Locker ?

[KC0BZG]

I'm new to lockers and would like to purchase for my rear axle. I'm not to sure besides the locker itself if I need to buy something else along with it. Plus, looking at the different lockers, I noticed different numbers and would like to know that those mean.

 

[MtrJunkie]

Depends.

1) Do you know what kind of differential you have now? If not start by checking the axle code on the inside of the front door, or the tag hanging from one of the rear diff bolts.

2) what do u do with your X? I bought a mini spool (always locked) but mine never sees the street. So what you do with it (daily driver, rock crawl, etc) helps narrow down what you might want.

 

[KC0BZG]

I narrowed it down to what I want to get, which is an auto locker. But when I started shopping, I saw numbers and I don't know what they mean. The numbers are like 8.8 37 spine for example. I don't know what other accessories if any would I need.

 

[koda2000]

8.8 is the ring gear diameter (used as a quick way to identify differentials). the 37 spline refers to how many spines are on the rear axle where it plugs into the diff. if the locker is 37 spline you need a 37 spline axle to mate to it.

I assume you realize you can't use a locker (unless it's an air-locker) on the street, right?

 

[Flash]

I assume you realize you can't use a locker (unless it's an air-locker) on the street, right?

What about a Torsen?

 

[KC0BZG]

No I did not know that you can't use those lockers on the street. What kind of lockers would you recommend then, because I need to use this as a daily driver as well?

 

[Turdle]

I drove on the street with 2 different aussie lockers and no issues.

Lots of folks use detroit lockers on the street also.

You'll need to determine which type of carrier you have first. What is the axle code on the driver door manufacture label?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239360

 

[koda2000]

No I did not know that you can't use those lockers on the street. What kind of lockers would you recommend then, because I need to use this as a daily driver as well?

For daily driving the best choice is a Limited Slip rear Differential. You may already have this OE on your truck (check your door sticker for axle code). A LSD give you more traction than an OPEN differential while still allowing you to go around corners. If you want to have maximum traction for off-road use, a locker will provide this, because it locks both wheels/axels together. That's okay off-road because you're on a surface while allows the inside wheel to spin on corners. An air-locker allows you to have an open and a locked diff, but allowing you to turn it on/off using air pressure. Whatever you go with, make sure the gear ratio of whatever you purchase matches your front diff.

 

[KC0BZG]

As far as numbers go from the door sticker here they are:
RC:89, R:K AXLE:46, TR: D, SPR: D3, 1U71A: G05. I hope that helps because it's all gibberish to me.

 

[Turdle]

As far as numbers go from the door sticker here they are:
RC:89, R:K AXLE:46, TR: D, SPR: D3, 1U71A: G05. I hope that helps because it's all gibberish to me.

Did you click the link in my above post?

 

[MtrJunkie]

So you have an open differential with 3.73 gears on a ford 8.8 31-spline rear axle.

Not sure why Koda2000 says you cant use a locker on the street. You cant use a spool on the street if you want your tires to last very long, but I know several folks that use auto-lockers as daily drivers.

 

[KC0BZG]

Does lockers work when the truck is in 4wd or 2wd mode or does it matter? The only thing that I know for sure that it automatically senses the slip and then goes to work.

 

[MtrJunkie]

For the rear axle it doesnt matter. 4wd is drivetrain power to both axles, 2wd is drivetrain power to the rear axle only (in your case). If you install a locker in the rear axle, it will work in either mode. If you install a locker in the front axle, it technically only works when 4wd is engaged.

 

[KC0BZG]

Since my vehicle is front wheel drive, would it be the opposite?

 

[MtrJunkie]

your 2001 explorer is 4 wheel drive. In 2wd mode the rear is the primary. I might be wrong but I don't think explorers came as front wheel drive until 2011.

 

[BKennedy]

I have driven locked rear differentials on the street for years with no issues. Anything but a spool should be fine.

Selectable lockers are great as they make it more drivable on pavement, but they also have more things to go wrong and fail. The most common types are air, electric and cable. I have had both air and electric lockers and both worked very well. They can be cost prohibitive, around $1000.

I am currently running a Detroit in the rear and a Eaton E-locker up front. Like them both. The only time I notice the rear is locked is if I decide to make a U-turn under throttle, or accelerate hard from a stop while turning. The tire inside of the turn gets noisy. Recently took a 700 mile off road adventure, with about half of those miles on the freeway.

There are many different lockers, what are you looking at?

 

[jd4242]

Being its open throw a aussie in it..cheap and work great..I also DD my truck with a aussie, no issues unless you purposely gas it in a turn...

Main question that hasn't been answered, is why you need or want a locker?????