 Weld's bead lock simulation...  Weld's bead lock simulation ProCrusher rings bolt on for looks, without the complexity of true bead lock wheels. It should be noted that Weld makes extremely high-quality true bead lock wheels, but they are strictly for racing use only. |  After adding the giant tires,...  After adding the giant tires, our Super Duty had difficulty putting its diesel power to the ground with 3.73 gears, so a new set was in order. Off Road Unlimited started by having the differentials drained in preparation for the new ring gears and the other third member upgrades we had planned. |  We chose to install Detroit...  We chose to install Detroit Lockers and 5.38 gears in both differentials because the Super Duty sees a lot of time in hairy off-road situations. Detroits are famous for being incredibly tough and reliable-just what we wanted for our monster diesel. The rear axle in our Super Duty is a Ford 10.5-inch unit and the front is a Dana 60. |
 New bearings are pressed into...  New bearings are pressed into the differential after we attached 5.38 gears that were ordered from Randy's Ring & Pinion. These are extremely low axle gears, and 99 percent of Super Duty owners should run 4.56 gears. Our truck is built for going slow off-road. |  The gear pattern was set with...  The gear pattern was set with the aid of some yellow marking compound. By studying the pattern on the ring gear after a few turns of the axle, we knew that the two gears were evenly meshing and would survive for years with this setup. |  Once the rear differential...  Once the rear differential was put together, an Off Road Unlimited aluminum differential cover was installed. This unit increases the amount of oil held in the differential and the fins will help dissipate heat, especially while towing. |
 Since the front axle is responsible...  Since the front axle is responsible for turning the wheels, it required a couple of extra steps during the disassembly. The unit bearings had to be removed so we could get into the axle to install the Detroit Locker. |  Matching 5.38 gears from Randy's...  Matching 5.38 gears from Randy's were installed on the front locker, then it was put into the front differential. Yellow marking compound was used again to make sure the pinion and ring gear would properly mesh. |  With the new lift and giant...  With the new lift and giant tires, our monster Super Duty was ready to display its diesel power on- and off-road. During test runs in the Ford, we experienced a much softer ride, and it was revealed how much the steering had been affected. It looks like this monster will need sway bars to aid steering and keep body roll in check. Our monster 4x4 project is not done, but a project truck is never really "done," is it? |