Locking Rear End Trucks

Larry J

Larry J

Active member
I've decided that I need a new used truck and want to get a 4wd with locking rear differential. I know the older Tacoma's had that option and maybe they still do, but the older version is too small and I don't want a truck payment, so new one is out of the question. I don't expect to use it as a daily driver; just to tow a 300lb boat or for weekend project stuff. What other trucks had the locking rear end option? thanks
 
ford makes the best rear ends in the industry by far. Even if you buy a truck thats not a Ford you can drop in a Ford rear end. You can also rebuild the rear end into a locker lots of kits for that too
 
I've decided that I need a new used truck and want to get a 4wd with locking rear differential. I know the older Tacoma's had that option and maybe they still do, but the older version is too small and I don't want a truck payment, so new one is out of the question. I don't expect to use it as a daily driver; just to tow a 300lb boat or for weekend project stuff. What other trucks had the locking rear end option? thanks
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I have a rear locker on my 2006 tacoma and I haven't used it other than when pulling stumps (to minimize tearing up the lawn). I thought I would use it more on icy boat ramps, but frankly I don't use it and haven't needed it. It is a nice piece of mind feature to have one more button you can push if you get into trouble. But frankly it is probably just that - a piece of mind feature if you aren't doing something really technical like rock crawling (and iit is just added expense).

Obviously you have a reason to want it and I understand that. One serious traction adding step above a four-wheel drive is a set of real chains in the truck - something to consider. Chains are amazing and cheap. Rear chains on a simple 4x4 vs a 4x4 with a rear locker and no chains would be a silly no contest in most terrains
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I think you can put after market lockers in most trucks, but I dont' know what that costs.
 
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Lockers run from a few hundred to a grand.....from mechanical to air....around here many serious 4x4 have them both front rear...so with chains and lockers hang on to thy butt as we are going to move or do damage...HAHA!!

I have a 2 wheel drive truck (Ford F150, 1995) and with chains it rocks...love driving past some stuck 4x4....

Matt
 
Mike's right about the Ford rear ends. Pretty much all of the dirt track racers run Ford 9" differentials due to their bullet proof construction.

However, since you're just pulling a light boat I would think any of the main line trucks would work. A good tip when looking for a used truck is to look for oem "tow package" equipment. Trans oil cooler, tow button in the cab, oem trailer light hookups and hitch are all things you will enjoy and "usually" indicate a limited slip differential is also present - at least on GM equipment. Check the option codes to be sure. These aren't lockers like the 4x4 guys use when rock crawling, but they work great for us city slickers.

Good luck.

Kevin
 
guys,

thanks for the info. i didn't even consider chains, that seems like a good in expensive alternative. i definately want 4wd though.

not sure what a tow button in the cab is. my trailer doesn't have, or need brakes.
 
I have never driven a locked rear end but have driven pos a traction or limited slip rear ends. I highly recommend them. Usually they are put on or ordered when the truck is new. After market very expensive. If you can find a used truck with that rear end go for it. The other alternative that was suggested is chains. I had a lot of experience with chains. In ice or snow and mud A two wheel will out perform a four wheel. The ultimate would be a four wheel with limited slip rear end with chains. Only trees over four inches and being buried will stop you. Oh yes two foot of snow will too but that's what plows are for.

My teen age years I got to practice all those things. I can still hear my father say when on occasion things did not turn out so well and I needed help. " I don't understand what you were thinking " edited- for colorful language.. Accessories are important also like shovel. planks,come a long, extra cable, short chain,axe, chain saw, phone, long range radio. flare gun..
 
Snow......4x4, chains, lockers, equals pushing snow with the grill until you can knock of the belts and over heat...... crazy....HaHa!!
 
Larry,

Like Kevin said, GM has Eaton locking differentials in their "newer" PUs. I have an 06 and it has it. When a rear wheel breaks loose and hits a certain RPM the rear axle locks. We bought the truck in the winter and I was pretty impressed playing in the snow with it. It also has the tow button on the end of the shifting lever, push it in and it changes the shifting RPMs in the trans to accommodate heavier loads.

George
 
rears in fors are bad, when I took mine in at 55000 miles for a rear my mechanic told me he had done 9 fords between the years of 1999 and 2003(mine was a 2001). didnt really believe him untill my ford broke down at the boat ramp and another ford owner got it started and told me he had done his at 66000 miles. enougnt said have a chevy now
 
gdod stuff guys. how does one ID a limited slip differential on a used truck. can you look at it an tell. I suspect I'll only get to test drive on the road. Can I tell from the VIN number.
 
For GM trucks, look in the glove box and copy down all of the RPO codes and cross check on the internet. These three digit codes will give you the option configurations for the truck in question. "Limited Slip" rear ends include:

G76 : POSITRACTION REAR
G80 : AXLE POSITRACTION, LIMITED SLIP
G81 : POSITRACTION REAR AXLE

There may be others as well, so check em all. Also, check to make sure the truck has a full size trans cooler in front of the radiator - it will save your transmission, whether you tow stuff or not. These can also be added using aftermarket kits and are relatively cheap.

Kevin

 
my 08 chevy silverado has one from factory ,i love it and it has saved me a few times,but one thing is you have to anticipate the side ways spin ,one way in forward and the other in reverse...
 
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