I've got a Detroit Locker in mine. It is a wee bit quirky - when accelerating, especially from a stop, it pulls to the left as it engages. The way you handle it is to accelerate lightly until it connects then you can step down. Bear in mind, it is not a bad thing, but you'll notice the lock-up.

It also unlocks when you release the accelerator. So, if you get on and off the gas, it locks and unlocks. Not a bad thing, but you'll know it's there.

Next, I have been told that Lockers are dangerous on ICE. I have not experienced what it might be because I've not gone thru a winter with it yet. I have been warned to be very careful driving with it on ice. I will...

The DPO paid $1750 to have the Locker installed along with a 4.11 gear set back in 1999. He paid another $700 to have the front diff switched to 4.11 gears. I know because the receipts came with the other paperwork. He lived in the San Diego area.

The Jeep has about 110,000 miles on the Locker and it seems to be in perfect condition.

When it is engaged, you have an enormous amount of traction. So much that 4wd is not needed for most situations. So, for a DD, I don't know...the ice issue is a concern but it might be balanced by the greater traction. I have been told the ideal is an air locker in back OR install a Locker in the front only.

As with everything...opinons differ.

Oh yeah, and it bangs and clanks a good bit. You will know it's back there. These things are too uncivilized for the OEM to install. On the other hand...there is no doubt they work. Mine hooks up like you can't believe.

 

I have an Aussie locker in my DD. It see's 90% street use. I have no problems with it. The only thing that you will have to get used to is the torque steer from it.

 

does anyone have any experience with the trutrac system?

 

What is the main difference between a aussie locker and a truetac?

 

I was hoping to gain traction without the socket wrench sound effects going around corners

 

Understand that. Heres the issue. You will be looking at $500-1000 JUST for installation of the LSD, unless your know how to setup gears. where a Aussie will cost you $300 plus 3 hours of your time.

 

In my DD, with stock suspension currently, i have a c8.25 with a used lock-right i got for CHEAP. I love it and I rarely hear it ratching, probably b/c is well worn in. Will my manual it can be harsh sometimes but I've learn to minimize it. The only time i know its there on the street is when the tires chirp going around tight turns.

You cant beat a lunchbox for less than 300 bucks and it makes a big difference off road.

 

Installation shouldn't be an issue. I know how to install a gear set. I have a haynes manual for specifications on the Pinion bearing, carrier preload, and setting up gear set backlash.

I have caliper measuring tools but would have to get a dial indicator and marking compound. I have a friend that has set up rear ends before he said he would help me.

I am just trying to figure out all my options. I have been doing some research and it looks like a passive locker is consistently the cheapest solution from $300-$500. The selectable lockers seem to go from $800 to $1000.

 

OK then!! If Gear setup is not an issue for you. Then the Detroit, would be a good option for you use. You might also consider an OX Locker, they seem to be about the same price. But at this point it comes down to your needs.
I don't encounter bad on road traction situations, like you do. I have to drive minimum of 70 miles just to see snow For me a LSD would not be much better than my open dif. I would need the extra traction for OFF-road use only, so Full Locker would be more suitable.

 

Why would you think a front locker make the differential in the tcase lock up? And I personally know a guy (my friend actually) who snapped shafts left and right with 31s and a locker. Which he sold for a yj on tons

 

Also found info about the Powertrax no-slip traction system. It seems to be like a lunchbox locker but they say it is quieter and more for daily driving... Not sure if I went with a lunchbox style locker the extra $200 for the powertrax traction system would be worth it or not.

I looked at the gear set when I changed out the lube today, they look great still. Not sure I want to go through all the hassle of replacing the gears and setting up... seems like a lot of work. The ease of lunchbox locker installation is definitely appealing to the lazy American male side of me right now...

 

I have had two LBLs, and broke them both!! LBLs suck, and I will never own another one!! Wait until you can afford a Detroit. Put a Detroit locker in the rear, and a Detroit TruTrac for the front. That should give you decent street manners. If you live in a region that receives much snow, you may not want any auto locker, as they can, and will, have adverse effects on winter driving!!

 

Powertrax would be a good option for you. Instals just like the other Lunchbox lockers. Do make less noise. Much easier to install than the Tru Trac. From what I've seen they are only $100 more than a locker and $200 less than the Det LSD. Considering the ease of Installation, this is the route I would go, in your situation.

 

Could you elaborate? I assume you where wheeling?

If I went crazy and built a lifted, large tired, hopped up jeep I would consider an axle swap before putting a $700 carrier assembly in the dana 35.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by razor02097

does anyone have any experience with the trutrac system?

I have been running TrueTrac's (torsen diff's) front and rear for over 3 years now.
1 year on 31's, 2 years on 33's.
I hate the way auto lockers work on the road.
My rig is a daily driver w/e wheeler.
On pavement they are invisible.
Off road they work great. They do require brake application if you get wheels hanging in the air (think original Hummers which also used torsen diff's). I wheel the rig fairly hard, and 99% of the time the TrueTrac's are the cat’s meow. Every once and a while a true set of lockers would be nice but the TT's with brake application have gotten me through.
If I had the funds I would run ARB's... but I have no desire to swap out the TT's for an automatic locker, and certainly not for an lunchbox setup... TrueTrac's are a full carrier diff, which gives them a strength advantage over lunchbox's.

One of the off road rags did an article here a while back where they tested several lockers and LSD's.
The TrueTrac's were favored over the lunchbox's offroad, and were the #1 rated LSD in the test.