Keeping the entire parts and structure of your car is as crucial as breathing. The locker is one of them to take care of thoroughly. When you already have a Ford 8.8, you need to think twice or more to choose the best locker. Nowadays, in the automobile parts world, you can see plenty of options available. But picking up the best locker for Ford 8.8 is the toughest job over time.
A perfect and performing locker can make or break your driving experience. Suppose, you are riding on an uneven surface but in the midst, you detect imbalanced and improper traction. It happens for many reasons. But the common fault is in your locker inside the car or truck.
When you are having trouble going off-road racing or are afraid of inconvenience, install a differential locker to stick the axle to assist two wheels to run at the same speed with proper traction. So it is crucial to choose the right one.
In this guide, you can see the 5 prevalent and advanced lockers that fulfill your demand. So never leave this article. Otherwise, you might be deprived of choosing the right locking system.
5 Best Lockers for Ford 8.8 Automotive Axle
Buying the most important part of your car is always challenging. When it comes to picking the right locker for your Ford 8.8 axle, is also pretty tough. But here are the 5 best lockers for your Ford 8.8 where you can choose your desired one without worrying.
1. Spartan Locker for Ford 8.8″: Best Overall in a Budget
If you are looking for the best locker on your budget, there is no option available except this. The Spartans are known for their quality not for showing off.
| Manufacturer | Yukon Gear |
| Weight | 5.54 Pounds |
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
| Made of | Heat-resistant 9310 stainless steel |
| Costs | $200-$240 |
Key Features Of Spartan Locker For Ford 8.8″
In recent times, Spartan has led the industry in making lockers. With innovative and advanced technology and features, they launch their best product for their customers. Here are some features to understand deeply.
- Improve traction
Spartans are made for better traction even on rougher areas or rock surfaces. It looks like an E-locker which is made based on electromagnetic principles. It maintains coordination between the two wheels which helps in increasing the traction.
When you plan to install Lunchbox, install Front Excel. Its two wheels maintain equal torque which helps in creating aggressive traction even in rough places.
- Design
This spartan lunchbox locker has an exclusive design with simplicity. Extremely designed for 2WD vehicles to ride on-road driving. Of its simple design, the locker has less possibility to lock or unlock. The working mechanism is also simple. There is no hole in the middle of the locker, so it’s shaped like a square rather than a circle.
- Rigorous Material finish
Yoken Gear made their Spartan Locker with the most robust material. It is made of stainless steel which has been in use for a long time. Heat tolerance and resistance have made it more durable.
- Easy to install a locker
The simple and slick design ensures a super easy installation. The installation process isn’t a hard nut to crack if you know the exact procedure. It has factory gears on its internal part to allow you to install it freely. In addition, compared to other aftermarket lockers, there is no hassle in disassembling. It takes less than 2 hours to install.
- Inexpensive
Needless to say, you may face some problems with this simple design. But surely it makes it more affordable than others. Compared to the Quality, exceptional features, and satisfactory traction over the rougher surfaces it is the best locker in the budget.
- Good-looking shape
It is developed with a precise shape that is compatible with most applications. In addition to this, the precise design and excellent steel finish make it brighter.
Drawbacks
The only defect of this locker is unwanted noise. It produces a little clunky noise when cornering or turning. Furthermore, it can easily break down if it is installed poorly. Therefore, when installing, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or hire a professional.
Pros
- Installation is simpler than you think.
- Lock and unlock relatively hard.
- Ensure a sufficient and equal amount of torque on both tires.
- Cross pin shaft for holding the driver and coupler assembly.
- Pretty inexpensive considering the quality.
Cons
- Produce louder and clunky sounds over time.
- It is easy to crack if not installed and maintained properly.
2. Detroit Truetrac Differential Locker: Heavy-Duty Option
No matter whether you are on the rough terrain or rocky trail, Detroit Locker always agrees to be your companion. With robust construction and heavy-duty working principles, it can handle bulk work efficiently. It has a selectable push-button simple functionality to control smoothly.
| Manufacturer | Detroit Locker |
| Weight | 23.95 pounds |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Key Feature | It is designed in such a way that it can keep both wheels in motion and helps them to move forward and backward evenly. |
| Made of | Stainless steel with an excellent coating on the outer surface makes it a durable unit. |
| Costs | $550+ |
Key features of Detroit Truetrac Differential Locker
There are some unique features of the Detroit Truetrac differential locker. Most of the Detroit lockers are made by Eaton which is the top-notch brand right now. It is a limited slip, not an open differential.
