detroit Locker
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 4
From: north carolina
detroit Locker
I appoligise for posting here but I got no answer in the chassis forum.
Does a detroit locker for a dana 80 (rear axal on f350 dually) slip any?
Or does it simply lock the differential without any slip for turning.
Does a detroit locker for a dana 80 (rear axal on f350 dually) slip any?
Or does it simply lock the differential without any slip for turning.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
I've got detroit lockers in my Jeep (both front and rear).
It shouldn't matter what vehicle, they all work the same:
Under power the lockers "lock" the left and right wheels together,
thus they rotate @ the same speed - NO slip.
In 4x4 under power it makes turning a challenge because the
front wheels like going straight.
On pavement, the rear inside tire chirps in the parking lot because
the radius is less than the outside tire (when on the gas).
When coasting, you'll hear the click indicating they are NOT locked
in a turn.
It shouldn't matter what vehicle, they all work the same:
Under power the lockers "lock" the left and right wheels together,
thus they rotate @ the same speed - NO slip.
In 4x4 under power it makes turning a challenge because the
front wheels like going straight.
On pavement, the rear inside tire chirps in the parking lot because
the radius is less than the outside tire (when on the gas).
When coasting, you'll hear the click indicating they are NOT locked
in a turn.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, TX
The longer the wheelbase, the less you notice the locker (when installed in the rear). I've got a long bed '86 Chevy and hardly notice the locker in the rear when daily driving on the street. You do need to be more careful when the roads are slick because it is more likely to lock up during a turn, but a light left foot fixes any issues there.
I have a TruTrac in the front end of that same truck and really like how it operates. It works great for the front end because it allows you to steer just like you have an open diff, but allows very little wheel spin. I don't know if I'd put one in the rear of a heavy truck though because I don't think they are quite as heavy duty as a true Detroit locker. I could be wrong about that last statement though.
I have a TruTrac in the front end of that same truck and really like how it operates. It works great for the front end because it allows you to steer just like you have an open diff, but allows very little wheel spin. I don't know if I'd put one in the rear of a heavy truck though because I don't think they are quite as heavy duty as a true Detroit locker. I could be wrong about that last statement though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
If you do serious off-road, I would suggest air activated lockers.
The added flexibilty is good, but I didn't want to spend the $$$.
I'm pleased with my lockers frt and rear, I've pulled a little
but heavy utility trailer up our snow covered driveway
(12% grade) and had all 4 wheels spinning at one point.
The added flexibilty is good, but I didn't want to spend the $$$.
I'm pleased with my lockers frt and rear, I've pulled a little
but heavy utility trailer up our snow covered driveway
(12% grade) and had all 4 wheels spinning at one point.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
If you are mostly on the street, I would suggest the TruTrac. The reason being, it will help you keep traction on wet or icey streets. The locker will act more like a spool in those conditions.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
and they couldn't make it up my driveway in CO. So, before
we moved our Jeep to CO, we "upgraded" it now I don't rent
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Arizona
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: South of Tucson
I have run a detroit in my Bronco rear end for many years and I hardly notice it on the street. Off road it locks up real good and it is tough. I think the longer wheel base and the automatic transmission helps, in the jeeps it is much more noticable. I have a ARB air locker in the front.
Try looking on ebay for a better price.
Try looking on ebay for a better price.
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