I was wondering if (A) there was a company who makes a rear locker for the '06 3500 DRW and (B) if it was necessary since I have limited slip. I have read some threads about the effectiveness of the LS and wasn't sure if just getting a front locker would be sufficient. I do not PLAN on taking my truck off-road; however, Pittsburgh is known to get some very bad snows and with the hills, it is VERY easy to end up "off-roading" on a main street. I plan on using my 22.5" wheels with the 275/70 Michelin On/Off road tires (unless I can get the 305's is there! ).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

It's certainly not "necessary" to get a locker. The stock limited slip setup is probably perfect for you and mainly slippery streets. Just drive it in those conditions and see how it works. How can you decide if you need a different setup when you haven't experienced what yours will do?

Wetspirit

 

I looked around a lot & could only find a posi like what DC offers. I keep hearing that ARB has an air locker in development, but never any release date. Personally, I like the thought of an air locker, or even an electromagnetic locker; It's the though of having it lock on demand.

My only need is for one at the boar ramp & the 2 or 3 ramps I've been at so far, I haven't needed it. So, I may not buy one...time will tell!

HTH

Tony

 

I agree that I will not know if I NEED a different setup; however, I like having more than I will ever need, for if there ever comes a time when I NEED more than I have, then I am screwed! (e.g., I am driving through deep snow and proceed to get stuck. I would then NEED, most likely, a rear locker to help get me out but I would not have one since I only then figured out that I needed one.) I would much rather never use the rear locker, or use it only as a precaution than to ever run into a situation where I needed one and did not have one.

I would definitely prefer an E-locker since they are much more maintenence free.

 

It's impossible to figure out how much overkill is right for you. Anyone can imagine a situation where what you have is not adequate. What if the temp dropped to -40 in July and it snowed 20 feet in 24 hours. Your screwed. So, better have the National Guard standing by with a running helicopter to help you. Hmmm. That's impractical. So what is practical? If you always want more than you will ever need then you are the only one who can figure out what is the most you'll need and then add the extra amount to give you "more" than you'll ever need. It's hard to answer your question when even you don't know what is needed or how what you have will work. Maybe you should be driving a bulldozer, just in case it snows. I think that's more than you'll need, so it might be just right. Maybe the LS is not adequate, maybe the locker is not adequate, better get a winch so you can pull yourself from light post to light post around town. That sounds like a lot of work. Get the bulldozer. Be prepared. Better yet, get two in case one gets stuck.

Wetspirit

 

You do not want to have a non-selectable locker in the front. You will have very unpredictable driving, a good LDS or an ARB air locker would be your best bet. In my rock crawler I have ARB's F & R and 90% of the time in the snow I have the front turned off. Now the problem is I do not think ARB is making a locker for our diffs, yet.

 

You not only missed the point of my comment and question, but you contradicted yourself as well (e.g., "It is impossible to figure out how much overkill is right for you." but then you state, "..you are the only one who can figure out what is the most you'll need..."). The whole point of my question was not to see if fellow members could put on their "Junior Philosophy" caps and conjure up a possible world in which I need something even greater than a rear locker (e.g., helicopters, bulldozers, or two for that matter.), but instead, was to ask what the differences were between a locker and this year's LS (since I have no experience with either and do not know if anyone does hence the question).

All I wanted to know was whether or not a Rear Locker was made, and what kind of imporvements (if any) I would notice over the LS.

You do get a gold star for effort though!

 

i spoke with randy's ring and pinion a month or so ago to find out what was available for my ride and was told that there are several locker options for the rear, and the eaton e-locker for the front along with gear choices up to a 5.38.
hope this helps

later, dustin