Is changing to the locking diff from xlt sport plug and play?

[xxEMOxx]

Since to get the deal I wanted I had to get an XLT sport or a Fully Loaded FX4 but all I want is the locking diff. And they didnt have an optioned truck with just locking diff. Even Ford said you can get that way on their site, is there a way to just get the locking diff and swap it in? Are the harnesses and controllers already there?

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[DevilDog1775]

Since to get the deal I wanted I had to get an XLT sport or a Fully Loaded FX4 but all I want is the locking diff. And they didnt have an optioned truck with just locking diff. Even Ford said you can get that way on their site, is there a way to just get the locking diff and swap it in? Are the harnesses and controllers already there?

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[RoadBoss]

Since to get the deal I wanted I had to get an XLT sport or a Fully Loaded FX4 but all I want is the locking diff. And they didnt have an optioned truck with just locking diff. Even Ford said you can get that way on their site, is there a way to just get the locking diff and swap it in? Are the harnesses and controllers already there?

I don't have a real answer for you, but you'll certainly be able to find the part number and install it, though it will likely be a lot of work and more expensive than adding the option to a custom ordered truck. you'd probably have to replace the entire rear axle.

As for the wiring, I really doubt anything is there. seems like there's very little extra wiring in these trucks for things that weren't optioned. BUT, if you're going to the trouble of the axle install it probably wouldn't be that much more work to wire up a simple on-off switch to trigger the axle lock.

 

[Subduction]

I have not investigated OEM parts but for a thousand bucks in parts + onboard compressor there is: ARB Air Locker Locking Rear Differential for Dana M220 Axles (OEM Open Diffs Only) RD245

 

[Frenchy]

All I can say is this, if you want an e Locker for the rear you might as well buy a truck that already has it. Installing one is going to be a pain in the ass because there are two separate harnesses on the vehicle with and without e locker. I have already looked into this and decided when the time comes I will put in an air Locker. Yes it's going to cost me some money to do so but I plan on doing it with an onboard air system at the same time.

 

[Rinn69]

Not sure about the '20 models, but the '19 models, if you want the locking diff option, you can either order it, find one with it, or option 3.......swap the entire axle assembly...it's not something that can be added "after the fact". An aftermarket air locker would be the easiest and least expensive option.

 

[Frenchy]

Not sure about the '20 models, but the '19 models, if you want the locking diff option, you can either order it, find one with it, or option 3.......swap the entire axle assembly...it's not something that can be added "after the fact". An aftermarket air locker would be the easiest and least expensive option.

So far 2020 is the same idea.....

 

[Michel Jeanneau]

Get a torsen limited slip...no wires, no pumps, and between that and traction control you should be good to go.

 

[Frenchy]

Get a torsen limited slip...no wires, no pumps, and between that and traction control you should be good to go.

As much of a good idea that is those are not available for the ranger yet, unless you have found a source.

 

[xxEMOxx]

Not sure about the '20 models, but the '19 models, if you want the locking diff option, you can either order it, find one with it, or option 3.......swap the entire axle assembly...it's not something that can be added "after the fact". An aftermarket air locker would be the easiest and least expensive option.

Sadly, I looked thru most if eastern NE western IA and northern MO, no one had a 4x4 crew with locking diff that wasn't an FX4, and well ordering blows the finance deal with not to mention they aren't even building trucks atm!

Hence where my question came from.

A 3rd party locker might just be the best option but I dont want to void my warranty, nor my extended warranty.

 

[Frenchy]

Sadly, I looked thru most if eastern NE western IA and northern MO, no one had a 4x4 crew with locking diff that wasn't an FX4, and well ordering blows the finance deal with not to mention they aren't even building trucks atm!

Hence where my question came from.

A 3rd party locker might just be the best option but I dont want to void my warranty, nor my extended warranty.

Assuming you want to go offroad the FX4 is a good package to start with. I only have a sport and had to add the transfercase skid plate. Stock the trucks have pretty good offroad capabilities. I am getting ready to put the Old Man EMU lift kit on my truck in a few days. I know it will give me better overall clearance and here in Colorado that is a good idea. In Iowa I can't say since I have only seen the corn fields. It is up to you on what yoy do but that is my opinion.

