Ditto here.

 

I agree with the comments recommending no Locker in the truck. Unless your truck is taken off road day in and day out, i'd go with a Limited Slip. If you do have your heart set on a locker, go with the Eaton Electric Locker as their going to be more reliable than the ARB Air Lockers. As far as Limited Slips go, be sure to get a reputable aftermarket LS. A lot of LS out there are worthless POS. I'm not sure who Ford used for the factory LS, but they made a good choice.

By the way, I will be in the market for the Eaton locker in my Screw 4x4. What size rear end do we have in the '04 F150? I'm not talking about the axle ratio either (mine's 3.73).

Thanks and good luck with your decision.

Sackett

 

OK lets see if we can straighten this out a little. By definition of a 100% locker as some of you are calling it, there are only two true 100% lockers: one is a spool, the other is welding the spiders to the carrier. Both of these actually lock the two axles together. No way for them to allow more rotation on the outside wheel in a turn. These are mostly used in drag racing because there are no turns.
Now by definition of most manufacturers a locker is a device that locks the axles together when needed and allows some degree of rotational difference between axles when cornering. This includes most every locker that has been mentioned so far, including the Truetrac. Just because they use a different way of engagement only makes a difference to the end user. They all allow for lock up under acceleration or when one wheel starts to slip. Some lock up on their own while some use other means like electricity or air. Many manufacturers offer more than one type of locking device for the front and rear end in most vehicles, some are better for strictly off road and some are more civilized for use on and off road, but they are still lockers.
Now for the posi-traction and the limited-slip that use clutches instead of gears. They still do the same job as a locker but they have some slip built in hence the clutches. This makes for a more streetable ride than some of the more hard core lockers.
I never told phiberoptik957 to go buy a locker of any kind. He asked about lockers and I gave a suggestion on where to start his research. Sorry phiberoptik957 for having to go this route in your thread, I was really trying to avoid a long discussion or definition, but some want to give you opinions and others are a little miscued on what a true locker is. I still stand by what I originally said " research your options and decide for yourself among all the products out there". Only you know truly what your truck needs by how and where you drive. Im done now, good luck in your search.

 

Grayflare,

Did you sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night? ;-)

I think what you're trying to say is that most people looking for a "Locker" that drive their truck on and off road need a "Selectable Locker" (One that, when off, acts like an "open" differential). There are three types of selectable lockers: Air Actuated (ARB Air Lockers (Most extensive product offering), Electric Actuated (Eaton E-Locker) and Cable Actuated (Numerous Manufacturers).

 

No I didnt sleep at a Holiday Inn Express, lol. But I was a Ford mechanic for 9 years and now I am a Heavy Mobile Equiptment Mechanic for our military in a civilian capacity. So I do know what "lockers" are and how they work.

That is not what Im trying to say at all. What I said is for him to research all models and types and choose what best fits what he needs.

I also have my own opinions too because I owned a vehicle with Detroit Truetracs in both front and rear ends and contrary to most posts on this thread it was very streetable because thats where my truck spent 90% of its operational time.

P.S. Im still not telling him to buy Detroit Truetracs or lockers or limited-slips or anything. i still think he needs to research and choose what fits his need. Because he never told us what his on or off-road intentions were. Thats why I suggested to research all types and only suggested Detroit Lockers, the manufacturer not the actual locker, as a starting point.

 

The name of the company that makes detroit lockers and other differetials is called tractech. Go to their page if you want some accurate info on different type of diffs.

Please quit calling the tru tracs a locker it is a limited slip .If you have ever offroaded with one and then put a locker in the same rig you would see a night and day difference.

 

FYI, I think torson is the company that builds fords L/S units. I know they do for the rangers, I would think they build all of them.

I could be wrong though.

 

For us with 4x4, I was thinking of putting a front diff Detroit EZ locker, whats your take on that greyflare? They are pretty inexpensive compared to a full blown locker like ARB or Eaton. Not as effective but it might be just enough extra pull on those extra muddy trails.

 

how about a Detroit EZ locker? are those streetable?

 

Yeah they work like a limited slip but are a little stronger but not as strong as a manual full time locker. The EZ is a auto locker like a limited slip.

 

hmm ok i think im gonna go with that locker i found a good deal on it.

 

If you are refering to the EZ locker you are dead wrong.

 

Then help out and explain. I am not claiming to be an expert here, so speak up.



http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/20958/

Insertable lockers are simpler to install, as they fit into the existing case. Though insertable lockers are relatively new to the traction-aid scene, there are a number of them on the market, including Tractech’s Detroit E-Z Locker and Gearless Locker, and Powertrax’s Lock Right and No-Slip Traction System. Many of these units are designed with clutches and springs that allow them to disengage more smoothly than a traditional locker, giving them pavement manners more like a differential with a limited slip.

I will say that from this info I still think the EZ locker is a middle point between a full blown locker and a limited slip.

Zman help out if you know more on this.

 

Alright, while we are talking about it, I regret not getting LS on my truck (I know, I know, stupid), anyone have a good recomendation for an aftermarket LS and what I might expect to pay? My admitedly very limited knowledge lead me to believe that there are two types of LS, the type like Ford uses that utlize clutch packs and some other kind? Enlighten me with your knowledge fellas.

signed
Mechanically Ignorant in Rochester

 

The F150 rear is a 9.75, front is 8.8 on 4x4 models.

Here's a breakdown of Lockers and Limited Slip choices.

Open Carrier - found on most cars/trucks and allows one wheel to turn faster than the other around corners. This is also where you see the one tire will spin while the other stands still

Limited slip - found on many 4x4 trucks. Similar to an open carrier but have some internal resistance to prevent the 1 tire from spinning, but does not always work. Detroit True Trac is a aftermarket LS and very tough and reliable.

Autolockers - These lockers automatically engage/disengage as you turn corner or if one tire trys to spin faster than the other. Either both axels are locked together, or one axel is free spinning (usually happened when going around corners. Because the driver has no control of the locker their engagement can casue a jerk sensation when they engage. Examples are Detroit Locker, Power Trax, Lockright, Aussie and EZ Locker. The Detroit Locker replaces the factory carrier which requires regearing of the rear differential, the others listed replace the spider gears in the stock carrier and usually can be done in an hour or so by an experienced mechanic. The Detroit Locker is extremely strong where the others are weaker.

Manual lockers. These require input from the driver to turn them on or off. They are air, electric or cable actuated. ARB (air), Eaton, Detroit Electrac (electric) and OX (cable) are a few brands.

Spool - There are different types, but essentially your rear tires are locked together 100% of the time. Some replace the whole carrier, some replaced the spiders and some people just get the welder out and weld the spider gears together.

Personally I would not put a locker in a 2wd truck unless you take it off road and want to prevent your lifted tire from spinning. A limited slip is your best bet and I believe the Detroit Tru Trac is the best out there. As far as the comment about ARB nor being reliable, actually they are proven to be tough and reliable. The problem with ARB's is the installation of the air lines and pump, not the locker itself. I have a ARB and a Power Trax locker in my 1993 Jeep and they bring a whole new world of excitement in 4x4's.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

zman