Hello
I have a 2004 Dakota 4.7 4x4 with an 8.25 rear end. It currently does not have limited slip.
My first question is what is the difference between a locker and limited slip?
Also where I can get either/or for an 8.25 rear end, as well as what make would be best?
One more thing how do you tell how many bolts and splines?, or do you have to take it apart to tell?

I had a couple guys tell me to go with an Auburn Gear Limited slip?

Thanks for the help.

 

Open rear end (Which is what you have) during a turn it lets the inside tire spin lower and the outside spin faster. When your not on solid ground the side with LEST amount of traction will get all the power.

A locker will lock both tires together, so even if you have one side with no traction, up in the air or mud ect the side with traction will get power. 50/50 while locked.

A LSD Limited Slip Differential (Also called Posi or Positrack) It is not a locker. Uses clutches to hold the spider gears from moving, so you have a half way locker, sort of. Just like in the name it can slip. So you will not get the 50/50 split to the tires like the Locker can when one side has poor traction.

LSD are Junk in my mind. Don't waste your money on a LSD get a locker. For the dragstrip or offroad.

Lockrights are $300 or so the same as LSD units. Go to www.summitracing.com

For more info on how differentials work and lockers and LSD go to www.Howstuffworks.com

 

Unless you are doing serious off roading you dont really need a locker most of us get by perfectly fine with a open diff or lsd.