- Aggressive traction
In terms of enhancing traction and mobility, who is winning except the Detroit differential Truetrac locker? For greater and perfect traction, you must have a front axle application. Also, it can deliver a proper power supply on both wheels when cornering or turning. So there is no fuel leakage and it is efficient in both accelerating and saving fuel.
- Clutch-type limited-slip
It is designed uniquely and has a limited-slip option to intensify traction in all weather conditions. The clutch type feature allows it to prohibit all the slipping issues on sludge or clay areas.
- Rugged construction
The only Detroit differential locker guarantees all the great features and the most robust material. Quality, Strength, and Tolerance these 3 things together are only in the Detroit Locker. It is made of fine polished steel material which is impeccable in rust and water resistance. So it lasts a long time.
- Smooth operation
It features unique locking and limited slip with variable power to deliver its best in any condition. It not only ensures optimum performance but also guarantees quality. So there is no hassle in driving through rough terrain or rocky trails and repairing is also straightforward.
- Fully-locked performance
When driving under off-road conditions, it automatically locks while driving straight. And when you are cornering or braking, it unlocks and works as an open differential. As a result, the risk of spinning and wearing is reduced. In the most horrible situations, it can lock the wheels or continuously provide power to both wheels for better traction.
Drawbacks
The drawbacks of this locking system aren’t terrible or horrible. The clunky sounds make you angry sometimes but it is not something to consider. Sometimes, it is seen that the lock and unlock function works leed efficiently.
Pros
- Perfect locker for off-road driving.
- The long-lasting differential unit as it has no clutches for wearing out.
- Reduce locking jams by supplying enough power from the slipping tires.
- Produce maximum torque in a limited range
Cons
- Slightly clunky even in fresh conditions.
- Not as effective on an on-road surface as it would be off-road.
3. USA Standard Gear Spartan Locker: high-quality and Long-lasting
Are you looking for the best lunchbox locker for your Ford 8.8? Switching to this is a wise decision. With a slick and simple design less installation hassle, and better traction off-road Spartan locker is the best lunchbox locker Ford 8.8 front axle.
| Manufacturer | USA Standard Gear |
| Weight | 4.65 pounds |
| Country of origin | Manufacturer in the USA. |
| Key Feature | 3 different shafts for different working purposes and excellent exterior finish by automated machines. |
| Made of | Stainless steel construction protects it from rusty and early breakage problems. |
| Costs | $240+ |
Key features of USA Standard Gear Spartan Locker
Spartan locker is a mechanical locking differential, which is made for the off-road racing world. All the components are included in the package.
- Precise construction
Spartan is an excellent choice for those who are searching for a strong, durable, long-lasting, and reliable locker on a budget. In a word, it is made for last. With rigid body parts, it provides tremendous power to the wheels to generate more traction and friction (especially in hazardous situations).
- Compatibility
It is compatible with a wide range of applications and adjusts effortlessly. With a simple pin design, the installation is like a snap! Dana users are satisfied with the quality and performance that Spartan offers. After a long long way, it serves like new. It fits with all the Dana series, Chrysler, Ford, and GM models fantastically.
- Low cost, better traction
Considering the quality and quantity, it offers lockers at a very cheap rate. With the revolutionary spring and pin design, it is determined to deliver optimum traction from local streets to highways. It combines both wheel powers when detecting any issue and keeps the momentum alive. In addition to this, it delivers more locked power on both wheels for greater traction.
- Simple installation process
For its simple patent-pending design, you can install and remove this easily. It requires fewer installation tools to assemble. In addition, most Spartans are impeccably designed with the latest cross-pin shaft. It features a revolutionary spring instead of a thrust washer which makes installation easier than other lockers.
- Durable
Deep heat-resisting and heat-treated steel construction ensures sustainability. Rigorous tooth design helps this locker to last longer and perform off-roading conditions without breaking.
Drawbacks
Sometimes it gets so loud that you can’t hear the other sounds on the road. If it is not installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, it can break without noticing you.
Pros
- Easy to install and adjust easily with specific vehicles.
- Inexpensive even if it has arduous construction.
- Heat-resistant and heat-treated design for maximum strength.
- Simple to assemble and disassemble.
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
Cons
- Lasts a short span of time for its violent locking and unlocking mechanism.
