My 2001 1500 4WD has a standard 9.25 axle with an open differential and 3.55 ratio gear. I've been considering upgrading the RE to a limited slip. Ya I know there are some good aftermarket options for lockers but I'm only considering doing this on the cheap. A little better traction on slippery roads is all I'm after.

Hypothetically speaking, if I came across a compatible year 9.25 axle w a "useable" Trac Lok in the local salvage yard, would it be a drop in replacement? I've been looking for a thread or YT video of someone doing this swap but found limited info. Plenty of good info on rebuilding the diff itself but not doing a swap (that I was able to find).

I was thinking to re-use my own ring and pinion (that appear to be in good shape) but I'm not sure they are compatible with the Trac Lok carrier. Axle shafts reusable? Obviously I'd need to service/replace the clutch packs - and likely do a full diff service with seals and bearings - but just looking for advice on what issues I may be overlooking. Thoughts?

 

The TracLoks did nothing when new and no way I'd go to the effort of swapping them in.

However, it'll bolt up but you'll want to run a pattern, period. There's no way of knowing the ring gear mounting face is in EXACTLY the same location and that will change pattern and backlash.

Also I was just reading on the Yukon installer group about making sure the side adjusters are TIGHT TIGHT. Otherwise you get a good pattern on the bench but the carrier ***** under load. I believe you can booty an adjuster tool with a 36mm CV axle nut welded to a length of rod.

It's not as scary as it sounds and if you're inclined to waste your time for no gain with the worst limited grip ever, go for it!

 

Swapping out a 9.25 rear axle for another 9.25 with a limited slip unit in it is pretty easy. You should pickup some new U-bolts and plan to pull the limited slip unit out and replace the clutches (which are readily available on Amazon and other sources). The off road and SST trucks tended to have 3.92 or 4.10 gearing in them, which would improve stoplight-to-stoplight acceleration. You can also swap in a 3rd gen 9.25 limited slip axle that has disc brakes, but that swap is a bit more difficult, as the spring perches need to be re-welded in different spots for a 2nd gen truck and larger wheels may be needed to clear the brake calipers.

 

If you're looking at swapping the entire axle housing, some dick did a relatively comprehensive write-up about the differences of early vs late
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...fferences.html

If you go with deeper gearing, be sure you swap the front, too, if 4x4. However if you don't the upside is that you'll learn how to rebuild an NP231D

 

Ok you're not a fan of Trac Loks... You answered my question though that it'll fit - thanks. It will take some work to set it up properly - I get that - but "for no gain" over an open diff, I'm doubting that. I'll translate your statement to mean the reward is not worth the effort. I'll think some more on this...

There are certainly better diff solutions out there and there are lots of varying opinions (good and bad) on whether a TL is "any good". I do in fact have a TL diff in my Jeep Grand Cherokee and I found it to have better rear end traction than the Ram. Perhaps not entirely a fair comparison but nonetheless, I think I'd be further ahead with any LSD than an open diff.

 

I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion? The 9.25 rear has been made since around 1970. Back then they had two different types of limited slips, The clutch style and cone(Auburn) stye. I've used both and like the clutch type better. The clutch style will wear eventually and will need to be replaced. Once set up you should have no issues with it. The Detroit truetrac is what you want but that's not budget friendly.

 

A lunch box locker or a No-Slip locker. Both are somewhat easy to install with no setup.