i am sorry because this has probably asked 100's of times..I just need to figure out the format and things on this site.

My question is this.....Can i just swap the locking diff to an 08 Alpha? A parts guy at the dealership said, " just swap the diff and everything internal stays the same, drill hole for wire and just tap it into your rear locker. That way you are either open or 4 wheel locked.

Is this correct? Everything is there , same as an 09 Alpha w/ f/r locker, just lacks the locking. Attached it the stuff he gave me and said I only need #44

Thank you and again sorry for the question that i know has probably hasked time after time... -.Jim Surratt

 

That's pretty much true. For an E locker, you need a hole for the wire, and a switch on the dash to activate it. You can buy the OEM T Case switch panel and swap that out on the dash. Only thing missing is that your PCM will not know whether you are locked or not.

 

Just curious......why would the PCM need to know? it will only be used for about 100 feet, to get up cabin...struggles with just the rear locker, front should make it no problem...other wise i have to take a 25 minute drive around the mountain to get there.

 

Is there a reason i cant just tap it into the rear diff locker switch? when used, i need both... otherwise 2wd unlocked gets me around the farm just fiine

 

With the OEM set up, the PCM will only allow the diff(s) to be locked while the T Case in Lo Lock and under 20 mph. Which really is not a function issue because that is when it would be used. It is a safety issue.... if you accidentally left the front locked, that could be a problem if you take off down the hwy, steering would be real interesting.

However, some have complained they want to be locked in Hi and/or over 20 mph???

IMHO, a misunderstanding of why and how to use a locking diff. If you are going 25+, momentum should win the battle, and you are not going to rock crawl at that kind of speed, no need for lock.

 

2wd in an H3?????

There are off road obstacles where to navigate them, you do not want the front locked... like if you are winding through tight trails. With the front locked under some conditions, steering can be limited. I do not mean turning the wheel, I mean traction to the ground, you want the outside wheel to rotate at a different speed than the inside to avoid push. Think of it sort of like fish tailing in the front.