/S. Altough not as easy to find as an 8.8 rear they are still out there. It seems like too many cons with having a locker back there. Just gotta nip that wheel spin in the butt. Especially when i turn right.... it takes the weight off that rear passenger tire and suddly all hell brakes loose!


Thanks all for the reply's

 

[kryptonitecb]

I agree with vexy, especially if you have wheel spin when turning. The inside tire becomes your drive tire when you turn with an open diff. When you have your foot mashed down or even in slippery conditions that inside tire will break loose till it regains traction. Having a locker or L/S won't solve a leadfoot. Depending on the road conditions installing one might make your traction worse. If you have ice or snowy conditions regularly in your area you may want to get tires made for wet conditions. I've known guys up north that had a set of tires for summer and one for winter due to road conditions throughout the year.

 

[H311RzR]

The Eaton Truetrac is an amazing Helical gear limited slip! I put one in the mustang....what a difference! Its unique in that it dosent uses any wearable parts such as clutches, therefore its also extremely strong, and when it torques up its locked tight till the axle spin evens out. The slip tolerance is tight enough that in a maxed out turn in either direction the rear inside tire would skip a tiny bit. Normal driving it acts like an open diff.

 

[scrapper]

I am thinking if you raise the front end with a leveling kit may help with the weight transfer, don't know if it will help a lot. I remember reading in car craft drag racers would run 1 tire a little lower air pressure to help. I had 4.10 l/s and replaced it with a open 3.73, man I miss the l/s and the 4.10 also. You dont get the impression you are going to have the back end slide out. It feels like you have better control. It is still light in the back though. Good Luck