Considering a locking front differential set-up in my frankenvan (drivetrain from a 98 2500, dana 60's front and back, 241 transfer case). I've searched and read several threads. Opinions and relevant experience seem all over the map... The lower price of full time vs air or electric options is attractive to me. This vehicle does a lot more miles on road than off, but will definitely be off road - rocks, sand, mud, snow, etc... and I'm thinking the locker in front will help a good bit with such a heavy vehicle (haven't had it on scales yet, but guessing pushing 8,000 pounds). Has high stall converter and 4'10 gears, lsd in rear diff already. Currently set up with center axle disconnect in factory configuration (other than brittle vacuum lines, I've never had a problem with the disconnect in my 95 1500 4x4 in it's sometimes abusive 260k miles).

Any relevant perspective or especially personal experience greatly appreciated...

 

 

I've had every type of locker there is. Electric, air, lunchbox, torque, you name it, I had it. It really depends on what you are going to do with the truck.

 

The True-Trac is highly recommended for front axles. That's what I want when I get to put one in.

 

I have a Spartan in the front of my Jeep and I also put one in the front a 96 1500. In 2wd you won't notice it since you have the CAD, on my jeep since it has no CAD or lockout hubs it will ratchet when going around corners, but it isn't that noticeable. In 4x4 it gives you much better traction, and it will still unlock so you can turn. If you use 4x4 on snow covered roads you have to be careful because it will try to pull to one side when traction is uneven on the two front, I only use 4x4 on snow covered backroads at speeds below 30 mph then I shift back into 2wd when I get on a main road that had mostly been cleared, I wouldn't recommend running at highway speeds in 4x4 with the front locker.