Ok so I’ve searched and searched but couldn’t find an answer. I did a little off roading the other day and went through some mud. Once my tires broke and started to slip I couldn’t apply anymore throttle. I could floor it but the engine wouldn’t rev or anything to give it more power. Why is this, I never had any problems like this with my 89 F-150. If I put a locker in there will that change things? I have a 5.4 with the 3:55 limited slip. TIA for the help

 

You stated that something broke? And your engine would not rev?

I am going to guess that you discovered that your 4x4 is actually a 2x4...right?

If my guess is correct, yes, a locker will prevent that in the future. Of course for real 4x4 action, you will need lockers up front and back. HOWEVER, if you choose an agressive locker for the front, you could experience drivability issues.

I have been looking into an Eaton Electric locker for the rear, and a powertrax locker unit for the front. I have heard good things about this setup from others.

In the OLD DAYS, when only one wheel would spin, gradually applying the emegency brake would sometimes help direct power to the other wheel...sometimes.

 

I meant when my tires broke traction and began to slip. I had no power, once I got to solid land I had all the power I normally have.

 

So I decided to put locker in the rear and a tru-trac up front. I'm putting 35" tires on it at the same time, should I go with 4.56 or 4.88 gears? I also tow a 19' boat about once a week. Also what is a good shop in SoCal to get it installed, I've heard of ProGear and MIT are there any other good shops? One more thing is MIT sort for something I can't find them anywhere.

 

35's on a truck with a 5.4L in it sure don't need that much gear...if you've got 3.55's in it....you should be fine..._motes

 

I'm at least going to the 4.56 I noticed a power loss when I went to the 33's, I know the 35's will be worse.

 

Yeah, I was gonna say, I would at least go to 4.10's with 35" tires. Here is a chart to go by if you have not seen it on here before.

http://www.s-series.org/htm/calc/ratiotable.htm

 

Thanks for the chart it was alot of help. Says the 4.56 will bring it back to stock so I decided to order the 4.88 simply because I tow my boat so much. Now I only need to find a shop to install it once I get it.