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Have non lockers, looking to upgrade.

HarveyBirbman

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Howdy all

When i initially built my rig from the factory i opted out of the lockers. I didn't see myself in a scenario where i could justify the extra costs. Now as time goes on i have grown to regret my decision.

Is anyone aware of a reasonable process of swapping over to lockers and if they can be wired into the factory switches if purchased?

Any information would very much appreciated, ive seen prices for the axles, im more curious if anyone has found it to be a reasonable process.

Thank you team!
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PWillette

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Adding lockers is possible but not for the faint of heart. I forget BB gearing. I could be wrong but I'm not sure if a locker is even available for the M190 FDU. Then there's the electrics and programming. If you're talking about completely re-gearing w/ new front and rear diffs it certainly won't be a cheap endeavor. Try a search here or Google, should be several threads w/ details.
 

MadMan4BamaNATL

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At this point, may want to look into getting an ARB twin, then hooking up air lockers. No Idea what that would look like on the axles you have, but that's an option that's cheaper than totally new axles with e lockers.

Hopefully a mechanic will jump in with some options and where to start the process.

Have you found yourself getting stuck while out on some trails?

Good luck!
 

userdude

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Really, consider trading up to a BL Sas. There are lots of used ones out there now that might be cheaper when trading in than upgrading your BB. Can get very expensive. If you're going to go stock, just get a Bronco that has them already.

Otherwise, as @MadMan4BamaNATL mentioned, look at non-stock options like Eatons or air lockers. I don't think you'll be able to get the button on the dash, at least very easily/economically, since those are connected to your truck's computer. I have seen at least one person who connected some e-lockers to the accessory switches, if you have those.
 

Bellime

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Gets pricey really quick.
I am in the same boat and have read through all these posts, good info. I am leaning toward the Spicer Ultimate Dana 60 (UD60) 3.73 ratio for the rear so that I won’t have to change the front until some time in the future if at all.

a lot of what is offered in the market is said to be bolt-on ready, but be sure to read the caveats like a new driveshaft or other conditions.

the wiring looks like you have to go with a custom switch.

my preference is going to cost me $9k, this includes labor and new driveshaft.
 

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HarveyBirbman

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At this point, may want to look into getting an ARB twin, then hooking up air lockers. No Idea what that would look like on the axles you have, but that's an option that's cheaper than totally new axles with e lockers.

Hopefully a mechanic will jump in with some options and where to start the process.

Have you found yourself getting stuck while out on some trails?

Good luck!

Thank you for the information! I have yet to get stuck but I am starting to get the overlanding bug and, as i understand it, its better to be over prepared than under. Im looking for the perspective that everyone has given me so far! What it is teaching me is that the transition would be very rough haha so ive accepted that i am a bit of a pickle if i decide to really go after it.

I think a winch will have to do for now!
 
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HarveyBirbman

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Gets pricey really quick.
I am in the same boat and have read through all these posts, good info. I am leaning toward the Spicer Ultimate Dana 60 (UD60) 3.73 ratio for the rear so that I won’t have to change the front until some time in the future if at all.

a lot of what is offered in the market is said to be bolt-on ready, but be sure to read the caveats like a new driveshaft or other conditions.

the wiring looks like you have to go with a custom switch.

my preference is going to cost me $9k, this includes labor and new driveshaft.
Thank you for the info! This sounds more like what id like to try but based on your costs im not sure that my desire to upgrade matches my willingness to spend!

I hope your swap goes well!
 

Dantastic

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Brian_B

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Easiest option by far are the Ford Performance crate rear ends, and the cost is about on par with trying to use your existing standard rear end to install a locker

If you just want a rear locker - pick the one that matches the gear ratio you already have, and you don’t have to touch the front end. It’s a relatively easy swap, you just add a switch and no programming or need for a speciality shop. Should be all in less than $3,000 going this route. With the exception of the 3.73 ratio… for some reason. Ford doesn’t have the Dana 44 crate in that ratio.

