So can someone summarize what we've learned in this thread. Mechanical n00b here. I mainly ask because there was a bit of initial debate on here and if someone could summarize the facts that would be awesome.
Drop in? Rough install instructions? Tools needed? Amount of time to install? Fits V8? Difference if you have SR5, Sport, Limited? Impact on mpg? Ability to revert stock? Warranty?
I'll give this a go. Was waiting on somebody else to chime in:
Drop in? - So this was sort of what the "debate" was over. Is it an entirely built 3rd member assembly that you just bolt on in place of yours? No. It
is "drop-in" in the same sense that every other aftermarket locker is. Which is basically a replacement carrier assembly.
Very rough install instructions - pull your 3rd member (diff housing). Replace your stock carrier with the locker. Put it back together. Wire it up.
Tools - Nothing special that I can think of off hand. If you're replacing parts, i.e. regearing or doing a solid pinion set up like I did, you'll need a dial gauge set up to check backlash and probably a something to check pinion bearing pre-load. If you're reusing your stock parts, then you probably don't need anything special.
Amount of time to install - I'd say give yourself anywhere from 4-8 hours to be safe... Probably a little more for the front.
Fits V8 - Yes (as long as it fits any of our trucks, because the differentials are the same)
Difference in trim levels - None
Impact on MPG - Should be none. A selectable locker acts just like an open diff when it isn't being used
Ability to revert to stock - Doable, as long as you find a way to reverse however you passed the wires through the diff housing. But why really?
Warranty - Good question. I guess Ben would need to answer that.
Hope that helps. Guys, please feel free to chime in if any of this is mis-information.
