Locking Diff.

[kennedycpa]

When I ordered my truck (2002 2500HD CC 4X4), the dealer went through the list of options asking what I wanted and what I didn't.  When he got to locking diff., I wasn't sure, so I cheaped out and didn't get it (I know, I know, what's another $150 on a $30,000 + truck).  I figured that if it was a option and not standard, it might not be a "must have".  The more I think about it the more I wonder if I should have gotten it.

 

What are the pros and cons of the locking diff?  I know with the locker if one rear wheel spins the other will start turning, but with a 4X4 if one back wheel spins the front should pull you, right.  So do you really need it with a 4X4?  I guess I hope not because I really don't want to have any regrets about what I did or didn't get on the truck since I plan to drive it for a looooonnng time.  Will a locker (or the lack of) effect gas mileage or anything like that?

 

I am counting on you guys giving it to me straight.  Did I mess up and should I get on the phone to the dealer and see if I can add it or should I just forget about it?

 

If it matters, I don't plan on doing any real offroading, mostly needed 4X4 for getting down slick muddy roads to hunt and pull a boat up an icy boat ramp during duck season. Thanks a bunch

[RyanbabZ71]

Will a locker (or the lack of) effect gas mileage or anything like that?

 

Shouldnt

 

mostly needed 4X4 for getting down slick muddy roads to hunt and pull a boat up an icy boat ramp during duck season. Thanks a bunch

 

A locking rear diff would have helped pulling your boat up the ramp.

 

On eatons (diff manufacturer) site they showed a video of a truck pulling a boat up a ramp with and without a locking rear.  

 

You should be alright with it.  

 

Only times i know i have it is when i stomp on it and the ground is wet or i am driving in wet grass

[MarkD]

You should be ok without it.  Mine doesn't have one.

 

If you can modify your order, I would try to though.  I don't see how you could spend $150 better.

 

I am planning on putting one in my truck and it is going to cost $500 + with install.

[TXDMAX]

If i were you i'd get on the the phone and add it. We order 95% of our HD w/ the locking diff most people want it (resale). I have it on mine and it helps even if you are stopped on a slight incline w/ wet roads.

[pullinpower]

Yes I would try to change my order if I were you,these trucks are so heavy we need all the wheels turning that we can get plus for 150 bucks thats a steal.

[Colorado Kid]

Try to add it.

 

My buddy made the same choice you did  and has noticed that when pulling a conventional trailer (as opposed to gooseneck or 5th wheel) that he tends to spin a tire when starting from a stop.  Since you wont be shifting to four wheel drive at every stop light or stop sign the locker is helpful.

[kennedycpa]

RyanbabZ71, MarkD, TXDMAX, pullinpower, Colorado Kid -

 

Thanks for the help, sounds like it is not a must have, I hope its not because I took your advice and called to see if I could add it, turns out not.  They said it is scheduled to be built June 10 and once it is on the schedule, that is what is going to be built, can't change, so I guess I am without.  They said it should be in to the dealership ten days after it is built so I should have my truck on or around June 20th, in time for the 3.9% financing.  I can't wait.

[MarkD]

Congratulations!

 

You're gonna love it!

[saulsse]

Having a Locker can make a big difference when it comes to putting the power down to the roadway.

 

If pulling in wet weather and you have a non-locker, and lets say you are pulling a 10,000 pound travel trailer through mountain curves while trying to go up hill, you will likely spin the tire closest to the edge of the road and the one that will "lift" into the turn. When that happens you start the uphill spin and you gotta let off the gas and hope that you can get traction before the folks behind you come up and wack you across the back side for being so foolish to try a stunt like that.

 

If pulling such a trailer in the company of other RV folks, you will shortly become the laughing stock of the camp ground. And if you unlunky enough to be in a camp ground when it rains and you gotta leave it can be heck in the wet stuff and yet again you become a laughing stock.

 

Of course the locker can come in handy when on bright sunny days, when you give it too much oompah on the gas and you manage to smoke the rear end a bit, it always looks better when both sides are smoking instead of that one tire. Also helps keep tire wear even on the rear too. Saves on trying to remember how many right and left turns you made while smoking the said single tire.

 

So remember when you got that much oompah under the hood, always go for the locker; as it will help give you peace of mind and save you the embarrasement of trying to figure out which tire that you smoked while making a particular turn. :baa:

[odoh]

While I consider it a must have, its based mostly on the price. Just price what it would take to add it on later ! !

 

That being said, my experience w/such on mud, snow indicates it can be treacherous. Look at it this way, if one wheel spins/slips, the other may also and where does the rear end go? My experience is it goes sideways ~ like fast! ~ odoh

[TxDoc]

If you are adding an EATON, you may consider the electronic locker, too.

http://www.traction.eaton.com/prod1.htm

[pullinpower]

Kennedycpa did ya get your locker ordered? you'll be glad you did,it really helps.

[kennedycpa]

nope, I couldn't get it, when I called them back it was already in the system.  I am hoping to get the truck in a few days.  I called the dealership a week and a half ago and they said they had been invoiced for the truck, so it is built  and just has to be delivered.  They said it usually takes two weeks to get to the lot.  I am expecting the call any day now.  Can't Wait.

[MarkD]

Kennedycpa,

 

Don't worry about the locker.  It would have been good to get it factory, but you are still getting a great truck.

[need4speed]

Congrats... you now are going to have a 4WD truck with 2 wheel drive.