Takeoffs are an option as well, if you can find one.

If you want front and rear, it gets much more expensive. At that point trading up is your best bet.
 

userdude

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Thank you for the information! I have yet to get stuck but I am starting to get the overlanding bug and, as i understand it, its better to be over prepared than under. Im looking for the perspective that everyone has given me so far! What it is teaching me is that the transition would be very rough haha so ive accepted that i am a bit of a pickle if i decide to really go after it.

I think a winch will have to do for now!
I wheeled with a guy who is a guide at Merus up in the panhandle. He didn't have lockers. There's technique, like picking good lines and driving faster, and importantly getting good tires and beadlock rims you can run fulltime. He used the Icon Rebound Pros, there's also the Method Bead Grips.

Lockers in a sense are crutches, you can do a lot without them. For overlanding, you're probably fine without them.

Note, you probably want to get something like this and learn to use it. Cheaper than a winch and more useful.

https://rhinousainc.com/products/big-truck-extreme-kit
 

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HarveyBirbman

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I wheeled with a guy who is a guide at Merus up in the panhandle. He didn't have lockers. There's technique, like picking good lines and driving faster, and importantly getting good tires and beadlock rims you can run fulltime. He used the Icon Rebound Pros, there's also the Method Bead Grips.

Lockers in a sense are crutches, you can do a lot without them. For overlanding, you're probably fine without them.

Note, you probably want to get something like this and learn to use it. Cheaper than a winch and more useful.

https://rhinousainc.com/products/big-truck-extreme-kit

thank you! this gives me hope!
 
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HarveyBirbman

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Easiest option by far are the Ford Performance crate rear ends, and the cost is about on par with trying to use your existing standard rear end to install a locker

If you just want a rear locker - pick the one that matches the gear ratio you already have, and you don’t have to touch the front end. It’s a relatively easy swap, you just add a switch and no programming or need for a speciality shop. Should be all in less than $3,000 going this route. With the exception of the 3.73 ratio… for some reason. Ford doesn’t have the Dana 44 crate in that ratio.

Takeoffs are an option as well, if you can find one.

If you want front and rear, it gets much more expensive. At that point trading up is your best bet.

thank you! This seems like a very reasonable option!
 

Owl

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Well, a couple things because I have thought of getting a rear locker for my 2Dr Base. Just a few thoughts...

A) Just saying "trade yours in for an XXX" -- you guys are forgetting that us folks in California and the like (I know we're stupid for being here)... are paying about 4-5,000 each time we switch vehicles. That's a lot of tax money in stead of hardware. I think my government got enough the 1st time around. What would an extra $5000 in non-tax $$$ get me -- is always my question. I to have a 3.73 rear.

B) On the Las Vegas Rodeo... I came back with these two impressions:
1) You can lock the spinning wheel a bit through decent brake control. Maybe not a locker... but it is something to try 1st. I also wondered if it would be possible to utilize "trail turn assist" on a spinning wheel to get that locker-like action. Never tried it -- has anyone???

2) I got the impression that a sway-bar disconnect is almost as important as a locker... as it keeps the wheels on the ground. Seemed like a cheaper way to go.

Any thoughts or experience?
 

indio22

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Thank you for the information! I have yet to get stuck but I am starting to get the overlanding bug and, as i understand it, its better to be over prepared than under. Im looking for the perspective that everyone has given me so far! What it is teaching me is that the transition would be very rough haha so ive accepted that i am a bit of a pickle if i decide to really go after it.

I think a winch will have to do for now!
If you haven't gotten stuck yet and are looking at a locker for an overlanding "what if" scenario, you don't need a locker. I'm not a fan of "what if" purchasing, and you don't need a locker to off-road.

See how it goes down the road, and update to a locker or new vehicle with one, if the usage merits. You'll know if you find yourself hitting trail conditions where your skill at driving and picking a line still won't allow going forward without a locker.
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