Locker suggestions? What should I get for my needs?

[mounty71]

From what i can tell, you don't want to compromise street drivability for daily driving, but you don't want to compromise off-roadability for hunting. So why don't you just drive that Chevy when you go hunting, and keep the ranger on the streets.

 

[nova801428]

22mpg vs. 8mpg And, I am trying to restore the chevy. The floor is just about completely rusted out. I pic makes the truck look a little nice. I did find a 8.8 alxe with a lock-right in it. I am not sure about a locker yet. Some people say it sucks, and others say it is the best thing that they ever bought for there truck....but I am getting mixed signals here. What do you think I should do?

 

[FROADER]

Drivability will be fine with a locker. Like said earlier you just have to adjust the way you turn. Even then it's not a big deal. You'll get used to it and don't even know it's there except for the occasional tire scrub on sharp turns. I say get a locker.

 

[nova801428]

Thank you FROADER....your the man!!!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Why not stick an 8.8 with a posi in it and call it good?

 

[Rusty]

Here's my opinion:
1. Get the locker-Aussie, Lockright, detroit whatever they will work well no matter what, don't waste money on an LS
2. Use the chevy for your off roading/hunting pleasures and keep the ranger for the good gas mileage and street driving
3. or sell the 2wd ranger and go 4wd ranger!

Just my $.02
Nice trucks BTW!!!

 

[nova801428]

Whats wrong with a 7.5 and a locker? I did find an 8.8 with a lock-right locker for $200.....http://salem.craigslist.org/pts/449700842.html

Thanks off_road_Rusty, I would like to restore my Chevy though. It will have way more value that my Ranger will ever have.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

It was just a thought- they are often available like you found, they are stronger, and parts are more readily available.

 

[nova801428]

Isn't it a direct swap? Would it be worth it? It is $100 cheaper to buy this axle with the locker than it is to buy just the locker...lol

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You may have to weld on perches, if you have rear drums, you'd be best served to get an 8.8 with drums, or else you may experience braking trouble. So, no its not a bolt in deal, but nothing that can't be dealt with.

Now, if you could find a 28 or 31 spline 8.8 with drums from a ranger, the perches would be correct, the brakes would work no problem. Donor vehicle is key here. Drum 8.8's are not especially desirable, so they should be cheap.

 

[nova801428]

The one I posted about does have drums and 28 spline out of a 93 Ranger. It seems like a pretty good deal to me.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

That'd be a good deal, IMO. Upgrade axle and get a locker for $100 less than a locker alone. What gears does it have?

 

[nova801428]

He said 3.08's.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Is that OK? I'd guess with a manual trans, those higher gears would be acceptable.

 

[nova801428]

I don't want to go any higher, so those gears would be perfectly fine. Now, I can do less rpms when i'm doing 65mph...if I get it. I might just get a locker...either way I don't have the money for them right now. I will have to wait awhile. Maybe a Christmas present

 

[dla]

3.08's will kill your offroading completely, unless you've a 6.5:1 1st gear and itty-bitty tires.

 

[Rusty]

i second that...
3.08 will be super blah!!

 

[nova801428]

not much difference between a 3.45 and a 3.08. I would rather have a 3.45 though.

 

[RangerNate]

not much difference between a 3.45 and a 3.08. I would rather have a 3.45 though.

Bwahahaa, maybe just looking at the two numbers. That is about a 12% change in gearing which is significant. Also better to keep the engine rpms around 3000 at cruising speed for best efficiency.

BTW, just buy a LockRight for your current rear axle, re-gearing those 3.08 turd gears will cost alot more.

EDIT: Drum brake rear end is fine...front does most of the braking and we're not building a race car here are we?

 

[nova801428]

Yes, it would suck having 3.08s but really, it's not THAT bad. Anyway. I am just going to get the locker. It would be cheaper in the end.

No, I'm not building a race truck/car