i have a 3.55 NLS differential and i really need a posi so would it be cheaper/easier to do a entire axle swap or just get a posi and put in my pumpkin i dont know much about diffs

 

If you can find a good deal on a used axle assembly that has a traction Lok already, that may be cheaper especially if you install it.

On the flip side, the traction lok units are fairly cheap, not much over 200 bucks. Then you would need to pay someone to install it. It's not a job for amateurs.

 

well my boss builds rock crawlers and he has built the rear ends, so he would do/help me with it so i was just wondering which would be cheaper, i figured that a complete axle swap would be the easiest so would i just need to go to the junk yard and find a truck with a LS rear end and take that with me huh

 

If your boss is willing to install it for free, a new traction lok is the way to go.
Sounds like you should ask you boss for advice.

 

if you have someone that knows what they are doing and is willing to at least help, go ahead and replace the diff.

i would upgrade to a clutch-less l/s like the tru-trac. if not then you will be rebuilding the stock diff in little time anyway.

 

That may be true if the truck is off roaded or abused, but the traction lok works very well without abuse. My 2000 5.4 4x4 with traction lok is now up to 145k with no problems. I sold it to a friend at 105k and I keep up with it. If you off road, maybe a locker would be best.

 

no i have a 2wd so i dont offroad but i do get stuck in some rediculous crap i think with both wheels getting power itll help that, not only that but im thinking of putting a 5.4 in my truck, and i pull a trailer most of the time and my trucks dang weak

 

Looking at changing rears, changing engines, Maybe you should trade for another truck.

I missed my 2000 after I sold it in August of 05 so I bought the 2002 a couple months ago. It's a nice truck with 69k miles on it. Lariat FX4, 6CD player, keyless entry, door keypad, adjustable brake pedals, heated seats, loaded, and in nice shape

 

i cant afford a new truck, and if i get one its gonna be a 4x4 4 door 2004-2008 body style

i figure i can do a motor and rear end swap for around $2000 but the most important is the rear end right now, i cant stand having one power wheel

 

i would still get rid of the clutch driven l/s. a non clutch l/s is just so much more reliable.

i can't even remember how many times mine was working and then just when i needed it i went to a one wheel wonder (or rather two)

 

You probably have an 8.8" rear if you have a 4.6L engine. Future plans are to install a 5.4L engine. Those engines come with the 9.75" rear. So, it would seem to me that maybe you should look for a used 9.75" axle assembly with traction lok.

Or, if you keep your 8.8", maybe go for a powertrax locker that anybody can install without having special skills or disturbing the gear settings.