Lockers???
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern OH
Detroit Truetrac.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
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From: Northern Illinois
Agreed. A Detroit Truetrac in the rear Would be great for anyone. Look up videos of how they work and you will see. They seem to be the best of both worlds and have excellent street manners. They do need some traction or brake resistance to work. ie if one side is in the air or on glare ice drag the brake can get you going
Now myself. I went with the Detroit Locker. I wanted full power to both sides even if one side had zero traction. I have have not witnessed any of the bad street manners that some have seen. I attribute this to 2 things. 1 big heavy long wheelbase truck. many of the complaints I read on the Detroit Locker (NOT Detroit Truetrac) were in smaller lighter Jeeps and small trucks. 2 Many of those reviews are old and Detroit redesigned something to improve this in most applications.
Now myself. I went with the Detroit Locker. I wanted full power to both sides even if one side had zero traction. I have have not witnessed any of the bad street manners that some have seen. I attribute this to 2 things. 1 big heavy long wheelbase truck. many of the complaints I read on the Detroit Locker (NOT Detroit Truetrac) were in smaller lighter Jeeps and small trucks. 2 Many of those reviews are old and Detroit redesigned something to improve this in most applications.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
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From: Southern OH
Sounds like a good plan to me. I would like an e-locker or truetrac in the front of mine but they don't make either of those for the dana 50, I may eventually find a Dana 60 to bolt in.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
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While I don't have a locker in my truck, i do have extensive experience with them in Jeeps and lighter vehicles. They really make all the difference in sand, snow, rocks ect. While you probably wont be hanging a tire in the air going over rock it should make your trip much more enjoyable driving on the beach with lower air pressure in the tires. My jeep is spooled both front and rear, which makes it a little difficult to drive on the street. Luckily it mostly rides the trailer.
While not as many options as a D 60 their are some options for the Dana 50.
Here is a link for an ARB front air locker for the Dana 50.
https://www.drivetrainshop.com/Dana_50_s/88.htm
While not as many options as a D 60 their are some options for the Dana 50.
Here is a link for an ARB front air locker for the Dana 50.
https://www.drivetrainshop.com/Dana_50_s/88.htm
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
Just had the Detroit Locker installed at 4wheel parts in Richmond VA. they did a great job.
There was actually a limited slip in my truck all these years.. but it was worn out.. I guess the clutches were toasted...
But now the Detroit Locker is in and there is nothing to wear out... Eaton Detroit Locker # 225SL56A
Still need the front e locker.. but Ill get that maybe next year.
Snagster out...
There was actually a limited slip in my truck all these years.. but it was worn out.. I guess the clutches were toasted...
But now the Detroit Locker is in and there is nothing to wear out... Eaton Detroit Locker # 225SL56A
Still need the front e locker.. but Ill get that maybe next year.
Snagster out...
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
I've had the same experience after adding lockers or good limited slips. 4x4 with open diffs is effectively just 2 wheel drive once you start twisting/slipping, but 4x2 with an open is only one wheel drive. With a locker the 4x2 becomes two wheel drive and I've seen them go places a 4x4 couldn't, particularly in twisted climbs. Power braking can emulate a locker to some degree, and is a useful skill off-road. I've gotten lots of people's vehicles unstuck just by power braking them. With 4x2 vehicles I use the parking brake so the fronts aren't holding it back, with 4x4 use the service brake so both ends get some love.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,753
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
ARB, I had them in my '99 F-350. That thing had almost no articulation so lockers made a huge difference. There might also be a lunchbox locker available for it for a lot less $.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern OH
I don't want to deal with the hassle of onboard air and airlines for the ARB, the e locker just has 2 wires. They make a lock right for it but I use this truck to drive in the snow in 4x4 and if you have a front auto locker it gets very unpredictable if you are running highway speeds in 4x4. You are limited to just using 4x4 on the back roads 30-35 mph at most then shift into 2wd at higher speeds, which is generally what I do anyway. For now the Detroit rear and open front has been working fine for what I use it for.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,753
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
I've only driven a front auto locker off-road and it did way better than I expected in slow stuff, but on sand washes at high-ish speeds it did seem to handle funny so on-road at highway speed it might suck.
Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 363
Likes: 65
Thanks for pointing this out. There must be a hundred (mostly bad) threads over the years on how to ID a Dana 50 or 60 in these trucks. My sticker is still there also and unfortunately, I have the 50. I don't really care about the strength as much as having fewer options. It's the first time I've known in almost 18 years!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
I don't want to deal with the hassle of onboard air and airlines for the ARB, the e locker just has 2 wires. They make a lock right for it but I use this truck to drive in the snow in 4x4 and if you have a front auto locker it gets very unpredictable if you are running highway speeds in 4x4. You are limited to just using 4x4 on the back roads 30-35 mph at most then shift into 2wd at higher speeds, which is generally what I do anyway. For now the Detroit rear and open front has been working fine for what I use it for.
not sure what hassle you speak of as once the system is mounted you just flip a switch to use it. Anyhow, before you discount on board air for an ARB consider the fact you then always have air and the ability to fix flats or just air up tires.
Hell, even if you don’t get an ARB installing a on board air system is a good idea.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
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From: Southern OH
Thanks for pointing this out. There must be a hundred (mostly bad) threads over the years on how to ID a Dana 50 or 60 in these trucks. My sticker is still there also and unfortunately, I have the 50. I don't really care about the strength as much as having fewer options. It's the first time I've known in almost 18 years!