ok so if its not the 1st choice then what would be??

 

OEM click here

 

That depends on what you want to do with the truck. The more extreme of a traction difference between the tires you expect to see, the more extreme a unit you need to install. The cone types are entirely capable of dealing with some drag racing and daily use-the tires generally have close to the same traction. I just don't like the fact that they can only be rebuilt once at the most before they're junk.

If you expect to get into situations where one tire has much more traction than the other, then you will find that a cone type and most clutch types will not be able to keep the tires rotating at the same speed. Once one tire starts spinning without the other spinning, that's when you burn the unit up in a hurry. That doesn't disable the rear axle, it just gives you a one legger until you replace/rebuild the lsd unit. If you expect to be hanging one tire off into space while rock climbing or to have one tire on pavement and one on sand or mud, you might want to install an actual locker of some type. Those don't depend on friction to keep the axles locked together.

If you decide on a limited slip unit, a plate type can be rebuilt. It can also have the breakaway torque (the torque required to spin the axles at different speeds and slip the unit) raised by shimming the springs that apply pressure to the clutch pack.

 

I am just the occasional off roader. But I do like doing burn outs with 2 wheels not just one.

If I get the LSD will it work for that or will the locker be the best bet all around?

 

I would not go with a locker unless you went with the air/electric versions. The regular ones can be picky on the street. For your driving a LSD would be fine.

 

I agree.

 

most trucks in the dealer lots around here do not have the LSD installed. I can get a pretty good deal on one with a open diff and I thought about installing the factory LSD or an aftermarket unit afterwards. Is it pretty straightfoward ?

 

No. You need to have a dial indicator and some knowledge. If you mess it up the ring will eat the pinion or vice versa.

 

Sarguy01, you’re so right. Setting up a ring and pinion, although not inherently complex, is not something you want to experiment with. Once you have the proper tools it’s not so bad but it’s the old saying “experience is something you get right after you need it”. The stakes are high if you get it wrong. When I built my truck I considered the $375 for the 3.92's and LSD a bargain. It was a mandatory condition of purchase for me.

 

I'm having the same issue as switchblade. Acouple weeks ago I put a 6in lift on my 04 4.7 2wd. I went out goofing around this weekend to get a few pics and ended up getting frustrated because of the open diff (see pic - from a dead stop at the base of the pile thats as high as I could get when the wheel started spinning). Before I put the lift on I had planned on upgrading the gears and getting an auburn lsd. After talking a buddy he suggested doing the gears and getting an air locker and just leave the open diff. What are ya'lls thoughts on an air locker with the factory diff?