Well, I've decided to go with the Detroit Locker for the rear and the True Trac for the front of my 95 Ram 1500. As I was getting ready to order them I was also looking at gears. My truck is a 318 auto, with about 97,000 miles on it. Right now, it has 3:55's in it, and with my 35's, well, you guys know the story. Like I said before, my truck is a daily driver, to and from work is only about 5 miles total, no highway driving. On the weekends, my buddies and me hit the trails, and do a little mudding or snow drift blasting depending on the season.

My question is since I'm doing very little driving on the Highway (if any at all), should I go with 4:56's or bump up to 4:88's?

Thanks in advance

Maritimer

 

On a truck that doesn't see much road use I would probably go with 4.88's. If you have any plans later down the road to possibly go up a tire size I wouldn't even consider 4.56's.

BTW, very nice locker/gear choice. That combo has been a dream of mine for years.

 

i wouldnt go further than the 4:56,s,,buts that me personally,,cause thats what im running,,and truth be toldi would have been in my mind a little better off with my 4:10,s i sold for these..mines a dd too,,and i doo see hghwy mileage,,and thats why i say dont go stiffer than a 4:56..i love mine,,but around town,,my gear changes are alot quicker or sooner than id like..

 

X2, i think youll be very happy with the availible torque using this setup, especially since your running the powerhouse 318, hopefully your using a decent size tire, meaning no smaller than a 35"

 

I would stay away from a front limited slip or locker unless you install a free spin hub kit. Pneumatic front hubs (d-60 for me) have a hard time holding up with all that torque of a closed or even limited slip diff puts out. A manual locker will also be better for such low gears as you plan on 4:56 to 4:88 range. And if you throw on a bigger mudder.....Guarantee you'll be wheelin off the trail with some burnt hubs. just my thought.

 

I agree completely. In addition, though Eaton/Detroit makes an awesome full locker, their TrueTrac limited slip is actually only rated for up to 32" tires. I was told this by Randy's, and confirmed it directly from Eaton. That's why I have the Auburn limited slip instead, which is rated to 35" tires.

 

Actually the truetrac supports up to 36" tires and I was told through email directly from eaton almost a year ago now. I inquired why 32" was the limit (because thats what I heard) and thats when he told me its 36". I don't think you'll have one bit of problems with the truetrac in the front. Go for it!

 

Well, I have an e-mail from Eaton sent last year (May time frame) that says 32" for the TrueTrac. In the same email, they state that the full locker is rated for up to 36".

Guess the moral is, if you plan to buy a TrueTrac, might want to confirm this before you do.

 

You know what silver you are probably right. He probably got the two confused. The manual still says 32" for the truetrac http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/publ.../ct_128482.pdf I remember asking them what the limiting factor of the truetrac was becasue I was looking into 33's and that is when they told me it worked up to 36" without a problem. Maybe ill shoot them an email for fun to get things clarified.

Edit

http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Produc.../FAQ/index.htm The last thing on the pages says it has a warranty to 38".

 

Even if you weld your spider together, the weak link in your set up is always going to be your pneumatic locking hubs. Back to the gears, if i could do it over, I'd go 4:88 over 4:56. IT'S A TRUCK!, suck gas and tear a$$!