reverserboy

I don't own a Dodge truck but am thinking about buying one. I know that in 03 DC started using American Axle Manu... axles in the 2500 & 3500.

I see lots of these trucks lifted & with bigger tires/wheeles & other off road goodies. My question is......................

What options does one have as far as aftermarket diffs for more traction?? I've been to AAM's website & looked at the TracRite series. Who if anyone sells these to the public?? Does anyone have an 03 or later Dodge with modded diffs??

How well does the factory anti spin work?? Any way to get one for the front??

I like the look & rear seat set up in the 03 & later Ram. I was however thinking of getting a 02 or earlier for the ease of getting aftermarket diffs. There are a few products available for Dana axles. The downside is....every older Ram I've test drivin has had real crappy steering. (This is a subject for 2nd gen area.) Thanks.

reverserboy

OK..........Does anyone take their trucks off road?? Any input on the factory antispin??

Is there a way that the locking diffs used in the Powerwagon would work in a 2500??

overcomer401965

I have been wondering the same thing. Seein how I changed my diff lube the other day and seen the front was an open type.

jmccart

Hey guys. My truck is a 2x4, but it came with an open rear. I ended up buying a posi off of ebay. I felt I needed it. When the ground was wet, with the 6 speed, it was so annoying how the tire would always spin, even at part throttle. The Dodge uses AAM's gear driven, torque-sensing LSD, whereas GM uses AAM's clutch/spring LSD. The one I have always burns 2 tires , but I have read by off roaders that the gear diff is not as good off road as the clutch type. I read a thread on dodgetruckworld how some off roaders would give their e-brake 1 or 2 clicks to make sure the diff. really senses resistance and makes both tires spin.
I have a tru-trac gear posi in the 12 bolt in my big block Buick hot-rod. On the street, it never peg legs it.
I am not a professional rear end guy, but I am pretty sure all my tech info is correct, if I am wrong on anything, pipe on in.
The 11.5 gear diff is the same LSD Dodge uses in the 10.5 rear, so search around on some off roading sites for info on the AAM/Dodge/gear posi.

pooperscooper

I believe that the stock anti spin is the gear driven trac rite and i am impressed so far with what mine does off road. i can go in 2wd most places my buddys cant go in 4wd. I have heard of people putting on the ebrake as well, but i just use a little tap of the brakes and it gives me what i need. Just went and searched around and you can buy a fron electric tracrite el on ebay for about 600. they are the same lockers that come stock in the powerwagon.

liftedmopar

I got a 04.5 3500 with a 6spd ,and its got 6" lift and 3' body with 37" tires. I dont really take it off road but its been ok at the track.always got 2 tires spinning. Even messing around town going around turns.. It always chirps the tires..

bighornram

I don't off road - at least not in the recreational sense. Ill pull a trailer thru a muddy field and have pulled people out of the snow, etc. Screwing around on pavement, wet or dry, mine has the stock LSD and it seems to work well. Every time I make one rear wheel spin, so does the other one. The front wheels seem to work fine in 4wd too - they usually are both digging.

reverserboy

I wonder why none of the aftermarket companies make something for AAM axles. I see lots of 03 & later Dodges. I'm sure they would sell;as owners could better harness the big torque numbers the Cummins is capable of.

I was told that Ford had started using AAM in some of their trucks. ???

jmccart

I would guess there has to be a Detroit Locker in the works.

reverserboy

I emailed AAM today about the availability of various tracrite units. I'm guessing the factory antispin is the tracrite GT. Correct me if I'm wrong. I think the tracrite GTL would be the hot setup. I gather that it acts like a limited slip when unlocked & like an ARB when locked.

If AAM responds I'll let everyone know what they say.

I found a nice 05 but it has an open rear diff. A factory anti-spin at the dealer costs 726.60 for the part. This is 285.00 when listed on the window sticker. Anyone know how long it would take to switch out??

I wonder if certain traction adding diffs might interfere with the function of anti lock brakes?? On AAM's site it mentiones that some units are OK for use with ABS.

doug60

Ive been in contact with them. From what I goatherd from there vague response, the only unit available is the GT.

bigdav160

That price is not out of line with the price of aftermarket units. If you check around you might find that you can get 20%-25% off that price. If it were me I wouldn't bother with the TracRite GT. I've been a vocal critic of the unit. It has left me stuck and stranded more than once with the "one wheel" spinning. Like most all gear units it really only works if both wheels have traction. Fine for a road car, not so good off road.

reverserboy

That price is not out of line with the price of aftermarket units. If you check around you might find that you can get 20%-25% off that price. If it were me I wouldn't bother with the TracRite GT. I've been a vocal critic of the unit. It has left me stuck and stranded more than once with the "one wheel" spinning. Like most all gear units it really only works if both wheels have traction. Fine for a road car, not so good off road.

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Where would I be able to buy one less than the dealer?? I would like to get one new in the box if possible.

You're right about the all gear units. That's why I mentioned the GTL. If you had a GT front & rear maybe very light pressure on the brake pedal would help the units work. ??? The dealer parts guy told me that a GT is avaliable for the front of a Ram.

How did the GT work on the street.....like on wet roads or snow?? I want something back there to minimize wheelspin even on the street. I had a Toyota Tundra & it would spin pretty easy on a wet road. I'm guessing a diesel Ram with almost twice the torque at half the RPMs would be even worse as far as wet road traction.

I don't know why there are not more diffs available for these trucks (detroit locker...ect). There seems to be a lot of Dodges out there on the road.....and off.

I know I ask a lot of questions but I'm new to Dodge trucks. I'm a rice burner guy at heart but I like diesel power.

gus's 03

hold tight boys.... sema is this week.............