 

[xxEMOxx]

Assuming you want to go offroad the FX4 is a good package to start with. I only have a sport and had to add the transfercase skid plate. Stock the trucks have pretty good offroad capabilities. I am getting ready to put the Old Man EMU lift kit on my truck in a few days. I know it will give me better overall clearance and here in Colorado that is a good idea. In Iowa I can't say since I have only seen the corn fields. It is up to you on what yoy do but that is my opinion.

Already bought my sport, most farm fields get a little soggy, and the 4x4 is mostly for snow season! I am going to buy a 3rd party bash plate, rocker / skid bars / a nice brush grille if i can find one, and a leveling kit and call it day.

I looked and looked, but only found Lariat FX4s or over priced ones, so sport it was.....

If I could have found an FX4 I wouldn't have minded forgoing my extended warranty for the FX4 upgrade, sadly I was also under a time crunch as my 1998 Durango finally hit repairing exceeds the value of the truck ( heater core leaking bad! But to get it changed I literally have to pull the entire dash out in 1 huge piece then this giant hvac controller box next, its like an 8 to 12 hour labor job, for a 220k rusting 1998 Durango ), I was going to buy a used 15' is250 and eventually fix the Durango for hunting and winter beater duty.

But Ford just made me an offer I couldnt refuse for my very 1st brand new truck ever, and 1st car payment ever lol.

 

[Frenchy]

Already bought my sport, most farm fields get a little soggy, and the 4x4 is mostly for snow season! I am going to buy a 3rd party bash plate, rocker / skid bars / a nice brush grille if i can find one, and a leveling kit and call it day.

I looked and looked, but only found Lariat FX4s or over priced ones, so sport it was.....

If I could have found an FX4 I wouldn't have minded forgoing my extended warranty for the FX4 upgrade, sadly I was also under a time crunch as my 1998 Durango finally hit repairing exceeds the value of the truck ( heater core leaking bad! But to get it changed I literally have to pull the entire dash out in 1 huge piece then this giant hvac controller box next, its like an 8 to 12 hour labor job, for a 220k rusting 1998 Durango ), I was going to buy a used 15' is250 and eventually fix the Durango for hunting and winter beater duty.

But Ford just made me an offer I couldnt refuse for my very 1st brand new truck ever, and 1st car payment ever lol.

I would recommend going onto Stage 3 Motorsports for.most of those items. There is also Rocky Offroad in Utah. They make some nice rock sliders and i plan to get a set in time. Also if you like the look of the FX4 bash plate up front you can bolt one up. The only down side is they are at least a month out, my parts manager informed me on Tuesday if memory serves me right. I also got the Ford T-case bash plat and it wors well. For leveling I would recommend one of the suspension kits like Fox or Eibach or go the rout I did and get the Old Man EMU kit from ARB. I have see enough reviews of fro t spacers making the ride worse on these trucks.

 

[xxEMOxx]

I would recommend going onto Stage 3 Motorsports for.most of those items. There is also Rocky Offroad in Utah. They make some nice rock sliders and i plan to get a set in time. Also if you like the look of the FX4 bash plate up front you can bolt one up. The only down side is they are at least a month out, my parts manager informed me on Tuesday if memory serves me right. I also got the Ford T-case bash plat and it wors well. For leveling I would recommend one of the suspension kits like Fox or Eibach or go the rout I did and get the Old Man EMU kit from ARB. I have see enough reviews of fro t spacers making the ride worse on these trucks.

Looked at stage 3, considering Ford Performance leveling kit cause I can use my Ford dealer pass points and save like $300 right there.... Also I believe they come with Fox shocks.

Rode in one that had spacers and it was much firm which is either a love it or hate it, but the 2nd spacer truck I rode in felt STTTIIFFFF and tossed you all over the place but they both looked GOOOOODDDD!!!

Can't wait for the AM and letting the debadging begin lol

 

[Frenchy]

Looked at stage 3, considering Ford Performance leveling kit cause I can use my Ford dealer pass points and save like $300 right there.... Also I believe they come with Fox shocks.

Rode in one that had spacers and it was much firm which is either a love it or hate it, but the 2nd spacer truck I rode in felt STTTIIFFFF and tossed you all over the place but they both looked GOOOOODDDD!!!

Can't wait for the AM and letting the debadging begin lol

The Ford Performance leveling kit is the Fox kit. If I'm not mistaken I think Stage 3 has it at the lower price that you would get using your pass rewards but your choice. I considered the Fox kit but I wanted to bring the rear up as well and that is why I chose Old Man EMU.

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