Locker or limited slip

I have a 2005 regular cab long bed 4x4 and I am pretty sure i have a open differential and i want ether a locker or a limited slip one day i got stuck because i had the 2 passenger tires on ice and the 2 drivers side tire on mud cause they fell throught the ice and only the ones on ice would spin and i burned almost a quarter tank trying to get the drivers side tires to spin

Any time i try to drift / do donuts on snow and ice it just spins one tire and doesnt wanna slide

I would like an arb selectable locker but i dont wanna spend $1000 any opinions on a good selectable locker or limmited slip not to expensive will be apreiated

 

Personally, if I'm going to pay all that labor I'm installing a locker. Buy once cry once as they say. My truck has a factory LSD. And perhaps it's just due to age, but I'm not impressed with it. I pulled over in this spot on Sunday and I almost had to put in in 4WD to get out. The snow was 1" deep. I had to back up that hill and get a bit of momentum to get out.

 

How hard are they to install? What all has to be done?

 

You can YouTube it to get an idea of what's involved. Its fairly advanced with some specialty tools required. Which will add to the cost. As Erik said, if im paying/ doing the labor im gonna do some other things as well while im in there. I see youre on 32s, but if you want to go to a bigger tire, consider re-gearing. But you will have to do the front axle as well. The Auburn LSD is a pretty good upgrade over stock, but a locker is superior. The cost adds up quick for parts, especially if you start having to replace bearings, etc.