Locking Rear Axel

[D Fresh]

so I went to San Luis Pass on the coast of Texas today and put this to the test… on the way in I was cautious and stuck to the shoreline as much as possible but had to go through some deep sand (maybe 50 yards) to meet up with my friends with no problems without airing down on a 2wd open diff but TC and adv trac off. On the way back I hit the same path but couldn’t carry as much speed since I was behind my friend in his Z71. Sunk full stop maybe 10 yards from being home free and pulled up the e brake and gave it steady gas in the same fashion as clutch+gas on a manual. Immediately started rolling out as my friend started reversing ready to pull me out. Glad I read this thread before heading out there today hahaha. Now I have another trick In my back pocket until I can afford a locking diff or better yet something 4x4 with locking front and rear axles ?

I'm sure I can speak for @towpro when I say happy to help!

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[Apples]

Like this thread's starter, I too want a locking differential, but not for the same reason. And I too have found the upgrade expensive. The main reason, the ring and pinion support is actually part of the axle housing, rather than a separate "third member" as with most other Ford trucks.

I should add that a locking differential isn't what I want, exactly. Rather a Torsen third member, which is a different animal than a locker type. The why is different too—I want better "straight-line" acceleration without a lot of fishtailing!

For those who have looked, the only option is to replace the complete axle housing, with a 9 inch one with separate third member. Cost? Cheap as I can find, upwards of $2,500 plus labor.

 

[Rviator]

so I went to San Luis Pass on the coast of Texas today and put this to the test… on the way in I was cautious and stuck to the shoreline as much as possible but had to go through some deep sand (maybe 50 yards) to meet up with my friends with no problems without airing down on a 2wd open diff but TC and adv trac off. On the way back I hit the same path but couldn’t carry as much speed since I was behind my friend in his Z71. Sunk full stop maybe 10 yards from being home free and pulled up the e brake and gave it steady gas in the same fashion as clutch+gas on a manual. Immediately started rolling out as my friend started reversing ready to pull me out. Glad I read this thread before heading out there today hahaha. Now I have another trick In my back pocket until I can afford a locking diff or better yet something 4x4 with locking front and rear axles ?

Why turn off the traction control aids? Using the e-brake has been known to work, however traction control does the same thing only better by just braking the wheel that is spinning, and not both. Admittedly there are times when you might want wheel spin.

 

[FunInTheSun]

I got the locking diff, but I don't have to worry about snow and ice (at home, anyway...). But sand and beach driving, it is likely to help a lot. My dad had a big old Buick station wagon, and we used to go to the beach every weekend in the summer. That car never got stuck, becuse it had a limited slip differential (Posi-Traction). We used to see somebody stuck almost every time, but never us. That thing would just dig in with both back tires and walk right out.

I just sold a Subaru CrossTrek, and they have a traction control algorithm they call X-Mode. The car has full-time AWD, with basically open diffs, and X-Mode, uses the ABS wheel speed sensors and applies the brakes to a spinning wheel to regain traction when one wheel is off the ground or on a slick patch of ice.

The Locking diff is only $420 option, if you order it at build time., but obviously, buying a whole new axle to get the feature is not quite the same... I got a couple of options (4x4) that I would not have ordered because the dealer had the truck in stock, but that option was on my wish list. Great benefit, especially if you are driving a 4x2.

 

[D Fresh]

Why turn off the traction control aids? Using the e-brake has been known to work, however traction control does the same thing only better by just braking the wheel that is spinning, and not both. Admittedly there are times when you might want wheel spin.

If it were just Traction Control, yes, you'd be correct.

Advancetrak is "stability control" it will brake AND cut power not only to maintain traction but to help you go where IT thinks you want to.

For example, wheels are cut hard left, but truck is not gripping up front and pushing straight. Truck thinks you want to turn left and cannot, therefore it cuts power.

In our vehicles, in order to turn Advancetrak off, Traction Control is also disabled. As far as I know you cannot disable Advance trac while keeping traction control active.

The ebrake gives you some redneck traction control while it's turned off in order to turn our stability control off.

In an FX-4 "Terrain Management" uses Advanctrac and traction control to do some very neat things. Without "Terrain Management" it's just another nanny.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

I’m having the ARB rear locker installed in the next week or so… not cheap but good to have anywhere. Didn’t need the 4x4 but couldn’t find a ranger with an e locker when buying 2 years ago

How much is that? Installation by a dealer?
Thanks

 

[Trigganometry]

Did an online search last night for rear axle assembly’s with E lock. These are from wrecks. Around $1,375 with brakes included.

Something to think about.

 

[Allen_rubin]

How much is that? Installation by a dealer?
Thanks

About 2.5k with compressor and full installation, seems like a lot but the air locker will perform on the fly. Was gonna get a wrecked rear end but after shipping etc it came out to 2k without installation lol

 

[towpro]

I'm sure I can speak for @towpro when I say happy to help!

Always glad to share knowledge. its gotten me out more than once

 

[JohnnyO]

I hope my only regret is not locating a ranger with a locking diff . I am finding If i want to add it may not be so easy?? I live in snow country and do hunt and fish in the back country too.

If your truck is a 4x4 you should be okay in snow without a locker. I live in PA where we don’t usually get a ton of snow but it’s very hilly. I had two Rangers and one Sport Trac, all 4x4 with limited-slips, then my last Sport Trac they replaced limited-slip with traction control and in the winter I got around fine. I’d rather have the locker but I got by without one before.

 

[thatwhiteranger]

About 2.5k with compressor and full installation, seems like a lot but the air locker will perform on the fly. Was gonna get a wrecked rear end but after shipping etc it came out to 2k without installation lol

Looking into this as well, thanks for the total cost of parts and install.

 

[Cane777]

I’m having the ARB rear locker installed in the next week or so… not cheap but good to have anywhere. Didn’t need the 4x4 but couldn’t find a ranger with an e locker when buying 2 years ago

Yo how is your arb locker holding up. I live in Puerto Rico and couldn't afford an Fx4 dude to import taxes it brought it up $45,000 so i went with a xlt 4x4 without a locker for $40,000 and that was my limit. Can you link the arb locker you used, gears, compressor, and or any other part needed?

 

[Allen_rubin]

Yo how is your arb locker holding up. I live in Puerto Rico and couldn't afford an Fx4 dude to import taxes it brought it up $45,000 so i went with a xlt 4x4 without a locker for $40,000 and that was my limit. Can you link the arb locker you used, gears, compressor, and or any other part needed?

I gotta find the invoice, but it was a compressor, gears, locker, and I even think new axles as well

 

[Cane777]

I gotta find the invoice, but it was a compressor, gears, locker, and I even think new axles as well

awesome if you can link the correct parts or send me a DM that would be great. thank you very much

 

[daczone]

I hope my only regret is not locating a ranger with a locking diff . I am finding If i want to add it may not be so easy?? I live in snow country and do hunt and fish in the back country too.

I felt the same way.... but as they say the price was right! I picked up a 2nd set of ranger wheels from someone who went BIGGER and put studded tires on them. I just swap them for the winter. They are great in the winter and work on ice as well. I have a steep long driveway and have had no issues the past 2 years.

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