Locker for my 2002 ford ranger front Diff. Dana 35 SLA.....Does this exist?

[Dana Albert]

I have a 2002 ford ranger 4x4 extended cab 4 door with Torsion and IFS. Is there a locker or a means to lock the front axles for more extreme wheeling?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yeah….

Dana 35 Differentials-Broncograveyard.com

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Also, I’m moving this to the appropriate section…

 

[Dana Albert]

well THAT wasn't helpful.
I am new here and I am hoping this is not the norm.

hoping for some real answers.

 

[pjtoledo]

the front diff in '98+ is not a regular Dana 35 so verify fitment.
they are a smaller version, only have 8 ring gear bolts on 7.652(?) inches.
Torsen makes a geared LSD that fits, but only manufactures them in occasional batch runs so they are hard to get.
hang in here, someone will eventually have some better info.

give us a hint about your skill level so we can give better answers & comments.

pics and descriptions of your Ranger are always welcome.

 

[2011Supercab]

Yeah….

Dana 35 Differentials-Broncograveyard.com

well THAT wasn't helpful.
I am new here and I am hoping this is not the norm.

hoping for some real answers.

Why do you think that wasn't helpful?

Click on the link he provided and it shows what is available

 

[Uncle Gump]

well THAT wasn't helpful.
I am new here and I am hoping this is not the norm.

hoping for some real answers.

Let's all take a deep breath... nobody should get their feathers ruffled here.

@pjtoledo gave you the info that I would give. @gw33gp runs that Torsen up front and could likely answer a question you might have about one. You might be able to pre order one... but I'm unsure of that.

This has been discussed here before... I'll do a little searching and see what I can find.

 

[Dana Albert]

I see the link. missed it first time around. I thought he was trying to sell me something.
That been said, I have a 2002 ford ranger XLT 4x4 with IFS and torsion suspension.
My research has indicated that the front Differential in the truck is an open carrier type Dana 35 SLA (Short/Long arm) 27 spline.
I have just lifted the truck (Torsion bar) with a 4" inch lift. Obviously I am not real happy with the torsion bars and the key assemblies hanging so low but my bigger concern right now is the Open carrier diff that is in the Dana 35 SLA. I have been looking for a solution (other than solid axle swap) to get locker in the front and haven't found anything that can drop in or that can work at all.
The truck is in very good condition, and I am considering "go large" on this project but I would first like to see if I can get a locker for my existing front end. I am told that solutions are limited at the drop ins don't have a way to lock the axles (CVA) into place with a snap ring or some other way.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dana Albert]

Sorry lil-Blue_Ford !

 

[Uncle Gump]

D35 SLA Locker?

Like it says, has anyone squeezed a fully selectable diff locker (Eaton, OX, ARB) into a D35 SLA, while the front suspension is still stock? What about with a 4" lift? Stock it is a very tight fit to get a fully rounded diff cover in there, if it is at all possible. I'm not asking about the...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[pjtoledo]

since you mentioned "extreme wheeling" with a 2002 front factory axle.....

the one on the left/bottom is a plain 'ol 8.8 with 28 splines. on the right/top is your front diff. cute 'lil thing ain't it?

 

[Dana Albert]

UGH!
Just checked with https://shop.broncograveyard.com and they don't a remedy.
Also checked with Torsen and got this......

 

[sgtsandman]

Because of the possibility of the CV shafts snapping, a locker in a Dana 35 SLA isn't recommended. I believe there are a couple companies that make a lunch box locker that replaces your spider gears that will fit. I would imagine there will be quite a learning curve using one of those in a front axle.

If you are interested in the Torsen LSD, call or email them and ask that you be put on the list to contact when they are available. They are unsure that the time posted on the website will be met because of supply issues but will send out notifications as soon as they have them in stock.

For what it is worth, these Rangers are pretty capable off roaders as is and even better with either and LSD or locker in the rear axle. An LSD in the front is just a bonus that will be mostly transparent.

The last trip we were on in Kentucky, I only needed to lock the rear axle once just because the rear end was kicking out in the mud. The rest of the trip, the axle was left unlocked. I probably could have gotten through without it but I had it, might as well use it.

 

[Dana Albert]

Thanks for your input Sgtsandman!! Given that you feel these trucks are pretty capable, would you suggest putting in a lunch box and wait for the time when Torsen has a fit or would you leave it as is until that time.
I don't plan to do super heavy duty wheeling with this at this time (Trails, steep climbs over logs and rocks and some mud).
I will need to be able to carry a load in the back as I am developing 120 acres in Hinsdale NH to host wheeling events, camping and overlanding and need to get supplies etc. to the top of the mountain.

Thoughts?

 

[sgtsandman]

Thanks for your input Sgtsandman!! Given that you feel these trucks are pretty capable, would you suggest putting in a lunch box and wait for the time when Torsen has a fit or would you leave it as is until that time.
I don't plan to do super heavy duty wheeling with this at this time (Trails, steep climbs over logs and rocks and some mud).
I will need to be able to carry a load in the back as I am developing 120 acres in Hinsdale NH to host wheeling events, camping and overlanding and need to get supplies etc. to the top of the mountain.

Thoughts?

From what you describe, you really don't need anything in the front end. I've gotten places in the 2011 with open differentials that Rangers with a rear locker had to make a second go to my first attempt.

Consider this, to do any work on the front axle, you need to drop the axle because the front of the axle sits so close to the cross member. This includes changing the axle fluid, unless you drill and tap the housing for a drain plug like I did.

Better to wait and be "one and done" with the LSD. There is going to be enough work with installing that as it is anyway without adding in the installing and removing of a lunchbox locker.

I would focus on a good set of mud terrain or all terrain tires and a rear locker, which will be more useful in most situations than a front locker. A front LSD or locker is just icing on the cake.