In most stock trucks, differentials with a higher gear ratio are usually installed at the factory because they allow for the best fuel milage, especially at highway speeds. In trucks built for serious off-roading or heavy-duty towing, a lower gear ratio is preferred, allowing the truck to generate greater pulling power at lower speeds – an important feature when navigating steep inclines, deep mud, or pulling extra-heavy loads. Significantly changing the diameter or weight of a truck’s tires can also necessitate re-gearing the transmission for the new tire size.

Lockers, on the other hand, are specialized differentials that lock the left and right wheels together, ensuring that both wheels receive equal power distribution. This is particularly useful when one wheel loses traction, as the locker will force the other wheel to spin at the same rate, preventing the vehicle from becoming stuck. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you decide if custom gears or a differential upgrade are right for your truck, based on its current configuration and your specific driving needs.