Some traction for the front of an f150. Which would you pick?

badm0t0rfinger

Raptor Apologist.
I'd go with the torsen if you're looking to have it be more of a passive thing, if you want to select when and where it gets locked up then I'd go with the locker.

Edit/Addition: after thinking about it I've had a different setup in each vehicle and all of them had their benefits.

Disco: Locker/Locker + center diff locker. (Air Lockers)
TJ: Open/Locker (Air Locker)
Raptor: Torsen/Locker (E-Locker)

The Raptor when switched to locked takes about 3 seconds to engage, the TJ has a dedicated ARB compressor and takes maybe 10 seconds to prime and then lock, and the Disco had an ARB HD compressor (but that wasn't a dedicated system) and probably took 20 to 30 seconds to engage. Something to think about.
 
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1stDeuce

Explorer
If you're prone to standing on the loud pedal to get through things, a full locker might be a great way to need to carry spare half shafts... You simply have to be careful if you're pulling really hard on one front tire.
A torsen style diff keeps the front form grenading, but does occasionally need a little help from the brakes when one tire gets too light.

I'm running a TruTrac in the front of my TJ, and I LOVE it. (Works pretty much the same as the Torsen) If I see a tricky spot coming, I add a bit of brake with my left foot just before I get crossed up and motor right on through. I have a Rubicon rear locker, which works about the same and I hardly ever bother to lock it using this method in general exploring.
Plus nothing to go wrong, and a slightly cheaper install than an e- or air locker.
 

Boatbuilder79

Well-known member
I'd go with the torsen if you're looking to have it be more of a passive thing, if you want to select when and where it gets locked up then I'd go with the locker.

Edit/Addition: after thinking about it I've had a different setup in each vehicle and all of them had their benefits.

Disco: Locker/Locker + center diff locker. (Air Lockers)
TJ: Open/Locker (Air Locker)
Raptor: Torsen/Locker (E-Locker)

The Raptor when switched to locked takes about 3 seconds to engage, the TJ has a dedicated ARB compressor and takes maybe 10 seconds to prime and then lock, and the Disco had an ARB HD compressor (but that wasn't a dedicated system) and probably took 20 to 30 seconds to engage. Something to think about.

does the raptor traction control help the Torsen or is that an Internet myth?
 

badm0t0rfinger

Raptor Apologist.
does the raptor traction control help the Torsen or is that an Internet myth?

I cant give you a good answer because the torsen diff will come in handy while offroading when all those nannies are off. The nannies themselves work well enough, though I drive in TC Sport mode and usually have it all the way off on the sand. The torsen has come in handy the few times I've had to drive in snow.
 

nitro_rat

Lunchbox Lockers
I like a mechanical locker, I usually run a lunchbox in the front because a broken shaft or hub will grenade a detroit. A helical limited slip works good in the front but not as solid as a true locker. The one I really don't like in the front is a clutch type limited slip.
 

Boatbuilder79

Well-known member
A fat saucy wench in the front of any truck will add good traction for when you get stuck.?
My personal preference for a road truck that goes offroad is a torsen. Don't even know it's there until you need it.

I am leaning toward the Torsen I don’t really want to put a winch on this truck. I have a hilift with a winch kit I put together. It really works better than an electric winch for me because it is such a hassle to use that it keeps me from doing stuff that might get me stuck.
 
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Boatbuilder79

Well-known member
I like a mechanical locker, I usually run a lunchbox in the front because a broken shaft or hub will grenade a detroit. A helical limited slip works good in the front but not as solid as a true locker. The one I really don't like in the front is a clutch type limited slip.
I have front and rear lock right lunchbox lockers in my Jeep and really like them but You need strong arms to steer it.
 

billiebob

Well-known member
Definitely a seectable locker for off roading. The torsen is an awesome seamless limited slip but it only works with power on, it does nothing coming down a steep grade, non of the auto lockers work when you need traction downhill.

A selectable locker is a spool when engaged, it locks up up hill, down hill, full time. I like mine more descending than climbing.
 

Boatbuilder79

Well-known member
Another question. Is the raptor front housing Different from the normal f150.

Since 4.10 gears are A big part of this project
 
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