Should I spend 7k on 4.88 gears with front and rear lockers?

[Octous]

FWIW I have front and rear lockers. I find that I use my front lockers b/c I have them -- makes hard things easy and allows for slow control nearly always instead of using momentum. That being said, I've only really needed them a hand full of times on very hard trails.

 

[Super77]

Do you not have a factory rear locker already? For me, $7k invested into an edge-case capability on a 26 year old vehicle is not great ROI. A winch, the right tires, and some traction boards can do wonders for a vehicle that is already super capable for 90% of offroad scenarios. For the other 10%, a slipping wheel is Darwin's way of telling me I maybe should not be driving there.

 

[frawstme]

I made a thread asking basically this same question, and ended up regearing my transfer case. Much much better low gear ratio, better daily driving, and the total cost was ~$1800. Max trax and a winch can take care of off roading issues for way less money

 

[JOSHD]

Do the install yourself and save 2500. Sure its a pain in the ass but you gain knowledge and bragging rights.

 

[saucebox]

Do the install yourself and save 2500. Sure its a pain in the ass but you gain knowledge and bragging rights.

+1. I think it was only about $100 in new tools and a day or two in the garage to get both mine done. It's definitely not as hard as people make it sound.

 

[hoser]

I would suggest meeting up with local folks who have F&R lockers on their 100 and going on trails with them. It's only worth it if you use and need it.

 

[Koehnboy]

Turly grateful to have a platform like this.
Carefully considering every post.
Have been very busy with work and home lately but will make my final decision after July. Work on the vehicle probably won't start for a couple more months.

+1. I think it was only about $100 in new tools and a day or two in the garage to get both mine done. It's definitely not as hard as people make it sound.

I have done a lot of my own work and have consider that.

I made a thread asking basically this same question, and ended up regearing my transfer case. Much much better low gear ratio, better daily driving, and the total cost was ~$1800. Max trax and a winch can take care of off roading issues for way less money

I did consider this, but I do tow with it now and again and with 35" tires i think a diff regear is needed.

Do you not have a factory rear locker already? For me, $7k invested into an edge-case capability on a 26 year old vehicle is not great ROI. A winch, the right tires, and some traction boards can do wonders for a vehicle that is already super capable for 90% of offroad scenarios. For the other 10%, a slipping wheel is Darwin's way of telling me I maybe should not be driving there.

I do not have a rear locker. But to your point I have been able to get by for the most part with some good offroad tires, 2" lift, arb front bumper mounted winch and all the recovery gear to go with it.

 

[Koehnboy]

FWIW I have front and rear lockers. I find that I use my front lockers b/c I have them -- makes hard things easy and allows for slow control nearly always instead of using momentum. That being said, I've only really needed them a hand full of times on very hard trails.

Good to from someone that has experience on this. My thoughts were if I have my vehicle for 10 more years and continue driving to remote places and doing somewhere difficult trails it would be a nice insurance plan, especially if I'm already doing the regrear. Thanks for your input.

 

[saucebox]

Good to from someone that has experience on this. My thoughts were if I have my vehicle for 10 more years and continue driving to remote places and doing somewhere difficult trails it would be a nice insurance plan, especially if I'm already doing the regrear. Thanks for your input.

I landed in the same place. While I don't often feel the need to use the front locker, I wouldn't go back in time to save the money or time I have in it. Easy one time cost, and it's been flawless (also an Eaton).

 

[JURELCATCHER]

I installed 4.88’s myself a couple of years ago, and was in the same boat regarding a front locker. I ended up compromising & installed an LSD in the front diff, and kept the OEM E-Locker in the back. On another note, get a part time 4WD kit too, your front CV’s will last 10X too if you drive a lot on the highway.

 

[Koehnboy]

I installed 4.88’s myself a couple of years ago, and was in the same boat regarding a front locker. I ended up compromising & installed an LSD in the front diff, and kept the OEM E-Locker in the back. On another note, get a part time 4WD kit too, your front CV’s will last 10X too if you drive a lot on the highway.

Great advice, thank you.

 

[Koehnboy]

I landed in the same place. While I don't often feel the need to use the front locker, I wouldn't go back in time to save the money or time I have in it. Easy one time cost, and it's been flawless (also an Eaton).

Good to hear, thanks.

 

[David310]

Front lockers also gets rid of the weak 2 pinion on early model years. Do you have a 2 pinion or 4 pinion carrier? 4.88 + locker would be strongest. If not going front locker and you have 2 pinion, I would source a 4 pinion carrier.

 

[Koehnboy]

Front lockers also gets rid of the weak 2 pinion on early model years. Do you have a 2 pinion or 4 pinion carrier? 4.88 + locker would be strongest. If not going front locker and you have 2 pinion, I would source a 4 pinion carrier.

I have a 4 pinion.

 

[mustardfj40]

Personally I vote front locker and since you want to regear I would go deep with locker front/rear with new diff bearings at the same time, you pay for one time labor cost

Also I notice that new bearings is not mentioned in the quote so maybe you want to confirm with shop if they're going to reuse the old bearing, if your truck has 300K miles, I would go for new bearings all around.

 

[Koehnboy]

Personally I vote front locker and since you want to regear I would go deep with locker front/rear with new diff bearings at the same time, you pay for one time labor cost

Also I notice that new bearings is not mentioned in the quote so maybe you want to confirm with shop if they're going to reuse the old bearing, if your truck has 300K miles, I would go for new bearings all around.

Appreciate your input.
The regear kit comes with all new bearings. 215k on the truck.
Might be building out rear bumber this winter if i get time (Will try and document and post).
Still need underbody protection.
And I've been putting off new header for the last....10 years, witch seems like a nightmare.