I think adding a Aussie Locker would work better for my buddy, as we use his rig in the desert and don't have to worry about snow/ice like you guys back in the snow belt! It should be easier to find than a good used Starion diff, too!

When I aded a limited slip to his rear axle, I split the carrier and bead blasted the discs/clutches. It's very tight. Basically, it's a copy of the Dana Powerlock diff.

One question I had about a year ago when this thread was new was whether or not the Gen 2 disconnecting, reverse rotation diff assembly could be used, and whether or not the disconnect can be removed from the housing by, for example, swapping in a solid intermediate shaft and blocking off the disconnect mechanism. (like the Jeep XJ people do)

There's a '95 3.5l SR with a locking rear axle, rear disc brakes, and a front, reverse rotation 4.89 ratio disconnecting diff in the local yard that might make for a good donor vehicle!