Ok so i am reletively new and i just got a 97 f150. Its a 2wd so i am looking to find better traction offroad, every1 is suggesting to lock your rear differentials. well i have absolutely no idea what in the hell that means and would like to know if it compromises my truck for everyday driving as well, and if i can lock it for offroad and unlock for on. thanks and peace out

 

As long as you get a SELECTABLE one then you will be fine. ARB air lockers are preferred. All it takes is one flick of a switch to engage them and the diff is fully locked!

 

i was thinking about something like that anyone else have one

 

detroit lockers are another type but theyre full time. lil diff gettin use to them on take off...but no more 1 tire burn outs

 

^^^ plus with a good ole Detroit locker, you wont break it. That would be my choice for the rear-end

 

Wouldn't your tires wear really fast and also there would be a lot more stress on your drive train if you locked it full time

 

The stress is nothing to worry about. Burning out has to be 100x worse on the drivetrain, yet people still do it ALL the time and not break anything. Going wheeling is also stressful on the whole truck. its just part of the game I guess. Yes your tires will wear a bit quicker, but really not the noticable on the rear. I would never suggest full time on the front (especially driving around on the street) but out back ? No problems. Plus, I heard the detroit locker (full time) now has a device in it where, during a turn can loosen up on the slipping tire, allowing it to travel a tad bit faster cutting down on your tire wear. Here is a quote from their site :

"The legendary Detroit Locker began the revolution in performance differentials and still leads the industry today as an Eaton brand. The Detroit Locker is the most durable and dependable locking differential available.

The Detroit Locker maximizes traction by delivering 100% of the torque to both drive wheels. It is engineered to keep both wheels in a constant drive mode, and has the ability to automatically allow wheel speed differentiation when required. Applications are also available for C-Clip style axles.

No other performance differential has the reputation for delivering traction in mud, snow, rocks and on the track. The choice of professional racers and off-road enthusiasts around the world! The durability of the Detroit Locker is unmatched! "

I also am a big fan of the OX lockers. They use cable actuated lockers, none of that silly electric switches or air hoses. Just pull the cable to lock up the rear.

 

Did OX ever get it figured out to where it doesn't take adjusting it after every trip to lock it in? OX had quite a reputation for that awhile back.



You could always Lincoln lock the rear axle, but I don't know that I'd suggest that for the street

 

Ya OX has come quite away. That was awhile ago they were known as a PITA locker. APparently someone over there got wind of this and they have completely changed. i like em a lot. never seen one on a full sized rig but my buddies TJ runs em front and rear. They now even give you a nice, heavy duty diff cover when you buy the locker. It looks nice, only problem is, they haven't released there 9.75 Ford locker yet (last time I checked)

dont give him any ideas man ! Lincoln locking that rear will be the end of it !