Lockers and gears

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craig sargood

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Hello everyone, I’m about ready to order gears and lockers and bigger tires in the next few weeks. I was wondering what lockers you might recommend and what gears I should run. I’m probably going with 37” tires. Also to note I would like to tow a 22’ toy hauler with this. Thanks for any and all input.
 

ExplorerTom

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4.56 at a minimum. 4.88 more likely.

I have Eaton Truetracs in my Explorer. Not a locker but acts almost like one.
 
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craig sargood

craig sargood

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4.56 at a minimum. 4.88 more likely.

I have Eaton Truetracs in my Explorer. Not a locker but acts almost like one.
Thanks Tom, what’s the difference?? How do they act differently?? I believe starkman has those. Seem to work pretty good, I’m not gonna be doing anything too crazy with my truck, I spent a lot of energy building it. But I do want to take it to Moab one day and try to run some stuff, not afraid or ashamed to back off something if it’s too sketchy.
 

ExplorerTom

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Yes, Starkman has them.

So a locker locks the axles together solidly. Truetracs are helical geared limited slips (no clutch plates to wear out).

A locker needs wiring (if an electrical locker) or an air line and a compressor (if an air locker). There are some mechanical lockers, but their street manners aren’t my thing so I don’t recommend those. A Truetrac is completely self contained.

A Truetrac on the street is pretty invisible. Turning a tight corner and getting heavy on the throttle I can spin the tires, but otherwise never notice them. On the trail (in my Explorer), I just point it in a direction and as long as I have the clearance, it seems to get there. No switches to flip, it just goes.

The trade off is if you lift a tire in the air, you have to fool the Truetracs by applying some brake with your left foot as you gas with the right. A locker doesn’t care if a tire is in the air.
 
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I have a 1999 xlt,4.6, with 164K used as my winter driver. Two sizes over on my tires forget the size been 4 years with the tires. I installed a Sparton lunchbox locker myself in 5 hours and am pleased with how it performs. Locks and unlocks smooth and for my use on dirt and snowy country road I am 95% happy with it. The 5% is people saying sir you have a CV joint going out. Hell nice of them to even say anything. Just my story, good luck.
 
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