So in watching a video on a the ford "offroad and 4x4" forum and they were saying the regular eaton turetrack lock was not the best item for guys that drive on pavement most of the time and he suggested a lunch box locker, which is easier to install and not as temperminal as a trutrack type locker.

In looking around it interesting to find something for a 2wd 2003 10.5 sterling rear dif. ?

any idea on how best to do this?? eaton locker at 21:33 mark.

 

I would personally argue the exact opposite of what your post is saying. A "lunchbox locker" is very similar an operation to a regular Detroit Locker wherein you have dog teeth that are in mesh with each other while going in a straight line or turning under power and move apart far enough to allow a differentiation in wheel speed when coasting. Coasting through a corner and reapplying power creates a clunk and a jerkiness when the teeth are forced together. This type of traction aiding device never allows one wheel to spin slower than the ring gear. This will most definitely be noticed around town where the inside tire in the corner becomes the driving tire.

The Trutrac on the other hand is a true limited slip and will allow either of the tires to spin slower than the ring gear. However, it does not use cone clutches, wave springs, or friction discs to accomplish the limited-slip action so technically it should not wear out. It's fairly seamless and the couple of cars that I have driven / ridden in that use them have perfect road manners but when the going gets tough the thing is fairly rock solid in its ability to lock both rear tires together.

The other issue you run into with a "lunchbox locker" that is cheaper than a "real" locker that replaces the differential carrier is that you're relying on the factory cross pin alone to transfer power and they are substantially weaker. If your carrier is already a limited-slip factory carrier, you may have to find a non limited-slip carrier if you want to install the cheaper locker because the limited-slip carrier has a three-pinion design and a cross pin style that does not lend itself to being replaced with anything different.

 

i know very little about the locker issues and appreciate all the info. I am just looking for something to help with traction on slippy surfaces which can include sand, gravel, and on rare occasions snow like stuff..

.. it will spin a wheel on any non pavement surface if or like when pulling the RV out of my driveway which is a good 2-3 foot incline to get to road, especially if i have to stop due to traffic..

I understand there are different models and methods I am just looking for the best solutation to my issue. As I understand the current rear diff is NOT limited slip in any way shape or form it a 2 wd truck auto trans.

so what you are saying is the truetrc is what i want to get?? or will the lunch box locker work with no limited slip better. ??

 

A lunchbox is the weakest and most temperamental option, but it's cheap & easy to install IF you currently have an open carrier. AFAIK none of the lunchboxes will install in a limited slip carrier in which case don't bother looking into them any further. Lunchbox and full carrier lockers all do the same thing, tho some are better at it than others. In theory they'll never let one tire spin under power but will let either tire turn faster than the other to negotiate turns. Most of them are clunky and they don't always work as they should. The likelihood of feeling it push the vehicle around unpredictably is high.

A true track is not a locker, it's a torque biasing limited slip. It should be the smoothest running best performing option for a street driver, and also good for off-road use.

A selectable locker is the extreme option and does a great job, but if you use it wrong it will bite you.

 

 

Does the TrueTrac require friction modifier?

 

No.

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My opinion Detroit Truetrac is the best option for most people. I went with the Detroit Locker and am extremely happy.

 

so when i watch the video again and go back to 6:02 I was now watching the section of the torsen differential or the trutrac. now i see the difference and see this is the better way to go. I will put my sandwiches in my lunch box but will not put a "lunch box" in my rear end..

 

A true trac would be a great option for a 2wd truck that needs the extra traction. I debated between the truetrac and Detroit locker and I ended up going with the Detroit locker and I like it so far.

 

I'm surprised that your 2WD didn't come from the factory with a limited slip differential. LS in 2WD and open in 4x4 were the most common setups. Rebuilding the OEM diff if it's LS would be the most economical for normal driving.

 

 

I thought the same thing but when we had snow a couple years ago I hit a slippy spot on the driveway (a up hill bit slope) and it dam near stopped with one wheel spinning like a bandit. When i check the VIN tag it does not show LS type diff.. which is a bummer.. hence the desire for a locker.

anyone near the Raleigh NC area want to help or I pay to install?? I GOT BEER!! and cash..

 

The factory limited slip is junk anyways, a truetrac is a much better unit.

 

Possibly a custom order?