Just got back from the local 4x4 shop with a quote for putting truetracs front and rear and 4.56 gears. The price list they gave me for parts was way higher than what I have seen online for the same part (brand and everything). So, Im going to buy the parts myself. I just want to make sure Im getting the right stuff so I dont look like a jackass when I bring it all in. So let me know if this sounds right. My 2004 (new body) with an 8.8 would need a truetrac 8.8 31 spline and 8.8 4.56 gears for the rear and a truetrac 8.8 28 spline with 4.56 reverse rotation gears for the front. If there is anything else that I should look out for please let me know. Thanks I appreciate it

 

consider master install kits front and rear.
new bearings, shims, seals. stuff like that. other than that your on track. btw, you do realize the tru-trac's are like a limited slip so your probably gonna wind up spinning still. just my 2c.

 

Yea but its my daily driver so I want it to have good road manners too without paying a ton of money for an ARB+compressor. It should be a major improvement over open diffs front and rear. I mostly use it on the beach and some mud... its never seen rocks.

 

I thought all the 2004+ trucks had 9.75" rearends?

 

I think most of the 5.4s do but I have the 4.6 and my diffs say 8.8 on the tag

 

Hey klitch, I was looking deeper into a detroit soft locker as an option but I will be towing a 23' inboard boat part of the time. Everything I have been reading says that it is not a good idea to tow with a locker. Just wanted to get 2 more cents from you on the issue since you have one.

 

Hey there T-Roy. I put a truetrac in my 8.8, and i pulled a 18' cargo trailer loaded to the max. I will get some chirp from the wheels in a tight turn, and when you punch the pedal. I personally like it compared to a open diff. for you pulling a boat, wouldnt it be better if both wheels spun instead of roasting one wheel on a moss covered boat ramp? my $.02

 

I ended up going with the truetrac and 4.56 gears theyre going to get installed on Aug 6. Probably not going to ever go any bigger with the tires so I figured 4.56 may be the better choice in the long run since its my daily driver.
I definitely agree that a truetrac is better than open diffs by far. However, the truetrac is more of an LSD. The reason I asked about towing with a locker earlier is I have heard about people towing with automatic lockers like the Detroit Locker and fishtailing or jack knifing their truck and trailer because of the full lock up between axles when they have to slam on the breaks in emergency situations (not to mention tire scrub).