Rearend recommendation requested

[Hobkvet]

I have a 2023 4x4 4dr short bed STX with open difs. I do some light off road like going camping, mostly street driving, and so far have not had any "real" problem- Here in N. Utah we get some snow and icy roads sometimes A LOT. I was looking at an Eaton "soft locker", but I hear they can be a bear in the icy snow time. This is my only vehicle. Would an E-locker be better for off road AND the snowy conditions. Any real world suggestions would really help.

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[OGKC]

So the absolute best off-road traction device is a locker. Selectable lockers are amazing.

A full selectable locker allows you to have the best of both worlds. It will behave like an open differential in the ice and snow and will not affect handling in anyway around town. When you lock it in, it will keep both your tires on that axle spinning at the exact same speed. Because you are in control it will behave entirely predictably. The advantages to an open differential are far less scrubbing and adverse tire wear. Quieter and smoother. In the ice and snow in automatic locker has the potential to randomly lock which can give you unpredictable handling.

 

[OGKC]

A good limited slip can be a game changer off-road. They are also usually very good on road. I personally like an eaten true Track helical limited slip. The biggest tire they like to take care of though is a 35.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

An electric or air locker would be the best choice however the most expensive. The eaten has a wonderful choice but as you alluded to, it can be a bit dicey on slick, snow and ice. But a locker can as well.

The best part about an electric or air locker is you control when it locks up so there less surprises

 

[Hobkvet]

Yup I have had old Detroit lockers in my 67 Scout but that ol' Scout never was in the snow for much time- I think even if it's more expensive an electric is the way for me and the wife to go- at 70 our reaction ain't that good anymore and it does get icy up here. Thanks for the responses.

 

[travisN000]

OEM torsen front diff??

...I've never heard of anyone using one without a rear locker but I don't see why it wouldn't help, and no need to worry about remembering to lock it or unlock it

 

[Aonarch]

I have a 2023 4x4 4dr short bed STX with open difs. I do some light off road like going camping, mostly street driving, and so far have not had any "real" problem- Here in N. Utah we get some snow and icy roads sometimes A LOT. I was looking at an Eaton "soft locker", but I hear they can be a bear in the icy snow time. This is my only vehicle. Would an E-locker be better for off road AND the snowy conditions. Any real world suggestions would really help.

Don't do any sort of LSD in the rear for snow.

In deep snow you typically want open diffs to prevent the rear end sliding out.

You can always just two foot drive it when you need traction, aka the poor man's locker.

I'd recommend adding a rear e-locker. You can just install a switch and connect it to power.

 

[Hobkvet]

Don't do any sort of LSD in the rear for snow.

In deep snow you typically want open diffs to prevent the rear end sliding out.

You can always just two foot drive it when you need traction, aka the poor man's locker.

I'd recommend adding a rear e-locker. You can just install a switch and connect it to power.

Yup I think if I'm gonna do it I'll do the E-locker- better to have it and not need it...you know the rest- thanks

 

[KartRacer25]

I love my e locker in snow, ice, sand and occasional mud. Been trying out slippery mode more too, really helps. Thought about adding the torsen front LSD, I hear its pretty close to a simple drop in.

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