Limited slip or Locker?

[02explorersport]

I have an 02 2wd 5spd explorer sport and need more traction for light to moderate off-roading during hunting season. Should I try to find a limited slip diff in a junkyard or order one of those lockers like the Aussie? If I do go with limited slip will it matter if I have an Auto or manual? Thanks Love my sport and dont want 4wd,

 

[kstrayhorn]

Subsribing...

same question here. I also have a 2wd 02 explorer, although mine is 2wd. I can't say that I love having 2wd, because I would much rather have a 4wd, but that's what my dad bought, so that's what I got...

same situation, also. looking for more traction for light to moderate off-roading during hunting season and to find some shade while at baseball practice, lol.

 

[KPSquared]

If it's a straight up daily driver, I would avoid an auto-locker like the Aussie, Lock-rite, or others. A good LS will get you what you need.

I love my aussie but wouldn't want it in the truck I drive to work everyday.

Or look into a selectable like an ARB...

 

[section525]

Since you already have an open carrier I'd go with the locker over the LS. Something selectable would definitely be cool. ARBs are nice.

 

[nssj2]

You could do something like this http://www.americanmuscle.com/eaton-31spline-88-posi-lsd.html?utm_content=eaton-31spline-88-posi-lsd&utm_campaign=FROOG&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping, which is essentially a stock LSD on crack. If you are using the truck as a daily driver, I'd skip the lunchbox locker, such as the Aussie. They're great, but as mentioned above, I wouldn't want to drive it every day. You want some slip, especially in the rain, so you can maintain better control in an emergency situation.

 

[corkey]

i daily drive my Ex, with lift and 33's, and an Aussie locker in the rearend, with no issues,,

i say go locker, you will like it better out in the fields when hunting..

 

[damarble]

As to your question if it matters auto or manual, no. You will get more of a jerk-bang from the manual/locker though.

If you can afford it get a nicer locker like a Powertrax. Very nice street manners. Although it seems like lockers wear out faster on the street than limited slips.


Personally, in my latest rebuild, since I have a 4x4 that will be daily driven, I'm going with a L/S in the rear and a selectable locker in front. The L/S can be beefed up to grab tighter and act more like a locker.

 

[exploderdude]

I had the powertrax no slip locker on my last ranger. It had nice street manners and really made a difference when i needed it

 

[kstrayhorn]

Well it seems that everyone has mixed opinions! I hate driving in the rain and am terrified of losing control, and maintaining a dd is more important to me than offroad capability, so it sounds like I should go limited slip??

 

[gavin]

Well it seems that everyone has mixed opinions! I hate driving in the rain and am terrified of losing control, and maintaining a dd is more important to me than offroad capability, so it sounds like I should go limited slip??

some of the selectable lockers are limited-slip when not locked.
I believe the Eaton E-Locker is this way?
Whereas the ARB and Ox Lockers are open or locked.

Although I don't know much about the Eaton E-Locker; haven't looked in to it much.

A locker will most definitely help you out a LOT when on the trails, but yeah the street-manners aren't the best.

It really is partially personal opinion, but also depends on how often you go on the trails are how bad the trails are.

 

[kstrayhorn]

I would go on trails more if I had better traction, but I don't go that much, and they aren't difficult at all, I just don't like getting stuck. Thanks for the three references, I will most definitely either go with the Eaton, ARB, or Ox, depending on what I decide when the money permits. I can't speak for the OP, but you guys have helped me a lot1
Thanks,
Kendal

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I'd look at a Detroit Tru-Trac. It is a limited slip but it is gear driven so you don't have to worry about the clutches going bad.