This is the exact reason that Automatic Lockers are not recommended for a DD for street use in slick conditions. Both times this happend to you the only negative effect was your increased blood pressure, but if there had been a car beside you or coming toward you it could have gotten dangerous in a hurry. It is not impossible to drive with an Automatic Locker on slick roads, just very demanding and a little luck never hurts either.

 

I had this happen in the same section of road with a truck with an open rear axle before. This particular section of road is bad.

I think that I choose the wrong terminology when I said kicked out. The truck maybe moved over 3-4".

Personally, I would rather drive with a locker in the back in the winter than without.

Just my 2 cents

Steve S.
To many to list.

 

I'm running a Detroit Locker in the rear of my 05 F350. It has 35" tires and I carry a Lance Camper and tow my boat and it has performed flawlessly. I get my truck off road while hunting and will continue to use this unit. There are some minor road manners like the click, pop, and occasional bang when accelerating after coasting into a turn. I guess it all depends on what you plan on doing with the truck on/off road. If you liked the lockers in the jeep and will get your SD off road then spend the extra bucks and get the locker.

 

So when did Eaton start making a Detroit Locker for the 05 & Newer F350 SD?

 

They didn't "start making the Detroit Locker" they bought Tractech who was the company that was making "Detroit Locker / No Spin / etc." The PN is 225-56SL (I think, don't quote me on that because it's been two years)... Second one I've run in Fords, first one in a 99 and now a 05 Super Duty (same part number)... Fits the 10.25 (old 3/4T and 1 T) and 10.5 (larger ring gear starting in ~99)

 

The rear axles changed in 2005 on the F350 SD SRW. Starting with the 2005 MY F350 SD SRW, the rear axle size increased to 1.50 Minor dia., 1.57 Major dia., & 37-spline axles. The 04 & older SD had 1.36 Minor dia., 1.50 Major dia., & 35-spline axles. There currently is No A/M Locker (auto or selective) or L/S unit available for 2005-2008 F350 SD SRW trucks. The only choice at this time for 2005-2008 F350 SD SRW is the OEM L/S.

So just how are you running the 2004 & older style Detroit Locker in your 2005 F350 SD?

I am well aware that Tractech (originally Thorton Tandem Companies) made the Detroit Locker, but after Eaton purchased all of Tractech's assests in 2005, the Detroit Locker was renamed the Eaton Detroit Locker.

 

Great to know info but the things you mentioned were from the diff out to the hubs. The diff hasn't changed (other than .25" ring gear) so the unit is still the same... The data you quoted is true for the axles etc. If you want to see mine and I can demo it working...street or with a rear wheel off the ground. Call Randy's Ring and Pinion or 4 Wheel Parts and asked for Detroit Locker (the sticker now reads "Detroit Locker an Eaton Differential") for your SRW...

 

Wouldn't the spline count make a difference in whether the shafts would slide into the "differential" (Detroit)?

 

So you are saying your 2005 F350 the 37-spline 1.50/1.57 dia axle shafts slide into the 35-spline 1.36/1.50 side gears on your Detroit Locker????

I have spoken with Randy's R&P, West Coast Diff, Tucson Diff, Eaton and ARB, all of them have told me that currently there are No A/M Lockers (auto or selectable) or L/S units made for the 2005-2008 F350 SD SRW. You must have the only prototype in existance or you don't have a 2005 F350 with a Detroit Locker.

 

I missed that...YES it does make a difference. My inferior F350 has the "old 2004" Sterling axle in it. (Ford must have tricked me!!! Should I sue for the additional two splines, .14 minor, and .07 major??? What's this world coming too!!!) The PN that is installed in my truck is 225SL-56A which is for a 35 splined axle. I ordered my truck in Feb/Mar 05 so sometimes that happens in the automotive industry - out with the old, in with the new. So to Blackhat...no I'm not a liar, I guess I just got the sissy axles in my truck...but it kicks *** off-road! Thanks for trying to make me out to be a liar. Now before someone gives me some Removed by Admin rendition of how the automotive industry handles parts, save yourself, I don't want to hear it. Ace, you've been in a vehicle with a locker (jeep right?) and it makes a world of different off-road, I'll invite anyone to my area to check out my rig. Bottom line, my truck has a Detroit Locker in it and I love it. Truck has 87+K miles and I'm headed to IL for the holiday season.

 

Huh, I think you'll have to drive to Oregon so I drive it Then, I'll be your voucher.

 

Removed by Admin

I'll be back in southern CO for an elk hunt next fall and you're more than welcome to test drive it then...

IF you have the same "old axles" like mine then the unit I referenced should work. Maybe Ford built my truck in 04 with the exact specs I ordered while overseas in Spring of 05, called it an 05 then sold it to me! Maybe the government is behind this...

 

If you're inviting me on an elk hunt, I might be there

 

Just goes to show what lots of people say - when it comes to Ford saying "after such and such a date, it's part # XXXX-XXXXX-XX", don't believe it.

As you can see, an Admin removed some of the language ... re-read the guidelines, paragraph 2, if you have to: https://www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html

 

I am watching this thread cause i think ill do a ARB in the rear of myu truck (2003 F250) I live in icey conditions and would prefer a selectable... no other selectables out there for my 10.25 / 10.5 other then ARB...

Kenny