1999 Ram 1500 gear swap ?

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R M - 15 Jan 2006 05:48 GMT

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 with 3:55 rears i want to swap to 4:88s,
can i run a auburn limited slip in the front dana 44 without any
problems ? Thanks in advance ,Bob

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Denny - 15 Jan 2006 11:51 GMT

> I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 with 3:55 rears i want to swap to 4:88s,
> can i run a auburn limited slip in the front dana 44 without any
> problems ? Thanks in advance ,Bob

Kinda depends on your definition of "problem". Any type of limited slip diff
in the front will make it a challenge to turn. The truck has a tendency to
keep going straight even with the wheels turned. If you really need a
traction aid for the front, I'd go with an air locker that you could engage
only when necessary. I read an article a while back about an electric locker
also. That might be worth looking into also.

Denny

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Tom Lawrence - 15 Jan 2006 19:06 GMT

> Kinda depends on your definition of "problem". Any type of limited slip
> diff in the front will make it a challenge to turn. The truck has a
> tendency to keep going straight even with the wheels turned.

Right - in 4WD. In 2WD, there won't be any problems, because of the CAD.
The driver's side tire will spin the while diff, and the front driveshaft
along with it, but the passenger side wheel will be free to turn at it's own
speed.

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Denny - 15 Jan 2006 23:45 GMT

>> Kinda depends on your definition of "problem". Any type of limited slip
>> diff in the front will make it a challenge to turn. The truck has a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> along with it, but the passenger side wheel will be free to turn at it's
> own speed.

Yep, I was assuming 4wd cause you wouldn't need limited slip in the front
end if'n you was using 2wd. <G>

Denny

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R M - 16 Jan 2006 00:42 GMT

Thanks Tom , do yo have any knowledge of Detroit Lockers / Trutrac ,
from what i understand it is easier to steer when 4x4 is engaged.
Thanks again , Bob

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Tom Lawrence - 16 Jan 2006 02:53 GMT

> Thanks Tom , do yo have any knowledge of Detroit Lockers / Trutrac ,
> from what i understand it is easier to steer when 4x4 is engaged.

If you're looking for steering ability and running decent speeds in 4WD (ie.
fire roads - not rock crawling), then Denny's right - you should look into
an air or electric locker, that way you can engage it only when you need it.
Anything else will cause understeer. A full locker, such as a Detroit, will
cause the truck to plow moreso than an LSD.

Let's back up... why do you want a locker in the front to begin with?

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R M - 16 Jan 2006 04:21 GMT

Thanks for your reply again Tom. The Detroit Trutrac is a LSD
supposably with a milder engagement. I figured while it was apart for
the gear install instead of just changing out the cage id put in a new
unit . Thanks again Bob

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Tom Lawrence - 16 Jan 2006 05:17 GMT

> unit . Thanks again Bob

Let's back up... why do you want a locker in the front to begin with?

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