BLOCKRR

I have a 2008 Ford F150 Lairiat, Recently had a run in with steep snow covered hill in Ferni.

Ran into a bit of an issue where I only had 2 of the 4 wheels spining in 4hi... I ended up getting 3 of my bother in laws in the bed to get the traction I needed to get up the hill.

I am not a 4 x 4 expert, so a quick check of the interwebs says this is normal. But I am the type of personality If i find a lmition in my stuff, I want to make it better.

Correct me if I am wrong, but If I were to convert my truck to ARB lockers (I know they are not cheep) when engaged, they would spin all 4 tires at the same time.

Also, how would having ARB's installed affect the driveability when not engaged? or would there be any difference?

Thanks for your time.

PerryB

When the ARB is disengaged you have a standard open differential. Its an all-or-nothing device. If you can handle the cost of the installation, its the ultimate setup.

jkenprice1

Another alternative fo the street is the Detriot Trutrac in the rear.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

This is why my wife's GX-470 will out do my FX4 all day long in the snow and mud...

Willard5.0

A traction device, be it a limited slip or a full on locker will get both tires moving. When the ARB is disengaged it is a completely open diff. When engaged 100% of torque is transferred to both wheels. I've got ARBs front/rear in my Jeep. A Detroit truetrac LS in the rear of my 150, looking to install one in the front.

A limited slip is 'always on', but it is not as aggressive as a true locker.

BLOCKRR

Thanks for the replys gents!

What I am hearing is the best "bang for buck" set up for my not so off road 4x4, would be to install lockers on the front diff. considering I already have limited slip in the rear, (and no weight) and the front is already open.. Granted having arbs on the rear in addition would be even better, but lets be hohnest there is minimal traction to begin with.

Trailbreak74

For the most part, you want a locker in the rear not the front. Weight transfers to the rear when going up hill, which is the time you usually need the locker most.

If you have a limited slip in the rear and only want to add one locker, I can see where it would be tempting to add it to the front. I'd still put the locker in the rear axle though.

Another thing to consider is steering with a front locker engaged is very difficult.

Willard5.0

Steering with the locker engaged is very difficult, the vehicle will plow instead of steer. It is also very rough on the steering components. I only use my front locker in the Jeep on a difficult obstacle, then disengage it once Im over the tough spot.

A selectable locker in the rear and a LS up front makes for a great combo.

There is a company (edit): Auburn Gear's ECTED makes a hybrid style, its a LS when disengaged and it can go fully locked.

BLOCKRR

Thank for the help guys!.

That Auburn set up looks like a better value and fuctionality than the ARBs ... Cheers!

mass-hole

I would go Detroit trutrac. I have the factory e-locker in my 2014 and, while it does its job, I would much rather have a limited slip thats always engaged. That way you dont get into a situation where you dont engage it soon enough and get in trouble. And you dont have to worry about binding when you transfer to and from pavement.

Unless you are doing some serious offroading where you are lifting tires off the ground, a trutrac will be plenty.