OK, I am one of those whose AS rear axle is next to useless, to the extent that I checked to make sure there really was an AS unit in there, hoping it was missing. Before anyone starts to tell me I don't know how to drive, please be aware I have been driving off road vehicles on and off the job for almost 45 years.

So here's my question. Beyond changing it out for an after market unit, the only thing I can think of doing is to change to a different fluid. Has anyone had any luck with changing the fluid out to something else? I am aware that there are no clutches in these things, but there are six pinion brake shoes, which are fundamental to how it works, according to the Service Manual, and I am wondering if anyone has seen any difference in the anti slip department after replacing the fluid.

 

I am not an off roader so I do not know how the biasing works off road as compared to pavement. Have you tried using/applying any brake to get the biasing unit to apply power to the other tire? Can you explain what happens to you while off roading that you want to change? Seeing that you are 6 speed probably makes it a little tougher to mess with the brakes while driving off road...

Thanks, Jeff

 

I've got the limited slip in my AAM also. Been running Amsoil Sever Gear 75w110 for about 12k miles. So far I like the oil. No noise or chatter from the rear end, just smooth operation. I can't say that my mileage increased 5mpg or dropped dif temps 100*, but I have the piece of mind knowing there's good fluid in the difs

 

Yeah, the advice to apply the brake sucks when you have a foot operated emergency brake and a manual tranny. I have tried light application of the emergency brake, without much success, but that causes other problems, such as locking the rears as soon as the clutch is depressed.

I operate over hilly ground that is somewhat rough with close clearances. I have to go very slowly or risk going over the edge or hitting an embankment. When I go slowly, the anti slip simply doesn't work. Basically, I have to use four wheel drive in places I can go in two wheel drive in my Tacoma with an open differential. It is ridiculous. When the ground is wet, or even damp, the d*mned rear end of the Dodge is useless. If I can't pull the hill with the front alone, I am screwed.

This is by far the worst off road vehicle I have ever owned.

BTW, this is off road as in not on a road, or on a rough dirt or mud road or rough open pasture. It has nothing to do with recreational off roading.

 

BTW I dont know of any limited slips in the aftermarket for you rear.

 

Remember the truck is front heavy so it kind of makes the rear axle useless at times.
I would suggest you install an ARB locker up front and that will dramatically increase your off road capabilities.

I got my 04 stuck in a ditch full of snow over the past weekend and I was dead in the water until I flipped the switches on the locker and crawled right out of the hole.

 

That's encouraging.

What about AAM's own Trak-Lock. Not made for that particular axle?

 

More info please. Where do I get the ARB? I'm not familiar with the name.

 

http://www.arbusa.com/

Its a differential locker that is controlled with compressed air.

 

Thanks, PD.

 

PD, mind saying what your set up cost you? PM if you don't want it public.

Thanks.

 

The locker itself will probably run $750-1000, the air compressor is about $150, installation is around $250 or so (or do it yourself).

 

Just slap a detroit in the rear axle and be done with it. Then you will always have to rear tires turning and you dont have to worry about breaking a detriot.

 

They don't make one for the 11.5 AAM.....

 

drive the taco