Auto Lockers in AWD diffs?

[DirtyDeezl]

I have a 97 5.0 AWD Mounty, and I want to know if auto lockers can be run in AWD diffs.
What are the effects?

 

[Mbrooks420]

The differentials are exactly the same between 4wd and AWD models.

The effects depend on the types of method used. Some are ratchety and noisy. If you drive a lot on snow and ice you might want to reconsider the front, or at least not get a super aggressive unit.

 

[DirtyDeezl]

I dont think I would mind the noise so much. I live in New England , so snow and ice is a real factor. I'm considering buying a Spartan, not familiar with lockers in general so I dont know whats aggressive or not. Now that youve pointed out ice/snow I'll only be doing the rear. I also plan on 4.56 gears since im putting 34" tires on.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You’ll like the 4.56s.

@410Fortune @gmanpaint

Autolockers, good, bad, ugly?

 

[DirtyDeezl]

I can only assume this thing is gonna be a rolling nightmare on gas.

 

[CDW6212R]

The front D35 differential only has two limited slip choices, the Torsen is preferred but they only make short build runs of it, at about $500 per. The other is a lunchbox type, but I don't recall the brands. The D35 has unique axle locking rings, unlike normal D35's. So any not listed for the 95-01 Explorer or 98-10 Ranger will not work.

 

[410Fortune]

correct there are no selectable lockers for the 95-01 Explorer SLA front diff, no ARB, no OX, no nada zip

only options are Torsen and lunchbox type, lockrite, Yukon and I think Aussie?? Don't hold me to that.....gotta do some searching

I just went through this as I was hoping to run an ARB in the 07 Ranger project, it never occurred to me all these Rangers and explorers running around with IFS would not have a ARB option......

 

[DirtyDeezl]

I love this place. Thanks very much guys!

 

[gmanpaint]

2 things other that what's been said already...

1) An automatic locker in the front is going to be hard to handle at speed, in the snow, and I wouldn't suggest engaging front wheel drive on the street at all.

2) There are two versions of the front diff in the 2nd gens. 95 -96 are CAD, and 97 -01 are live.

You can run a limited slip in either version, in any condition, and both awd, and 4wd.

You should only run an auto locker in the CAD version, and only off road. You can swap this axle into any 97-01 for this use.

Look up the jdraper mod for the wiring and double pole switch needed to manually operate the axle disconnect in the CAD.

Aussie stopped making the auto years ago. Lock right is about the only one I know of, that still makes them. Not saying others don't, just that's all I know of for certain.

 

[DirtyDeezl]

Ive nearly instantly decided against a locker up front at all. I do have to drive it as a daily as well. But even with it being AWD I want a little extra traction in the rocks and mud.

 

[gmanpaint]

Torsen ls will take care of that. Little harder to drive in snow at speed, but manageable.

 

[410Fortune]

"You should only run an auto locker in the CAD version, and only off road. You can swap this axle into any 97-01 for this use. "

The CAD will not clear the v8 oil pan, so you cannot just install it in any 97-01 sploder not without oil pan mods or a drop bracket lift

AWD is a 70/30 split, only 30% power is sent to the front axle at any given time, I would be interested to see how a auto locker or torsen performed in that setup. I think you would be better off just converting from AWD to true 50/50 FWD and then see if you still need a front traction device

 

[gmanpaint]

LOL, well it can still be done. Just needs a little steel pan persuasion!!

Ask me how I know this!

 

[DirtyDeezl]

Am I wrong, then, in drawing the conclusion that without a bunch of expense and butthurt this 97 5.0 AWD Mounty is as good as its gonna get for off road traction? Lol.
In short, its going to be daily driven AND taken off road. And I should just stick to popping in a set of 4.56s and like it until I'm ready to commit to an offroad use only function, axle swap and oil pan engineering feat?

 

[gmanpaint]

You can do the 4406 case swap for true 4wd and get 2wd, and low range for cheap. Add a rear locker, and call it a day. That alone will improve the on and off road prowess greatly.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The AWD torque split is a nominal value. It fluctuates constantly as you drive and corner.

It all depends on what you want to do with it. Stuffing 32s under it and adding just a rear traction device will yield impressive results *granted that you know how to drive*. A little technique goes a LONG way.

 

[DirtyDeezl]

Lol, thats what SHE said...

I have 34" Super Swampers going under.
I might save up for a Spartan in the rear axle. Maybe its worth trying.

 

[Mbrooks420]

How is it lifted?

 

[DirtyDeezl]

3" body, warriors, T/T. Trimmed front wells.

 

[DirtyDeezl]

Everything is coming of the Sploder and going on the Mounty.