TrueTrack vs E-Locker vs ARB for snow or sand

[SteelheadJones]

Originally Posted by b. rock

If you're going 4x4, and thinking of adding a locker or limited slip - you can probably find a sterling with a locker for less than, or close to, the price of adding it to your existing semi float axle. I think my sterling was $700, and has the factory e-locker. Win win.

b. rock what year is your Sterling?

[b. rock]

axle is an '07.

[Lilnuts2]

Keep in mind, the sterling has a different bolt pattern then the van. If your going to convert to 4x4, not an issue as most front axles used have the newer bolt pattern, and you will need new wheels all the way around.
If your not going with a 4x4 and you swap to a Sterling, we will need to either get new wheels for the back or use adapters that will add approx. 3" to rhe rear spacing. A 3rd option is to get your sterling rotors redrilled to the van bolt pattern.

[SteelheadJones]

Thanks b. rock.

Yes the Sterling is 8x170 versus the stock 8x6.5 (which if I’m not mistaken equates to 8x165).

[RandallDee]

Originally Posted by h.grenade

Update: I just got off the phone with West Coast Differential. Using the code off of the diff he was able to determine that it is a...

Dana 60 Semi Float, 35 Spline

which means there is only one choice, an ARB RD169 air-locker. I guess that makes it easier haha I just wanted to post it here in case anyone else is in the same situation.

I'm no expert, but I think you could still do an Eaton True Trac style LSD by swapping out the axle shafts to ones with the correct spline count?

[MadScience]

If snow and ice are a significant part of your concern I'll make one more plug for snow tires.

I've run a wide range of all season and all terrains on both the van and a number of AWD wagons. None of them grip snow and ice like a proper snow tire. I'm partial to Blizzak tires, but other snow tires aren't super far off.

Unlike a locker snow tires will help you stop and corner as well. However, this isn't an either or. In this case you could get both. I may do so myself eventually.

That said, this year has been a pretty relentless winter so far, at least in Tahoe.

[h.grenade]

@MadScience - Thats good advice, I will look into it next winter. We have had a ton of snow here too.

I was reading about AdvanceTrac w/RSC and it seems like it basically does the same thing as a LSD, just electronically braking the spinning wheel. Both are good at keeping you moving in your chosen direction but not at getting you unstuck when you aren't moving. It's just another vote for a locking diff when its really needed.

Off to order some parts. It's either ARB air or Ox elec/mechanical!

[Malamoque]

Does anybody know the right specification number for an
Ox-Locker in this E350.
Mine is the same. 2010 Dana60 semifloater 35 spline.
Electrical seams to be a good choice.
What do you think is the right ratio to complete the build.
4.1 or 4.3 for a V10 with 35‘s.

[Twoxentrix]

If you frequent hills & mountains I'd say go for 4.30's, if its mostly flat lands & freeway I'd consider 4.10's. Your decision should also be influenced by the weight of your Van.
Being under-geared causes a lot more strain on the engine & drive train, you'll also find your foot heavier on the gas pedal...off the line as well as hills/grades.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Malamoque

Does anybody know the right specification number for an
Ox-Locker in this E350.
Mine is the same. 2010 Dana60 semifloater 35 spline.
Electrical seams to be a good choice.
What do you think is the right ratio to complete the build.
4.1 or 4.3 for a V10 with 35‘s.

I have a 2011 V10 with factory 4:10's and it's a great improvement over my previous V10 with 3:73 (MG converted 2wd that I never regeared before I sold).

If you, or anyone, finds out any other locker choices specifically made for the van factory rear axle please post this info.

I'm currently considering ARB because I can't seem to find anything else to spend money on . No, actually the ARB is the only selectable locker I have heard of specifically for this axle. I'd love to be proven wrong.