I gave up 4-wheel drive in my Dodge for a Ford F150 Supecrew, and I'm looking for the best locking differentials for towing (on a budget). Boats weight under 5,000 pounds. No offroad. A little snow on ski trips. Mostly for slippery boat ramps. Any input would be appreciated. Dave

aftermarket?

Detroit locker ~~ but they are crud and noisy but work wonderful.

Me, I would chose an air locker that is locked and unlocked with a flip of a switch

i have detroit lockers on my mudder and they are madd ass

donz jr mike

Detroits are the way to go. Have front and rear on my wrangler and love'm. Arb's are also nice but pricey. The detroit true trac is not a true locker but gives tremendous traction on slippery surfaces.

I would not put a true Detroit Locker in a street truck unless it's a real go fast deal. Yes that was the best diff I ever ran in my 4x4 but you always knew it was there in the street. They stink in snow for sure. I would go for a good limited slip myself. Or the ARB if you have the cash.

Hey, i just noticed you are in So Cal. The Gear Man in Garden Grove can fix you up. Ask for Bill and tell him that Dave from Sweet Performance said to do ya right.

Hmmmm...Good info, but the water's still muddy.
Lets narrow down needs and limitations:
Slippery, steep boat ramps are a concern
I will do some snow on road.
I like to powerslide on the street in the rain
I will NOT do rock-crawling type offroad (just occasional fire-roads for haulin dirt bikes in desert)
Currently running 20 inch Centerline wheels with low profile street tires.
LOW BUDGET. Getting married in 1 month.
Thanks again for your responses! Dave

Go with a factory rebuilt swap, cheap and effective.

Wannabe

I'll check out the gear man! Thanks miuch! D

Detroit true trac is a good compromise (noise wise) and are tough.
Air lockers are cool, but not necessarily the most robust.
Seen a lot of them at the start of hill climbs/off-road races,
not a lot of them at the end of the week.
Just uncle Ernie's $0.02