Final advice on gears and lockers

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craig sargood

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Hello everyone, I’m getting ready in the next week or two to order gears and possibly lockers. I know I’ve asked some of you before what you are running, but I forget and I’m too dumb to find your answers on here, so I’m asking again. I’m gonna be running 37x13.50x20 milestar Patagonia tire. I’m pretty sure I have the Ford 9.75 rear and 8.8 front difs, with I believe 3.73 gears that I’m running now on 33’s. I really need to know what gear ratio I’d need to have to be towing a 22’ toy hauler. Also I want to know what brands of gears and lockers you guys have, and possibly where you got them and cost. And if you recommend on front and rear lockers or just front or rear. Oh and most of all, your opinions on these parts. I really need to get this done by October 25th, so please Respond to this ASAP, thanks a lot everyone
 

ExplorerTom

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I’d go with 4.88 gears at a minimum. 5.13 for a little more towing power, but the pinion diameter on the 8.8 is starting to get a little small for my tastes.

Not sure on brand.
 

Machete

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^^ this. Those big tires put lots of stress on that rear diff
 

Dimz

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4.88 will be perfect for 37" and trailer. I think there are 5.12s available but that's almost too much for highway use, your engine may not like those rpms and overheat with all that cargo. As far as lockers I am going with ARB air-lockers (bout 1300 each) in front and back and 4.56 gears by yukon. I got 35s as 37s are way too expensive and require fender and wheelwell mods. Will do a post on the install soon.
 

captain chaos

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Personally, I would not tow with a locker for 2 reasons
A) the stress on the drivetrain can get pretty severe while trying to turn with a trailer and a locked rear.
B) trying to maneuver a trailer with a locker will be a PITA.
I've owned locked, and even spooled, vehicles and locked rearends make for some 'intresting' driving dynamics that would be HIGHLY unfavorable with a trailer.
Now, if you're thinking selectable locker (ARB or retrofitting a Raptor setup) that makes both concerns pretty much void.
If your not thinking selectable, I would lock the front and run a good limited slip (I'm partial to worm-drive units like the Tru-trac) in the rear.

As far as gears, we'll that depends. If you want to pull in OD (rough on transmission but do-able with light/moderate load), 4.88s would be the minimum I would go. 5.13s would pull better, and probably stay in OD better.
Pulling locked in 3rd, 4.88s would be real nice and 4.56s would probably be ok.
 

Stepcajun

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I'm planning on 4.88s with a locker in the back and limited slip in the front,
Running 37s with the 3.73s
 
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