Differential question
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 10
I'm not meaning to hijack but I just had a question. My axle code is C1 (3.73 LS). I have a few dial indicators and feelers gauges, is there any way of visually inspecting the limited slip and gears for excess wear? I'm going to pull the diff cover off this weekend and do a fluid change.
If your not having any noise, and it will work on loose roadways such as dirt, water (asphalt), or gravel your probably good-2-go.
I'm against testing them on dry hot pavement, the probability of damage is too great without a heavy duty race set up (the toe/heel of pinion where it contacts the ring gear).
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 391
Likes: 9
Thanks for the info. Since you explain the best way of testing is on loose ground I'm pretty sure my limited slip is functioning properly. Last month I was able to pull my toy hauler through the soft stuff in Glamis aired down in 2wd. Didn't loose traction while turning so I think I'm good 
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 974
Likes: 5
From: FLA
Ok, I ended up ordering a Detroit Locker from Summit. The installer was having a hard time getting a price from his supplier. I told him I will get the parts and you just install them. He said ok. Will run $375 for the install with me supplying the parts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Put it in drive and get them spinning. That'll tell you what you need to know. I do not know if you can check that way or not but you can check backlash and all that good stuff. It doesn't net you anything though
With a locker installed you need to watch how sharp you turn, like if you're in your yard or someone else's. If you cut it too hard you'll rip up the grass... As me how I know. Hopefully you got a soft engaging locker otherwise you're in for a treat when it pops. My truck sounds like a 12 gauge going off under my truck... I get some funny looks when it happens
With a locker installed you need to watch how sharp you turn, like if you're in your yard or someone else's. If you cut it too hard you'll rip up the grass... As me how I know. Hopefully you got a soft engaging locker otherwise you're in for a treat when it pops. My truck sounds like a 12 gauge going off under my truck... I get some funny looks when it happens
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,325
Likes: 6,098
I'll add to the recommendations of the helical gear TrueTrac. This is the traction control device that Spicer/Dana installed as original equipment in the Dana S135-S and S150-S axles. So if it is good enough for a 13.5K and 15K LB rated drive axle, it is likely good enough for a 9K lb rated axle.
With the OEM True Trac in my 4x4, I've never had to lock the front hubs. When I shift into 4LO, it is only for the gear reduction. The rear axle on my truck has never seen a loss of traction with the True Trac.
In my previous Ford, I had the friction disc limited slip... called Trac Lok. Big difference in performance between Trac Lok and True Trac. If you are going to open up your axle anyway, and can afford it, go with the True Trac.
With the OEM True Trac in my 4x4, I've never had to lock the front hubs. When I shift into 4LO, it is only for the gear reduction. The rear axle on my truck has never seen a loss of traction with the True Trac.
In my previous Ford, I had the friction disc limited slip... called Trac Lok. Big difference in performance between Trac Lok and True Trac. If you are going to open up your axle anyway, and can afford it, go with the True Trac.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 10
You will not notice any difference than when it went in.
What you will notice, when needed, it will be virtually unstoppable.
They are very smooth, unnoticeable during regular operation.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 974
Likes: 5
From: FLA
Thanks, I had a Detroit Locker in a car years ago and never knew it till I took it in and the mechanic at the dealership came to me and asked, "who put the Detroit locker in your car"? My answer was, "Ford factory". lol
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
The noise level is dependent on which one you went with. Hopefully you got the soft engaging locker otherwise you'll be in my shoes when you least expect it..... It'll sound like a 12 gauge going off under the truck as I said above
as I said above
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 974
Likes: 5
From: FLA
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtl-225sl56a
Really doesn't matter much to me. I will primarily be using the truck as a farm truck. With manual hubs I wanted the most rear traction I could get.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma
Not sure. This is the one I purchased.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtl-225sl56a
Really doesn't matter much to me. I will primarily be using the truck as a farm truck. With manual hubs I wanted the most rear traction I could get.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtl-225sl56a
Really doesn't matter much to me. I will primarily be using the truck as a farm truck. With manual hubs I wanted the most rear traction I could get.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 974
Likes: 5
From: FLA
I live in Fla so snow and ice are not an issue for me.
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