Now that I get to looking around at some of the different options out there for carriers, I am tempted by the Eaton/Detroit (not sure about the connection between Eaton and Detroit) Posi and Truetrac units available.

The Ford option is clearly the cheaper way to go, but the Eatons sure do look like nice diffs. And the key word being LOOK, as in I really don't know for sure. I have seen many good reviews of the Ford. I can't say that I have seen any reviews of the Eaton...maybe I just have not looked in the right spot.

Which is the better way to go?

Are there any downsides to the Eaton or is Eaton really the better carrier in all aspects with a proportional price tag and the price tag being the only downside?

 

The biggest difference between the two LS units, is that the factory unit uses clutches to equalize power output to both axles, and the Eaton / Detroit uses helical gears to accomplish the same thing. It is said that the gears will never wear like clutches, and will maintain a more consistent traction variable, since the gears are not affected by heat like clutches are.
Now, some of the Toyota guys have been complaining about the bolts falling out of the Eaton units. I guess there was a change in the design a couple of years back that changed the bolt configuration, and utilized a different pitch thread.
By selecting the Eaton unit, you are getting close to prices around the selectable locker neighborhood, would an E-locker, or other selectable locker be of any benifit in your application?

 

The Eaton Posi uses clutches...

The Posi and Truetrac are just under 500 dollars and the electric controlled locker is about a grand which is a bit more than I want to spend. If it's worth it I could do it but I would have to save up for a while to get it. I am sure I would benefit from it and yes of course I would like to have it, but cost is the main thing keeping me from going that route.

Keep in mind this is in a 1/2 ton Econoline van that is only driven on the street. I want this van to be as dependable and as bullet proof as possible within reason, and that is why I am building this rear end up (not to mention everything else on the rig). I had a Posi in my old Plymouth Duster 340 4 speed and I really liked it.

I am looking into the Truetrac, Posi and the Ford Traction-Lok and maybe the E-Locker. The 2 Eaton units are just under 500 dollar range and the Ford is about 250 dollars. At this point I am not sure which way to go. Is there a quality difference between the Ford and the Eaton? If the good old rule that states "you get what you pay for" holds any water in this case the Eaton is twice as good as the Ford. But, I don't know enough about them to say.

 

I have always herd that the Eaton was the best but when I did it it was 300 more then the ford one so I went with Ford.Just couldn't see paying the extra.
It has held up just fine and I'm hitting it hard with over 500 RWHP!