Adding A Locker To A 2wd

[solarjustin]

My uncle has a 2005 3500 2wd dodge ram with a locker and I think I have seen that some of the chevy 2wd had them. Has anyone added a locker to their truck after the fact, and what did it cost you. Would the fast and cheap way be just to find a whole axle with the G80 from the junk yard and swap?

 

Thanks

[Ranger]

Your truck may have it already, easiest way is to check your glovebox for the G80 code.

 

Otherwise, yes it may be the easiest and cheapest way just to swap axles, but installing a locker CAN be done, but I think most would recommend a Detroit instead of the factory Eaton.

[solarjustin]

My truck does not have the G80 code, I had a stupid moment when shopping for trucks and didn't even think of looking for a 2wd with a locker....kind of wish I had now....

[Ranger]

You have a couple of options then, one is having a dealer install it but it will probably be way more than its worth, then there's the option of going to a few driveline shops and getting quotes on a locking unit upgrade, and lastly there's the ol boneyard. But with the last option you may end up with a literal junk unit, I've seen some axles that were severely damaged by the loaders at junkers.

 

I think the best bet is Option B, look at some driveline shops and see what they offer. Detroit makes some very good units, but for ultimate utility look at ARB lockers, they are air-actuated and you can lock and unlock the axles on command.

[BigJayDogg3]

Why would I want a locker. I want to break my truck loose, and not just on one tire.

[j.roffel]

Why would I want a locker. I want to break my truck loose, and not just on one tire.

 

Thats exactly the point, without a locker just one tire will spin.... The locker locks the diff so that both spin.

[BigJayDogg3]

Oh I thought it was the other way around. Without a locker both would and with one only one would. My mistake.

[RyanZ71]

Careful with the G80.. mine went out at 89,000 miles, was told when I went to have it replaced that they see GM trucks with the newer G80 (1999+?) in quite often because of failure. They rebuilt mine with the older style.