Crewcab 4X4 conversion.

Noiseydiesel

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Yeah, the brain hurts for this particular act of silliness. '94 idiT crew cab dually. Replacing the stock rear differential with a "True Trac". Same for the front? Front axle will be the Dana 60 swap.
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u2slow

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Have not ever tried a true-trac. Two friends that had torsen type diffs decided the traction wasn't enough and upgraded. (One was a Bronco II, the other a '3rdgen Dodge.)

I really liked the Lockright (front) and Detroit Locker (rear) I put in my F350. Locking the front (heavy) end of the truck does wonders. I have also tried the Lockright in the 10.25 (different F250), and now in a Dana 80 (Dodge). Same effect, slightly different mannerisms. I have a Spartan to go in the front of the Dodge on the next round of diff work.
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david85

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I've been on the fence ever since starting my 4wd conversion.

The torsen type seems nice due to low maintenance and smooth automatic operation, but lack of 100% lockup can be a problem for low speed wheeling. Holding the brakes can help induce a lockup but it requires some skill.

Detroit style lockers engage solid but can be rough on pavement. Also very easy to install.

E-lockers may unlock briefly when changing directions. Although the manufacturer insists it's not an issue in the real world.

Air-lockers require air (or regulated CO2).

The Ox-locker seems the nicest selectable locker available, since it's hand operated by a cable linkage.

But I have 0% experience with any of these and still can't decide.
 

david85

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Has anyone done a writeup on it yet? I haven't found one.

Haven't seen one on oilburners but there are discussions elsewhere. I can't figure out how the mechanism itself operates though. If it's a cam lock mechanism like the detroit E-locker, then I'd be a little disappointed but it's still cheaper than aftermarket. If it's a direct acting engagement, then I'll probably end up using this for the rear.
 

lotzagoodstuff

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Lots of write ups on putting a Ford factory E-Locker in a Sterling on Pirate 4x4. Here's somebody who did it before the factory units got so cheap.

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u2slow

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If you have the basic open diff now, then the Lockright (or similar 'lunchbox' locker ) is a quick easy install; and its a cheaper unit to boot.

If you have the factory limited-grip, you're into a bigger job for a carrier change regardless which traction device you choose.
 

IDIBRONCO

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I really liked the Lockright (front) and Detroit Locker (rear) I put in my F350.
I'll put a second on this one. To me, these are like our IDI engines. They may not be the latest and greatest, but they are tried and true. They will get the job done. Just give me something old tech and proven. I'll be PLENTY happy.
 

cre1992

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I've been on the fence ever since starting my 4wd conversion..

Air-lockers require air (or regulated CO2).

The Ox-locker seems the nicest selectable locker available, since it's hand operated by a cable linkage.

But I have 0% experience with any of these and still can't decide.

Speaking of OX Lockers... That's what I will be installing in the front of my F350 eventually. They are a small US Company based out of Florida. They also back up their products. Plus they also come with a sweet HD diff cover :fight:

They can also be actuated pneumatically, electrically, or with a cable. They are also the only selectable locker that I know of that has a threaded adapter that you can use to manually engage the locker in the event the cable seizes or snaps. Though I will have onboard air, I have chosen to go mechanical with a cable when I do it. I prefer to keep everything as simple and straight forward as possible.
 

david85

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Speaking of OX Lockers... That's what I will be installing in the front of my F350 eventually. They are a small US Company based out of Florida. They also back up their products. Plus they also come with a sweet HD diff cover :fight:

They can also be actuated pneumatically, electrically, or with a cable. They are also the only selectable locker that I know of that has a threaded adapter that you can use to manually engage the locker in the event the cable seizes or snaps. Though I will have onboard air, I have chosen to go mechanical with a cable when I do it. I prefer to keep everything as simple and straight forward as possible.

The simplicity is what I like about it too. Similar mechanism to a mechanical shift transfer case. I like the simplicity of the old-school detroit locker too, but for the amount of time I spend on pavement, I'm sure I would learn to hate it.
 

71 Highboy

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I've been on the fence ever since starting my 4wd conversion.

The torsen type seems nice due to low maintenance and smooth automatic operation, but lack of 100% lockup can be a problem for low speed wheeling. Holding the brakes can help induce a lockup but it requires some skill.

Detroit style lockers engage solid but can be rough on pavement. Also very easy to install.

E-lockers may unlock briefly when changing directions. Although the manufacturer insists it's not an issue in the real world.

Air-lockers require air (or regulated CO2).

The Ox-locker seems the nicest selectable locker available, since it's hand operated by a cable linkage.

But I have 0% experience with any of these and still can't decide.


I have had a Dana Trac Lok in the front axle since 1995. No issues, 3:54 gear sets. Huge difference in 4WD with the weight on the front. Stock limited slip in back.
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u2slow

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I like the simplicity of the old-school detroit locker too, but for the amount of time I spend on pavement, I'm sure I would learn to hate it.

Im mostly on pavement with my lockers. It's the 10% times that are the reason. It's fine with a manual trans; you learn to drive with it rather than against it. Can't really do that with an auto though.
 

cre1992

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The simplicity is what I like about it too. Similar mechanism to a mechanical shift transfer case. I like the simplicity of the old-school detroit locker too, but for the amount of time I spend on pavement, I'm sure I would learn to hate it.

Yeah, I like the fact that its selectable. I figure a front selectable locker and the LSD rear will get me pretty much out of anything. Otherwise I have a winch...
 

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