I've got an 2005 4x4 and kicking the idea around about some kind of limited slip, locker, posi, etc, etc. I'm not finding a single company that makes one for the newer dodges. From what I found the model is a Chrysler 8" (if thats incorrect, please correct it). I think an e-locker would be ideal, seeing that most of these newer trucks are driven on road most of the time. And fighting the steering wheels with a Trac-LOC is not my idea of a comfortable ride. Let me know if any of you guys have any thoughts.

 

can i ask why you want or need it???


I have a laramie edition that came with the AWD, 4 HI , 4 LO (NO 2WD) normal driving is in AWD mode.


As long as you have 4x4 which you do....why do you want to add a limited slip to your front with 4x4????

AWD SUCKS for everyday driving with this truck in terms of gas mileage.....i get a best of 11-12 TOPS combined town/highway whereas when people can switch into 2wd they get 15-17mpg.


you have your 2wd.....and you have your 4x4....if you are using the 4x4 for offroading.....you DO NOT want to make it an AWD setup with LSDs front and rear.


if you are looking to make your truck a 10 second truck and need the limited slip for traction...thats another story.

 

With open diffs a 4x4 is nothing more than 2wd, one in the front and one in the back. Most heavy duty 4x4 rigs that have been built up will have a locker of some type F&R for some serious crawlin' and boggin'!

 

yeah- I gotta agree with Osteodoc. Depending on how it's applied, Stock 4WD is technically 2WD. I have a Jeep and without lockers, it's useless for what I want to do with it. But on a Dodge truck, unless you have it seriously lifted and running 44" swamp boggers, lockers aren't entirely necessary. I'd think that if you can find a Detroit for the rear, you'd at least have "3WD" and run just fine. That will get you out of 80% of most off-road situations. Leave the remaining 20% for the Jeeps and Krawlers.
But- if you're like me and gotta have the gadgets for bragging rights, I'd wait for ARB to produce a good front and rear. I have a 4WD Hemi and I drive it 3 miles daily to work. And occasionally to pick up the groceries.... I don't need all of that power- but it's nice to know I got it!

 

Not to also mention that if I wanted a dedicated 4wd I'd opt for a 2dr Cherokee or a Wrangler. Good combination of breakover angles, approach and departure angles, ground clearance, etc. The Ram is far from an ideal for offroading adventures...

 

yea but unless hes going rock crawling...which i wouldnt advise with this truck.....

4x4 is useful when you want to "power" out of situations. turning the 4x4 into an "awd" isnt smart in my opinion because then you loose the grunt power of all 4 spinning wheels, like if you are in a mudhole or in snow and/or pulling a heavy trailer in a tough spot....


why do you think my truck has AWD AND 4HI and 4LO if AWD was all that i would every need?

 

05ramlaramie, I am not following your comments at all. Do you really know what "AWD" is?

It is amazing how much of a benefit a front limited slip or locker is. It completlely changes the capabilities of the vehicle. It felt like I doubled the traction of my jeep when I locked the front.

It makes normal driving a little more difficult. A selectable locker is pretty attractive for the front end.

 

I'm with these guys on the usefulness of a locker. I've got a Wrangler and it's got definate use there. I just don't see getting the Ram into enough stuff to need a front locker off road. I know there are guys doing it, I just don't see it as it's strong suit. Just my opinion and I've probably been spoiled by the Wrangler.

It would be some good use though if you're in deep snow country. Full lockers and some decent weight in the back would be pretty sweet through a foot and a half of snow.

 

There's some good responses.... I got the laramie with the "2WD" option, because AWD is definitely a waste of equipment in my opinion. Mostly because I love to goose the throttle once in a while and kick the rear sideways. With AWD you can't. AWD belongs on cars and maybe SUV's, not pick-up trucks. But back to the locker idea. I'm just waiting for a selectable locker, like an e-locker or ARB air locker. I don't want a true detroit in the front, or even limited slip (like the trac-lok in the rear). The rear track-lok does great, but every now and then I like to drive offroad where the locker would be useful.... I dunno, I'm just keeping my eyes and options open for now.

 

Ever read an offroad magazine when they do a product comparison. I always thought a good comparison would be two equal 4wd trucks with a real limited slip/locker. One truck has all terrains and a front locker/limited slip, and truck two has an open front and boggers for tires. All tires sizes, gearing and HP being equal I would bet on truck one in the majority of offroad situations.