Best locker/limited slip for Dana 35??????

[Brian1]

Originally posted by Positive Vibes
Lunch box style locker??? Whatcha talkin bout Willis?

A locker that installs inside a stock carrier like the detroit ez locker, lock right and others.

 

[94EBexplorer]

yup just what he said

 

[Positive Vibes]

Gotcha! So I take ARB isn't a lunch box locker. I really do want it selectable because we go snow boarding about 6 times a year. Do you guys think being in the snow only few days a year justifies goin with a selectable or should I just learn to change my driving style?? What would be the pro's and con's???

 

[410Fortune]

If you have a full time locker in your front axle, and you drive on the snow with it in 4x4, you will go straight regardless of how you turn the wheel (most times)

With an ARb in the snow you turn it off so your front end is open and you can drive in 4x4 normal in the snow.


An ARB is ideal for the front axle.
You can run a Detroit gearless inthe back or just keep the L/S and you will be able to go anywhere off road with the front ARB engaged.
.

 

[Positive Vibes]

410Fortune: I'm currently open front and back and after some people input it sounds like I should put an ARB in the rear and wait till I win the lotter to put one in the front. If I was to install a Detroit. Would I have to drive differently?? I'm very tentative about putting a full time locker in the rear. Can some one convince me that it won't be that much different???? Thanks!

 

[410Fortune]

It depends greatly on which locker you put in the back and whether or not you have a stick or an auto.


A detroit gearless works great in the rear, of course they are expensive.

Dual Arb's is the ultimate, however it is more important to have a selectable locker in the front, unless your truck only uses 4x4 on the trial or is a strictly trail rig.

With an automatic and a gearless locker in the back you would hardly even know it was there....

 

[94EBexplorer]

i would definatly put the ARB in the front first... youll notice a ton of differance off road..... your front end will pull you.... the arb is also selective so in snow you dont have to have it locked in and can drive with regular 4x4 if your saving for a locker do the front first... its the most expensive and hardest to do so get it out of the way first... and with the front locked TRUST ME you wont regret it

 

[410Fortune]

Right, with an ARB up front there will rarley be times that you even neer a rear locker....

 

[Positive Vibes]

So the majority is leaning to installing an ARB in the front and leaving the rear open (nothing). I do have an automatic. How much did you guys pay for an ARB in the front. I don't think I could install it myself, unless I spend a bunch of cash on tools (which is an option). Any one install one themselves? Thanks!

 

[94EBexplorer]

i have installed my locker in the front my self... but i would NOT install the arb.... cause of compressor and all.... and im not sure if its voids the warenty not having a reputable shop do it

 

[410Fortune]

hAVING THE REAR OPEN KINDA SUCKS.
Once you have a limited slip an open diffs sucks.

You can pick up a used L/S unit for cheap and rebuild it easy.

Installing an ARB is not easy. I believe they run about $800 for the front locker, compresser, switch, lines, etc. Installation is about $2-300, sometimes you can get a package deal. 4 wheel parts will do front and rear arb's installed for like $1800 if I remember right.

I bought my D35 ARB used from a friend, it is already installed in a 93 Explorer front carrier, so all we have to do is swap the ring and pinion gears over to 4.10 and then bolt the carrier into my truck. I will let you know how hard it is in a few weeks when we are done. Brett is helping me as he has done things similar to this before, I have not, this will be my first gear install....

 

[94EBexplorer]

yes just go grab an 8.8 ls unit out of a junk yard to hold you over till you get enough... ill actully sell you mine if your interested

 

[Positive Vibes]

Thanks guys for the your input. I like the idea of throwing a used L/S in the rear. I just bought a house and it's taking up all my funds. So the cheaper the better right now.

94EBexplorer: What kind of shape is the L/S you have? I take it you pulled it out to put a full time locker in? How much was it used? Etc?? This is something could do myself?? I like the idea of L/S in the rear for now and save up for the front or both. How much for it??

Thanks again!!

 

[94EBexplorer]

now that i saw you in CA you might as well just go see how much one is in a junk yeard... in in PA shippin would be more than its worth im sure you could find i decent LS in the junk yard... you can even shim it alittle before you put it in so it grips a little tighter

 

[Positive Vibes]

Ok, will I need to take everything apart at the junk yard or do they have them pulled out already?? I'm not even sure what all I would need to pull out??? How would I tell if it's in good condition?? Now I'm in an area where I don't feel confident. But with a little guidance from all you very knowledgable, kind and generous people, I think I could do it. I think if I pull it out myself I will learn alot on how to re-install it. But what to look for and what would be a decent price from a pick and pull??

 

[Positive Vibes]

bump

 

[410Fortune]

OKay I'm not going to be much help since I have never messed with anything inside the diff, except for fluid (yet).

I know they sell the L/S out of the truck, but would prefer to sell the entire 8.8. So finding a yard willing the part the two may be tricky. Your best bet is to find an Explorer being parted out locally, here on line, or buy a L/S unit from somebody here on the site who has upgraded. I see them all the time.

rebuilding it is not difficult from what I understand. I would talk to a local 4x4 gear tech and ask their advise. I am only being charged $25 to have mine serviced (50K miles) while the ring and pinion install is taking place in my 8.8..