Front E-locker F150

[bigskypylot]

Was doing some reading and found a thread that was talking about the fact that you could use an Eaton E-locker for an 8.8 rear locking differential in the front 8.8 (Captain Obvious here). From what I understand, they use the same ring and pinion obviously but it's an inverted diff compared to the rear (I think I got that right from what my Ford Tech buddy said) all that would be needed is to drill a hole to wire it up to a switch in the cabin, oh... and $$$ obviously. Just thought that would be a cool option as opposed to an air locker if you didnt want to go that route. I suppose a tru-track or Detroit locker for an 8.8 would work as well?

http://www.stage3motorsports.com/19...ing-Front-Differential-8-8-31-Spline-IFS.html

 

[wanabxtrm]

I guess I've got another item to add to the wish list... Though that won't be for a few years until after the warranty is up.

 

[bigskypylot]

I guess I've got another item to add to the wish list... Though that won't be for a few years until after the warranty is up.

Haha. I'm gonna do it right away.

 

[wanabxtrm]

Give me an update once you've got it in, love to hear the details.

 

[adrstout]

That's pretty awesome! Probably won't be on my list anytime soon but I love the idea.

 

[bigskypylot]

That's pretty awesome! Probably won't be on my list anytime soon but I love the idea.

I am probably not gonna put a whole heckuva lot of $$ in to my Xterra any longer. I will when I have to but My next project will be a F150 with V8 and blower and a few other goodies. I talked to RPG and I like their Raptor Conversion kit and talked to Currie and they can do a custom full floater locked rearend... 9", 9.75 or Rock Jock 70... but that is about 8K + 16K for the full suspension swap and then the motor work and bumpers.... aint gonna be cheap lol

 

[kmlacroix]

I have looked into this. There has been some discussion against putting a locker in the front diff. Cannot find any real info that a locker will put too much stress on the front axles. Ford uses, at least for the next to current generation, a different diff housing for the 4:10 gearset.

 

[bigskypylot]

I have looked into this. There has been some discussion against putting a locker in the front diff. Cannot find any real info that a locker will put too much stress on the front axles. Ford uses, at least for the next to current generation, a different diff housing for the 4:10 gearset.

from speaking with my buddy that has been a Ford Master Tech for 30+ years, he said it's been done and is perfectly fine. It's like the R180 on my Xterra. Folks have a locker in it, no issues, but you will hear that people blow them up all the time with and without and that the M205 is the answer. Well, you can do the same thing if you don't drive it right. It's all in how you drive and your use of the skinny pedal. I like the RCV halfshafts that they have for the F150 also. Yukon 4.10s, a front and rear locker would be a great set-up. How many times do you plan on using your front locker and for how long each time, my guess is that you may use it less than 5% of the driving you do. However, it's nice to have it if you need it

 

[2025 deleted member]

I am probably not gonna put a whole heckuva lot of $$ in to my Xterra any longer. I will when I have to but My next project will be a F150 with V8 and blower and a few other goodies. I talked to RPG and I like their Raptor Conversion kit and talked to Currie and they can do a custom full floater locked rearend... 9", 9.75 or Rock Jock 70... but that is about 8K + 16K for the full suspension swap and then the motor work and bumpers.... aint gonna be cheap lol

16k would turn into 25k before you know it. Wouldn't it be better to just get a Raptor?

 

[bigskypylot]

16k would turn into 25k before you know it. Wouldn't it be better to just get a Raptor?

Ive been contemplating that as well. The reason I've come to terms with this route, I get a V8 (which I would add a supercharger and headers/exhaust) Custom Currie 9.75 rearend or Custom Rockjock 70. and a 6.5ft bed. Of course, I could change my mind tomorrow. I don't need a new vehicle every few years like some people seem to change like the weather. If I get it, I probably wont get another one for 10+ years, so I want something I am ultimately happy with. Lots to think about. In this case, it would be more than a Raptor but probably more capable in some respects (although, it doesn't have the play modes the Raptor has) Ugggh lol

 

[ExplorerTom]

For those that have front lockers, how often do you actually use it?

I've wheeled with people that have front lockers. But they only use them while snow wheeling.

I'd make sure you have a good rear locker before adding anything to the front of an IFS.

 

[wanabxtrm]

Had one in my jeep. Used it a few times, at which point it was nice to have. It's the 1% thing. You may only use it 1% of the time, but for that 1% is it worth having? Some yes, some no. I would have ordered it if it were a factory option, and will likely put one in after it's an older more used truck. I'll be curious what if any places the f150's size precludes over the jeep, and if that will change my mind on the locker.

 

[bigskypylot]

Had one in my jeep. Used it a few times, at which point it was nice to have. It's the 1% thing. You may only use it 1% of the time, but for that 1% is it worth having? Some yes, some no. I would have ordered it if it were a factory option, and will likely put one in after it's an older more used truck. I'll be curious what if any places the f150's size precludes over the jeep, and if that will change my mind on the locker.

It's a nice to have option, when you need it for those rare occasions lol

 

[Buliwyf]

Since it's selectable, and you only use it in absolutely dire circumstances, like stuck in mud or a wet ditch, then you'll be ok. But don't go wheeling with the front diff locked in an F150. It won't last. Use it only when needed. Still I'd recommend a Truetrac front and a locker in the rear. If you're buying new, get the rear factory locker and call it a day.

Not sure where you're going with the hardcore suspension mods. Is this a new truck, or an old beater you're turning into a desert rig? Is this a prerunner or something? Blower, Raptor stuff? The new F150's don't need more power, they need more gear. Put a 4.56 in, and call it a day. The Raptor stuff doesn't make sense unless it's a desert truck, or you're rich.

 

[p nut]

Since it's selectable, and you only use it in absolutely dire circumstances, like stuck in mud or a wet ditch, then you'll be ok. But don't go wheeling with the front diff locked in an F150. It won't last. Use it only when needed. Still I'd recommend a Truetrac front and a locker in the rear. If you're buying new, get the rear factory locker and call it a day.
Not sure where you're going with the hardcore suspension mods. Is this a new truck, or an old beater you're turning into a desert rig? Is this a prerunner or something? Blower, Raptor stuff? The new F150's don't need more power, they need more gear. Put a 4.56 in, and call it a day. The Raptor stuff doesn't make sense unless it's a desert truck, or you're rich.

I'd recommend that as well. Need more power? Why go through the extra expense of an SC on 5.0? 3.5TT makes more power, easier and cheaper.
_
Regarding the front locker. I'd personally just get a winch.