Lockers?
Lockers?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Providence, RI
If you are doing a lot of muddy rutted trails and don't need to deal with tight turns, then just install some Detroits front and rear and be done with it.
If you are doing expedition-style travel with lots of turning, then ARB or one of the electric selectable lockers would be best.
If you are just using it for the occasional slippery grass or snowy street, then a good set of tires and a properly-functioning limited-slip will be all you need, as all tires WILL get some power, UNLESS you lose ALL traction with one tire, at which point that tire gets all the power. Usually, both tires at the other end will still have some traction, so the power going to that axle will pull you through until both tires at the opposite end get some bite.
It all depends how you use 4wd.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I have a Detroit True Trac in my Lightning. It's a geared limited slip diff so no clutches to wear out or slip.
I quickly wore out my OEM limited slip from too many tire warm ups in the water box at the track.
Stewart
I quickly wore out my OEM limited slip from too many tire warm ups in the water box at the track.
Stewart
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
I have the ARB lockers front and rear. I got them for use in snow and mud and man...what a difference.
I had the Detroit Lockers on my rock crawler Jeep and I wanted the ability to deactivate them on the Ex, so that's why I went with the ARB. I know comparing the Jeep to the Ex is like apples to oranges, but I didn't want the rough popping of the locker on the family truck that we take when we go out to dinner.
Most the time, I just activate the rear unless the terrain gets really bad as it is damn near impossible to stear when the front is engaged. My brother in law has an 05 Ex in Washington where he gets a lot of snow and I recommended for him to just get the rear at first to see if thats provides enough traction, which for his application, I think it will.
Hope this info helps and if you need any other info, let me know!
I had the Detroit Lockers on my rock crawler Jeep and I wanted the ability to deactivate them on the Ex, so that's why I went with the ARB. I know comparing the Jeep to the Ex is like apples to oranges, but I didn't want the rough popping of the locker on the family truck that we take when we go out to dinner.
Most the time, I just activate the rear unless the terrain gets really bad as it is damn near impossible to stear when the front is engaged. My brother in law has an 05 Ex in Washington where he gets a lot of snow and I recommended for him to just get the rear at first to see if thats provides enough traction, which for his application, I think it will.
Hope this info helps and if you need any other info, let me know!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Lockers in the front are fine if your doing some serious off roading. The down side is that they will make your turning radius larger and the steering heavier. You should NEVER use front and rear lockers on a high traction surface like a paved road. Otherwise your just begging for some serious drive line binding. A rear locker and a front limited are a good choice if your half on and half off road though. It does take a little getting used to driving with a rear auto locker though. Things like coasting through a turn instead of being on power through a turn.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
Powertrax by Richmond Gear is another option that you could look at.... fits in the existing carrier so gear setup is not necessary and is very well priced.
POWERTRAX® LOCK-RIGHT LOCKER BY RICHMOND
I would agree with the previous poster who said that a limited up front (the TruTrac would be a good choice) would be the way to go as I don't think too many of us will be hitting the boulder fields
POWERTRAX® LOCK-RIGHT LOCKER BY RICHMOND
I would agree with the previous poster who said that a limited up front (the TruTrac would be a good choice) would be the way to go as I don't think too many of us will be hitting the boulder fields
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
Here's a nice setup - ECTED up front & Truetrac out back:
Detroit Truetrac Ford 10.25" & 10.5" 12 Bolt 35 Spline :: Ford 10.25" & 10.5" :: Detroit Truetrac :: Detroit :: Power Train Truck & Auto Parts, Inc.
and
Auburn ECTED Dana 50 All ratios 30 Spline :: Ford :: ECTED :: Auburn Gear :: Power Train Truck & Auto Parts, Inc.
Detroit Truetrac Ford 10.25" & 10.5" 12 Bolt 35 Spline :: Ford 10.25" & 10.5" :: Detroit Truetrac :: Detroit :: Power Train Truck & Auto Parts, Inc.
and
Auburn ECTED Dana 50 All ratios 30 Spline :: Ford :: ECTED :: Auburn Gear :: Power Train Truck & Auto Parts, Inc.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
the downside to a non-selectable locker in the front is that the front is always locked when unsing 4x4. not a good option in snow and Ice conditions... you need some slipage for snow and ice.. a locker in snow/ice roads forces a loss of traction...
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I find the snow and ice offers plenty of "slipage" and don't see a need for any more. btjm
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Providence, RI
I'd still like to know the exact conditions under which the original poster is getting hung up in 4wd. You said "dirt roads", but are your axles getting crossed-up on the dirt roads so that one wheel is hanging in the air and the wheel diagonal to it is spinning on the surface?
Or is it a loose but relatively-smooth incline where you're just losing all traction?
Different kinds of lockers are better for different situations.
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