I am considering installing a locking rear diff when I re-gear. maybe an Aussie Locker.

Ive also toyed around with the idea of doing a limited slip front differential (I think the stock one is open, correct?)

Questions I have are:

Who here uses something like a Detroit Locker or Aussie locker in their Daily driver? How does that work for you? (wear out tires quickly etc?)

Would it be a good idea to just stick with the LS as my truck is my daily driver?

Finally, Should I just stick with the LS rear end and maybe do a LS in the front? -or- install a locker in the front? How would a locking front end handle on the street in 2WD?

 

Well...first....Aussie doesn't have a 8.8 28spline locker. Just a heads up on that.

Razor runs an aussie up front with no problems.

I'll be running aussies front and rear here soon(expo 31spline disc).



I'm gonna pay attention to this thread....i have the same questions regarding the front....

 

I don't think they make a 28 spline 8.8 aussie. Just the dana 35 for the front for our trucks or the 31 spline 8.8. You would have to get a powertrax or lock-rite. A detroit is a full carrier replacement which means a lot more work, but since your regearing that doesn't matter. The powertrax or lock-rite you could install in your driveway if you weren't regearing.

 

Damn you Shane you win this time. HAHA

 

I know... Just bought a 2006 FX4 lvl 2 axle, picking it up tomorrow!

 

^^damn you...damn you all to hell

-stewey.




seriously...jealous. I think since you have torsen, you need to get an open carrier to run an aussie locker anyhow in the at pumpkin.

 

Why are lunch box lockers bad for driving on icy roads and highways?

 

OK... so how do these babys handle on a daily driver? I wish I could have an off road only truck, but i cant so i gotta ensure i can still use my truck on the road and freeway without eating up tires and whatnot

 

Justin (84socal) has Aussie lockers front and rear in his yota. There is no problems driving it on the street. You will notice a slight clicking sound when you go around corners but that is normal.

 

How bout doing a LS in the front? How does that handle when its in 2WD on pavement? Im assuming like normal, but want to be sure

 

That would be cool but I don't think anyone makes a front ls for the Ranger. An Aussie will work just fine after it brakes in. Before that it might lock on tight turns and make it difficult to turn.

 

its a Dana 35 right? Im sure they do!

do you run a locker in your truck? (I just wanna drive a ranger around the block with one before i commit to this...)

 

Yes it's a Dana 35 but it's not a normal Dana 35. The distance from carrier bearing to carrier bearing is shorter. It was made specifically for Rangers. So make sure anything you buy says Ranger.




No locker in my truck. I'm sure Justin will give you a ride in his truck at the next meet. You can't feel the locker working.

 

How bout the Eaton Elocker. Its selectable open or locked, kinda like that pneumatic ARB diff, but less parts to break. Anyone have any experience with a selectable locker like these?

 

I run front and rear aussies on my daily (sport trac) with no problems. The rear works very smoothly. If the rear end is really light you can easily slide the rear end around when it's wet or icy/snow. But it's nothing you can't handle with throttle control. It is not unpredictable like some people (who don't have lockers) will try to tell you. It's actually very predictable and allows very control slides/drifts. Traction is awsome in, well everything. I can get around in 2wd in places that were difficult in 4x4 with no lockers. Tire wear is a bit accelerated but it's a tradeoff for awsome traction.
As for the front, I haven't had it in the snow with the front locker in yet. I have had it in the mud on some trails and it is incredible with front and rear lockers in 4low. It just plain goes where you point it. If you are on the throttle moderately while turning, the steering gets pretty tight, but it's still maneuverable. Most of the time you can just put it back in 2wd if you need to make a lot of turns (still gets around great with a rear locker).
I have engaged 4x4 while on dry pavement once (just out of curiousity) and it still steers around a bit while coast, but when I hit the throttle the steering wheel jumps back to center and it goes in a straight line.
So I can imagine it will be questionable if your in 4x4 on a somewhat slippery surface. My policy though, has always been to only use 4x4 if the surface is fully covered and it's really needed. We will see how it works when winter comes.
Also, the front differential isn't noticeable at all in 2wd. Just the occasional clicking, but no feeling in the steering wheel.

No one makes a limited slip for the front. There are two torsen units in existence for the d35, and they are working on a production unit.
I think a limited slip would be better in the front of a daily driver than a locker, but the price will also likely be in the 8-9 hundreds. Not including install. If any of you guys are contemplating lockers and live around portland, we can meet up sometime and you can run around the block in my sport trac (pm me).
It's also worth noting than my sport trac is an auto. An auto-locker is going to be more rough if you drive a manual transmission, since you will be loading and unloaded the torque on the differential when you shift.

 

I run the aussie up front and the Eaton E-locker in the rear. No problems with either of them. I have no problems daily driving my truck with them at all. The aussie makes a ratcheting noise while turning but is otherwise invisible, no hindrance to the steering at all in 2wd, although it can get tight in 4wheel but thats expected with any locker. Of course the Elocker is completely invisible when its not engaged and I haven't had any engagement problems with it either.

 

Great post B-Dub. I'll let you drive the 4.88 and aussie lock'd manual trans one of these days.

 

Very good info! Thanks!

Anyway, i have one more concern. The guys on Pirate4x4.com insist that putting a locker in the front will break stuff. They are telling me that the front axle isnt strong enough to handle a locking diff. Of course, these guys dont own Rangers, but they seem fairly knowledgeable.

I think Im just gonna do the e-locker in the rear and leave the front alone for now. hopefully someday there will be LS for the ranger dana 35...

 

I would do a powertrax no-slip they are nowhere near as expensive as a selectable locker, be it air, electric, or cable. I myself am saving for a no-slip.

 

I'm waiting to see the Torsen L/S unit that supposedly should be launched soon. One of those babies up front, and an e-locker in the rear would be a nice combo.
Also did you air down at all, Keith, on that trip? I know I didn't drop it at all, and that will help out a lot next time.

 

15 psi FTW!

 

The only way you will break the front diff with a locker is if you are stupid with it. Don't mash the gas when you are in a full lock turn while in 4wd and if you start to bounce then just let off.

 

ooh! Torsens gonna have a LS for the "ranger" dana 35??? sweet!

yeah, I was thinking that, damn it now I need an on board compressor. lol

BTW, did you get all those scratches out?

 

I'm getting a locker this week actually when I get my paycheck. Now i figure that if I need the 4x4 during the snow I'm going to just lock one side of my hubs. This will only allow one wheel to turn and not cause you to keep going in a straight line. Really unless the snow is over a foot I don't plan to use 4wd. 2wd with 31" BFG A/T's woulds pretty damn well.

Your not going to break things with the locker if your not flogging, and actually with a locker up front and in the rear you shouldn't need to use more a little throttle to get through most things. I went from and Open out back to a LS (I've modified it so it locks up easier) and its night and day, what a HUGE difference. I don't need 4x4 for most anything anymore.