True locker
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The Detroit Locker is somewhat unique because the unlock is caused by the outside wheel speeding up because of outside forces (like a corner). Lack of traction has no influence on the gear set.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, CO
Ford Factory LS
I called my local Ford dealer for the price/availabilty of a factory LS and was told that you cannot buy it anymore. you can buy parts for it and could assemble one yourself, but would be expensive as you are building it from parts. Anyone know if/where they are still available?
Also, I understand that the Detoit Locker is arguably the most durable locker on the market. I further understand that it is fully locked going straight, but unlocks in turns. As Eaton puts it: "The Detroit Locker maximizes traction by delivering 100% of the torque to both drive wheels. It is engineered to keep both wheels in a constant drive mode, and has the ability to automatically allow wheel speed differentiation when required." So I don't understan what there is to get used to when driving with the Detroit Locker. Somebody please explain. Thanks.
Also, I understand that the Detoit Locker is arguably the most durable locker on the market. I further understand that it is fully locked going straight, but unlocks in turns. As Eaton puts it: "The Detroit Locker maximizes traction by delivering 100% of the torque to both drive wheels. It is engineered to keep both wheels in a constant drive mode, and has the ability to automatically allow wheel speed differentiation when required." So I don't understan what there is to get used to when driving with the Detroit Locker. Somebody please explain. Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,216
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An LS set up right is very good in an daily driver. Mine is excellent in snow, mud ect.
My FJ40 runs a Detroit out back and an ARB up front. The Detroit has poor road manners and I would not put one in my street truck. The ARB is excellent.
If I could afford it I would run ARB air lockers front and rear of all my trucks.
My FJ40 runs a Detroit out back and an ARB up front. The Detroit has poor road manners and I would not put one in my street truck. The ARB is excellent.
If I could afford it I would run ARB air lockers front and rear of all my trucks.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
In a large truck like a super duty you hardly know the detroit is back there. As far as manners its really nice knowing if you hammer it and one tire is in the sand you will take off instead of spinning. Plus the newer detroit soft locker is much better than the original. I've had mine for 3 years.
Dick
Dick
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
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From: Eastern CT.
My 06' F-350,has the LS,,and well lets say it could work better,,has about 19k miles now,,,,,What brand gear lube you guys recommend to change over too ??
I was at Wally World yesterday,,I found some Rotella 85-140W,,and said nothing about LS unit on the label,,,,while there "Tech" gear lube mentioned working in a LS unit,,,,,whats a good brand of gear lube to start with, to make this LS unit hook-up ?
I was at Wally World yesterday,,I found some Rotella 85-140W,,and said nothing about LS unit on the label,,,,while there "Tech" gear lube mentioned working in a LS unit,,,,,whats a good brand of gear lube to start with, to make this LS unit hook-up ?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by ken75ranger
Hey, someone else that knows the trick to the Ford LS! 
I should have known it would be a fellow NY'er. You guys might want to try it. It does work.
I should have known it would be a fellow NY'er. You guys might want to try it. It does work.
I've done it, and now get a lot better lockup.
But it's still NOTHING compared to an Auburn HD LS.
Or any other better version of limited-slip
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, CO
OK - I am officially an idiot. I was looking at buying a new LS or locker for the rear and guess what? I already have one. Look at the tag on the diff and if it says "L" it is a limited slip. So, I'll be trying the friction modifier trick first, before I replace anything.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 100
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My F-350 had open diffs from the factory and after several stucks off-road with one tire at each end in the air spinning I added limited slips. They are fine in town but when I start to really work them they quit. After a few minutes of tough going I am back to open diffs... I will soon be adding a Detroit to my rear! Not sure about the front though.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Originally Posted by WinterRoad
My F-350 had open diffs from the factory and after several stucks off-road with one tire at each end in the air spinning I added limited slips. They are fine in town but when I start to really work them they quit. After a few minutes of tough going I am back to open diffs... I will soon be adding a Detroit to my rear! Not sure about the front though.
Don't forget to get new bearings for the carrier. If you need any install info just email me. Your gonna love the detroit. I put the lock right in front it works fine. Front diff had to come out. D50
Dick
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Joined: Oct 2006
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PHP Code:
OK - I am officially an idiot. I was looking at buying a new LS or locker for the rear and guess what? I already have one. Look at the tag on the diff and if it says "L" it is a limited slip. So, I'll be trying the friction modifier trick first, before I replace anything.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Ronin007
Dick - am I reading this right? You swapped out your D50? What did you put it in a D60 and if so how did the swap go?
As far as I can tell, from 2000 up, the swap is a total bolt-in - as long as you are bolting in the entire front-end, and not trying to put in a Dana 60 ring and pinion