Which Locker do you suggest?
#1
Which Locker do you suggest?
I've just been looking at lockers and seeing if thats what i would want to save for and spend my money on. Which one would you all suggest? I've been looking at the ARB Air Lockers. I want one that switches back to normal when you are on the road. The only 2 i've really spotted out are the ECTED and the ARB one. This summer I'm going to look for a 8.8" 31 spline axle, but if i cant find one i'll just go with a 28 spline unless its really worth it to get a 31. If you have anything to say about any locker, good or bad, let me know.
#4
Each has advantages disadvantages. So far the ECTED's working fine for me and it doesn't need the air system. I'm an electrical guy, lol. The ARB one is considered the more "professional" one by most, but I have no experience with it.
I wouldn't want an "automatic" locker. I decided that awhile back after observing them in use offroad and on the street. For the front they are probably fine, but I like the ability to select it in the rear.
I wouldn't want an "automatic" locker. I decided that awhile back after observing them in use offroad and on the street. For the front they are probably fine, but I like the ability to select it in the rear.
#5
Ford says that the 31 spline is 55% stronger than the 29 spline 8.8" axle, all other variables constant. Truth of the matter is that if you're not doing any really intense wheeling, you won't need that extra strength. I've yet to hear of anyone breaking a rear axle shaft while wheeling with an 8.8" axle. The 7.5" axle yeah, I've heard of them going, but I would save yourself the headache of trying to find a level II axle in Texas. There are barely any Level IIs in the southern US, much less any wrecked ones. An explorer axle is a possibility, but it's not exactly bolt-in.
As far as which locker does what, do some research. I know each of those lockers has explanations as to what each of them does. Most of the full-time lockers will have a racheting mechanism which allows it to function more like an open differential while turning on asphalt. These can sometimes get a little squirrely on the road if you take corners fast (which you shouldn't do anyways, it's a truck not a sports car). For most people on a budget these will work just fine though.
The ARB unit I'm not a fan of because they are expensive and you need to have on-board air to use them also. This is great in professional/more extreme applications because you want on-board air to reinflate your tires after airing down or to power air tools for trail repairs. It is, however, very expensive. The Auburn unit uses electricity to magnetically (I think?) control the amount of slippage the differential experiences. Generally it's sort of an all or nothing (open/limited slip or locked) set-up for off-roaders. Road racers may use it differently, but that's an argument I know nothing about. The nice thing about the ECTED however is that it is a full time limited slip differential in addition to being an electrically selectable locker.
If you've got the money, the ECTED would be my reccomendation. If you're strapped for cash, go with a detroit locker.
As far as which locker does what, do some research. I know each of those lockers has explanations as to what each of them does. Most of the full-time lockers will have a racheting mechanism which allows it to function more like an open differential while turning on asphalt. These can sometimes get a little squirrely on the road if you take corners fast (which you shouldn't do anyways, it's a truck not a sports car). For most people on a budget these will work just fine though.
The ARB unit I'm not a fan of because they are expensive and you need to have on-board air to use them also. This is great in professional/more extreme applications because you want on-board air to reinflate your tires after airing down or to power air tools for trail repairs. It is, however, very expensive. The Auburn unit uses electricity to magnetically (I think?) control the amount of slippage the differential experiences. Generally it's sort of an all or nothing (open/limited slip or locked) set-up for off-roaders. Road racers may use it differently, but that's an argument I know nothing about. The nice thing about the ECTED however is that it is a full time limited slip differential in addition to being an electrically selectable locker.
If you've got the money, the ECTED would be my reccomendation. If you're strapped for cash, go with a detroit locker.
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#18
Originally Posted by KARPE
anyone know if it is just as easy to grab the explorer rear end so you get rear discs as it would be to switch to the FX4 rear?
The FX4 rear bolts in.
#20
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