- As it is a lunchbox locker, it produces a clunk noise even in fresh condition
4. ARB Air Operated Locking Differential
Another locker is known to the customer as a Detroit locker. But ARB air locker is known for its selectable option. ARB is an air-activated selectable locker Ford 8.8 that performs like an open differential. Here is the overall discussion about the ARB locker.
| Manufacturer | ARB |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
| Key Feature | ARB Air Locker differentials utilize a pneumatic locking mechanism to simplify the locking of both front and rear axles. |
| Made of | Made with higher quality and rustproof materials to ensure durability. |
| Costs | $1000+ |
Key features of ARB Air Operated Locking Differential
Unleash your off-road driving problem with the world’s best ARB Air-activated locker. If you are looking for a high-quality, durable, long-lasting, easy-to-install, and affordable one, purchase it with less worry and make your drive fun.
- Highest torque
Out of the 5 best lockers for Ford 8.8, it comes out the best in producing peak torques even in adverse conditions. It allows the wheels to perform in the worst weather conditions. It allows the system to produce 100% torque to generate plenty of power on both wheels.
- Efficient
It performs by applying an air-activated mechanism. When in locked conditions, it performs like an aftermarket open diff locker and generates peak torques to balance both wheels simultaneously. So it is highly efficient in producing better and more accurate traction. It incredibly increases the efficiency of traction of your 4WD on any surface like gravel, terrain, clay, rock, snow, or mud.
- Hassle-free activation
No need to be a pro mechanic to activate this locker on your system. It can be easily activated by following the manufacturer’s manual.
- High-quality
ARB used higher and premium-grade materials so that no one could question their products. It improves traction on rough terrain or Stoney surfaces or even in clay areas.
Drawbacks
The only drawback is it leaks air if installed poorly. So be cautious when installing and don’t forget to take a look at the user manual and installation chart given by the manufacturer.
Pros
- Top class for all time.
- Highly-rated lockers are recommended by experts.
- Ensure 100% power supply on both wheels efficiently.
- Perform like a factory open differential.
- Prevent harmful oils from the airlines.
Cons
- Air leaks can be caused if you install them poorly.
5. Yukon Gear & Axle: Engaging and Reliable
| Manufacturer | Yukon Gear |
| Weight | 23.6 pounds |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Key Feature | Extremely capable of providing and transferring power on both front and rear axles. |
| Made from | Premium and exclusive grade strong wear & tear resistant steel. |
| Costs | $600+ |
Key features of Yukon Gear & Axle locker
- It is a fully automatic positive locking differential for most off-roading vehicles.
- The working mechanism is as simple as hunting a sitting duck.
- When you’re driving on the straight path, it remains locked driving both axles.
- Higher quality 8620 heat-treated alloys for better strength and durability.
- Ring and pinion design allows you to install it effortlessly within a very short time.
- 31 enhanced and larger teeth to hold the front axle securely for providing the utmost traction over any surface.
Pros
- Drivability and provide better traction as it produces 100% power to both wheels.
- 2-year warranty.
- 8620 internal alloy materials for long-term service.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than the quality.
FAQ
Are All Ford 8.8 Rear-Ends The Same?
There are almost 24 different Ford’s and they offer Ford 8.8 rear axles. So there is less chance to have the same rear ends in all Ford 8.8 series. Undoubtedly, the Ford 8.8 rear ends are strong as it has 31 spline axles.
Is Ford 8.8 Limited Slip?
Needless to say, the Ford 8.8 has a limited-slip option to limit the wheelspin when the movable wheels lose their grief. For this reason, it offers more perfect traction while driving rough terrain.
Is A Detroit Locker A Lunchbox Locker?
They are basically drop-in lockers but sometimes they are also called lunchbox lockers. In most cases, the Detroit and lunchbox lockers work by applying the same mechanism. Also, they offer better performance both on-road and off-road.
How Much Power Can An 8.8 Rear End Handle?
Ford 8.8 rear end can handle power ranging from 375 to 400 HP with a generous amount of torque. But if there is any defect or anything bad, it can’t handle even 175 HP let alone 400 HP.
The Bottom Line
No matter how many lockers are available right now for your Ford 8.8. The above-mentioned 5 best lockers for Ford 8.8 will fulfill your desire. The 1st and 3rd lockers are very demandable and highly reviewed by the customers. And the ARB is a smart locker that performs like a factory open differential. A Yukon gear locker is also a fantastic choice if you’re looking for the best in your budget.
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