Just talked with another shop. They said Richmond is what they usually run and they are $100 cheaper than Ford Racing on the rear, same price on the front. Which is better?

I decided against a LS unit due to the clutch pack maintenance. I have decided on an automatic locker in the rear, but don't know who's to look at. I hear Eaton / Detroit are the best, but PowerTrax is over $200 cheaper. I don't do any serious offroading and my only complaint about the open diff. is 1 wheel take-off / burn-outs, and backing up in the snow / ice. I don't want to wear out these expensive tires because one burns off while the other just sits there. Should I look into any other lockers?

I'm told about $1,000 in parts for Ford Racing gears, master install kits, and a PowerTrax, and $900 if I go Richmond. They want $200 labor on the rear and $500 on the front. Does this seem reasonable? Am I inviting any trouble by having a shop tear the whole front end out of my truck?

FYI this is for an 01 4x4 5-speed on 33's going from 3:55 open to 4:10 w/ rear locker. Is it really worth almost $2,000 to get the performance or is my money better spent elsewhere? I already have Mike's tuning, intake, exhaust, e-fans, pulleys, etc. Thanks!!!

 

Go with the Ford Racing gears.They rank the highest in not making any noise. And,they're a good gear overall.

 

FRPP are the way to go, and yes, it's worth it. Just for the kickazz hole shots.

 

Thanks guys, but honestly noise is the least of my concerns. Between the straight pipes, loud tires, and 1,500W stereo...I'm more worried about strength / longevity. Do I still want FRPP?

A guy on FTW responded to this same thread over there and said he gets gears straight from the place that Yukon / Precision gets theirs from and they are on the CHEAP. He says they are US made and warrantied against manufacturer defect only. This would almost save me $200, but is it worth it? I hear Yukon is Chinese and Precision is hit / miss. His master install kits also include Timkin bearings / races. What's the scoop on Timkin?

He also informed me that PowerTrax uses a ratcheting system that wears out after about a year or so and that Eaton uses it's own case so it's the way to go. Your thoughts?

 

If it were me,i'de go with US Gear.Yes they are exspensive but they are the best out there,IMO.Second choice would be Ford Motorsport.Stay away from Motive gears.
http://www.usgear.com/tl_truck.htm

 

With gears the last thing you want to do is cut corners. Go with the Ford Racing gears and call it a day.

 

I'm getting labor quotes of $800 - $1,100 within an hour in any direction. It's not looking good.

 

Motive makes gears for ford racing.

Im running motive gears with no issues

 

There's another brand to add to the "...makes them for Ford" list. I believe I've now heard that said about every gear manufacturer out there.

 

I had never heard of US Gear untill last year. After checking with many places, they all said the same thing. "they are one of, if not the best if you can find them"

 

Thats what brand I have in my differential.