I did a search but still have questions. i want to get a locker for the rear eventually since the limited slip is worthless. i like the detroit for its simplicity and relatively low price but have heard that if you carry alot of wieght it can be a pain. i plan on getting a fifth wheel travel trailer and do ocassionally carry alot of weight in the bed. will a detroit make turns harder or possibly break something. i also plow and a locker will help out.
i like the ARB but really dont like the price.
not sure if the detroit electrac is aviable for my rear axle, but like the idea of a tigther limited slip and selectable locker.
so any ideas or comments would be appreciated, especially from those who with experience with carrying alot of wieght in thier bed with a locker.

 

I had a locker in mine. It was great for off road and snow plowing. A little noisey driving around town making sharp corners on pavement. I was happy with it.

THEN

I installed a dump bed. Bad move. When I was on pavement going up hill or down hill steering was very unpredictable or impossible. A couple of tons on the back going up a steep hill and the steering wheel made no difference in where the truck went, which was in a straight line.

In about 2 months of this the locker ( Lock Rite ) exploded. Took all the bearings in the axle, ring gear and pinion with it. Also in that amount of time I scheared all the bolts off that hold the axle to the rear hub twice. This is pronounced "Lots of dollars to fix".

If you are going to carry weight on the truck on dry pavement ARB or Auburn Air Locker is the only option for lockers. I do not think I would trust the electric jobs to stand up.

If you run empty and pull a tag along trailer it will be great.
Fifth wheel or load on the truck, it will break lots of stuff that is not cheap to fix.
Run a limited slip with clutches or an air locker that you can turn off and on.

Been there, did that, got the T shirt and belt buckle to prove it.( As well as an empty wallet)

 

I have the detroit in the rear. Its quiet and you won't even know its in there. Snow plowing is great and Iv'e been driving around with 2500lbs in the back for a couple of days with no problems. Sand and block. I thought I was going to have problems but it was great. I have the lockright in the front which I like Also. You won't break the detroit is what I here.
I do agree with Dave but I kinda drive like I have a locker in the rear and I carry weight maybe 20 times a year..
Dick

 

I load mine a little heavier, like three times that much. It will not work with 3 or 4 tons.

 

I have a jeep with a detroit in the rear and an arb up front. If I accelerate in a corner it wants to understeer and if I deccelerate in a corner it wants to oversteer. If I were to change my truck I would put an electric locker in the rear and still have the limited slip, or leave the limited slip in it. The problem with the arb is it is an open diff. until you hit the switch and then it is a spool which you are not to use on the street because something will break. Arb is good for the front not the back because the open diff. is good for steering and the spool will get you unstuck. IMHO

 

The main benefit of an open diff, IMO, is for times when you're at speed on an icy road, turning or going straight. If you lose traction from not so subtle acceleration, only 1 tires slips and the other tracks. In this situation, even a loose LSD can get both wheels spinning and leave neither tracking, and around you go for another CrewCab powerslide across 2 lanes of traffic.I just priced an ARB for up front 2 days ago: $1370 installed. This will be my first drivetrain mod as soon as the warranty expires.

 

1370 Installed!??!?!?!?You're getting screwed. Dave your Lockrite blew up because it was a lock rite. They are crap.Electric lockers are fine and hold up well. A full detroit is fine. Whatever steering problems Dave had are not the lockers fault. I have run all kind of lockers for years. You will have a hard time blowing up a detroit under towing usage in your truck. The axles should go first and even then you are talking about 35 spline stuff. I have a front and rear arb that I am selling cheap if any of you want to pm me. A detroit is your best option. Not based solely on my opinion but my experience and that of a lot of other people.

 

I'm sorry but that's just totally incorrect. That may be your experience but not typical at all.

 

That's good to know in advance, 2 years and 359 days in advance. What would a good price be for an ARB, installed up front, on a 2005?

 

If you are paying more than a thousand you're getting hosed unless that price includes full air line, switch and compressor install. THen MAYBE.

 

I have a 04' F-250 Lariat 4X4 SC,6spd,tow pac,plow pac,plow,LB,5.5" fab tech lift ,detroit locker in the rear and a detroit E-lectrac upfront .... don't do much towing,but have haulled a little now and again ..... no problems yet...I wouldn't change a thing......... locker was $525 ....E-lectrac was $815 ....I did the installs myself ....no brain surgery involved and I'm no mechanic by trade either... the rear was the easiest one ... front you have to wrestle the shafts out , took a little longer ...but I think if you're half way decent with a wrench no big deal ...marty

 

When the E-lectrac is in the "off" position, is the diff open or LSD?

Thanks.

 

i tow a TT and loaded truck.. about 1700lbs of bed weight from Texas To WA state once or twice a year... allot of experianced people and allot of reading i did said that lockers and serious towing just dont mix.. if its binding up under weight somethings going to give.. if your lockers soo tuff than your axles going to strip etc.... anyway... i wanted a rear locker and still do at times.. but for now i threw in an Auburn LS and its is extremely impressive for what it is... i have locker up front.. anyway i want a locker but have heard plenty of stories of equipment failure under towing.... AND i cannot afford to have my toys or family stranded anywhere between TX and WA with total rear end failure....i have not met and obstical yet that the rear Auburn Pro series and Front locker could climb over.. i got stuck bad at the dunes once but digging and airing down my tires got me out under my own power...... the Auburn is just as bad as a locker in slippery conditions though cause its holds like a spool up to over 100lbs of torque.. and on snow/ice/mud.. its not enough friction to reach that torque...soo its squirrly..no doubt..... A selectable OPEN DIFF/ LOCKER.. such as ARB would be the way to go in my book.. the LS selectable lockers still leave you hangin in slippery conditions where you need the Open diff performance

 

arcturner ........... in the off position the E-lectrac is a LSD ........ but like I said .... I don't do much towing , so this configuration is pretty ideall in my books .... just my own .02 ......... marty

 

is the e trac offered for the rear?? i know you can get it for the front now.
and thanks for all the info so far.