F-150kid

Hi all I have 94 f150 300 i6 mazda 5 speed and a 2.73 rear axel. My problem is the rear end feels kind of sloppy after I put it in gear and let off the clutch I can feel it jerk a bit... I got under the truck and the drive shaft will turn almost a quarter turn before catches either direction...so I figured it was time to rebuild... my question is its a open differential and I want to lock it as we get a lot snow here in Ohio and I get horrible traction the slightest bit of snow or mud and it just sits and spins. Has anyone used a spartan locker and how well do they work? Have u noticed a lot better Traction on slick surfaces? Also it seems like when I pull light loads with my trailer ( dirt bikes atvs light farm equipment etc. Ect.) down the road it's fine as long as I don't get over 55mph after that it has a hard time picking up speed (in 4th not using od) and won't go much over 60... pain in the a** when i travel interstate will 3.73 make a huge difference over 60 when pulling? also planing on going to 31 10.50 15 tires so I figure it would be like having 3.55s with the bigger tires... also how much will this effect the fuel milage currently I get like 18 19 interstate empty. thanks guys!

Crownman

The 2.73 is a low low gear. Step up to a 3.55 and you will definitely feel the difference. You can get a locker for the rear end but if you're going to pull everything out to rebuild and regear then I'd say to just buy a Ford Racing trak loc and put it in.

Here's a place with good prices. They're a small business and have peope that know what they're talking about and will help you with info if you need it.
Latemodel Restoration Supply

8.8 Ford Racing limited slip diff $228.99
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...r-Clutch-Disks

Here's a full kit with the 3.55 gears. It has everything you need to go with the LS diff above. $259.99
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...-Rear-Gear-Kit

Scraptor

The Ford trac lock can be almost as tight as a locker, and the price is rright.
If you are hard on the truck, like offroading, or spinning tires, google " crush sleeve eliminator ".

Learning to drive with a locker or limited slip in snow will be scary fun, the truck will drift easier than before, but it will be more controllable when it does.

As for the power difference, from 2.73s to 3.55s,
In this video the truck has the same drivtrain as yours, and this was done in second gear on 37 inch tires

F-150kid

Hey guys thanks for the help I think I'm gunna ls vs locker because if I'm replacing the carrier anyways it will be cheaper! Also I have a buddy of mine selling parts off of his 95 4×4 from what I have read on here 4x4 swap is a direct bolt on? his truck reg cab long box 5.0 with m5od trans and the transfer case... the motor has a cracked block. He told me 475 for the trans transfer case front ttb axel complete from locking hub to locking hub and the front drive shaft. The front diff is 3.73 I believe he said and it's got 103,000 miles on the truck... what else Would I need? how hard would it be to do this swap? I know it might be easier to get another truck that 4x4 but I have done a lot of work to old red and she's my first truck! I got too many memories to part with her. Also forgot to mention the locking hubs are almost brand new and the transfercase was rebuild a year ago Thanks again guys!

Lazarus-F150

How hard is this install? Does it require any specialized tools?

Crownman

The only specialized tool you really need is a dial indicator to check the backlash.

Check out this video. It's on a Mustang but the 8.8 in the truck is exactly the same.