father-in-law says he could probably help me do it no problem..hes done just about all there is to do on a vehicle. i just need to figure out which route to take..like buy a brand new one or just go to a junk yard and see if i can pull one from an 8.8" there. i dont really need anything too fancy.

 

Not sure what kind of computer issues you will have by doing that. LS might work, still might need to a reflash so the tc knows it's there. A factory locker needs the switch, which is an easy install, but also might require a reflash, and maybe a tccm. I had to replace the switch and tccm on mine to do the raptor locker mod. O, and the locker is awesome. I slid into a ditch while in snowy wv mountains last week (my fault, got too close to the edge, and the ditch was concealed with all the snow). I locked the rears, kept it in 4hi, and climbed out.

 

That will work. But if you go with a used stock LS at some point you will end up changing the clutches in it. It's just a matter of how long they will last? So it depends how cheap you can get a used one, if it's worth going that route. A new 8.8 TrueTrac will run you $465 shipped. But yah a carrier swap isn't too hard. I'm getting old and lazy and didnt feel like doing it.

 

dang well i didnt even think about the computer side of things. thats one reason why i wanna get rid of the edge tuner i have now and get an SCT so i can get some of those sweet custom tunes. has anyone heard of 5star making a custom one for something like this?

 

The PCM doesn't care if you have an open diff. or a limited slip.

 

For the rear go with what you feel is the best. My only suggestion is stay away from lunchbox style lockers. Their cheap and take 45 minutes to install, but on road manners are terrible. I'm pulling mine out over the summer for another ARB.

If you do anything up front, go with an ARB. Well worth the investment.

If it was my truck, and I felt I needed to be locked F/R, i'd go ARB for both. They aren't cheap, but well worth the $$$.

This is also a good time to re-gear if needed, will help save on labor cost if you aren't doing the install yourself.