Can anyone with Detroit Lockers tell me if there
are any problems with towing heavy loads with
the Lockers when cornering, backing,etc...
Any info would help.Thanks.

 

It all depends on how strong your axles are and how much torque is applied to that axle. Just remember that when you are taking a corner under a load (accelerating) with a Detroit locker, the inside wheel and axle shaft is taking the full load. If you are towing a trailer that has little or no tongue weight, then it probably would not be a problem since the inside tire will spin up to the speed of the outside tire if too much torque is applied. However if you are towing or hauling something that adds a lot of weight to the axle such as an 11 1/2 ft. camper, then you are also adding traction which puts more torque on the axle since it can no longer relieve itself by spinning the tire. You might get away with it if you have an automatic tranny, but if you have a manual and let the clutch out too quickly while making a turn, something is going to snap.

Also remember that a regular open differential helps you make a turn by pushing you around with the outside tire. (Similar to the way a bulldozer/tank turns) A locker is actually pushing you in the opposite direction of the turn. As you turn sharper, the inside wheel is working harder to try to make you go straight.

If you plan on doing any heavy towing with your rig, and a limited-slip differential is not enough extra traction for off-road situations, then your only safe alternative would be an ARB air locker which can be shut off when you are on the pavement or most of the time when you do not need a locked diferential.