your opinion please!

[Spitfire1975]

Wondering what peoples thoughts were on open vs. limited slip diffs. I am trying to figure out what I am going to do with an axle swap. I don't go wheeling but I do drive a lot of gravel and snow covered roads.

 

[Nhaz]

If you are annoyed by touching the gas pedal to leave a stop sign and the truck just spins a single tire. You Will want a limited slip. If you are planning on serious off road a LS isn't what you want but it Will work off road. The lockers are just better off road.

Last winter I ran with a open rear diff. This fall I swapped it out for a limited slip and the difference is dramatic. Just remember if you are going to switch to a LS don't slam the gas all the time or you will just go sideways. You can leave a light or stop sign with full traction and no spinning just like it was dry pavement if you are reasonable with it.

I wouldn't drive with a open diff if I had a choice ever again.

 

[Mac]

Well, I changed to the "No-Slip" by Richmond Gear. Costs a lot more than a L/S initanially but requires no set-up, can do it in your driveway with common tools.
Dave

 

[sloth69mustang]

get a limited slip. you dont need a locker for what you are doing. open difs are lame. useless in my book. i had the same thing as nhaz. i had an open dif last winter and i dont want to talk about the stupid stuff i got stuck on. but the locker this winter should do the trick. then following with a locker in the fron hopefully feb

 

[Spitfire1975]

kinda my thoughts. I currently have the limited slip but it is gonna last only so long. If I keep the ratios the same as the front can I replace the existing 7.5 with an 8.8 and not touch the front diff?

 

[Spitfire1975]

I will plan on getting rid of the open setup

 

[scotts90ranger]

yes, as long as the ratios match it doesn't matter

 

[maroon ranger]

definately go ls over open!!!! you will love the feeling much better!!! and yes keep both front and rear ratios the same.

 

[HareRazor]

My truck has issues getting out of its own way with an open axle and no weight in the back if it snows more than a couple inches. I got new tires this year, so that might make a difference.

 

[chittybangbang]

I never had one until buying my xterra-big time improvement over a open diff

 

[Spitfire1975]

seems pretty damn unanimous. Kinda my thoughts and what I prefer but was curious if any had a different story. Obviously not.

 

[sloth69mustang]

i am swapping out my 7.5 for an 8.8 and they have the same gears. mine came with 3.73. but since i blew up my front dif i was going to rebuild everything with 4.56 and lockers. otherwise it still would have been fine

 

[trail B2]

Very drivable I have a lock right in my front would'nt want it in my rear but I love my L/S .