traction enhancement

[mongoswede]

So you consider a detroit locking diff a limited slip because of it's lack of driver control? What about a spool? No switches there. A detroit is every bit a viable locking diff as an ARB or an e-locker. Just not selectable. Do you have any personal experience with a detroit? I do. I currently have ARB's but that's for my own reasons, not because a detroit is any less effective, just different. It's certainly not a limited slip....

easy tiger. I didn't mean this to turn into a wack each other on the head thread. I don't have any experience with the detroit locker. Perhaps what I should have written was that there are limited slips, autolockers, and selectable lockers. Where in my mind...maybe only my mind I tend to think of the electric and air selectable units as lockers. Everthing else I think of as a limited slip (right or wrong). I have a clutch type limited slip diff for my Saab and it locks up completely when either wheel starts to slip....while it can slip and definitely stays locked when you are hard on the throttle and only releases if you back off the throttle.
Spools are just locked all the time and I wouldn't call a locker or a limited slip...they are just a convienient way to lock your axle without installing a completely solid axle.

[bkreutz]

Easiest way to understand how a Detroit Locker works is to think of a ratchet, under power they lock up, when in a coast condition the slower axle ratchets. (that's why hot rods make a clicking noise from the rear when going around a corner). Spools aren't very good for street applications (unless you like sliding one tire through a corner)

[I Leak Oil]

easy tiger. I didn't mean this to turn into a wack each other on the head thread. I don't have any experience with the detroit locker.

Tiger???? Wow, that's the first time anyone's called me that. Give me a moment so I can put on my kid gloves here first.....





OK I'm back...
I'm hardly wacking you over the head here. Perhaps just questioning your position on considering any unit that isn't air or electrically actuated to be a limited slip. It's OK to question and disagree here isn't it?

I'd hate to see someone go spend a lot of money on a detroit thinking they're getting a less aggressive limited slip, only to find out it's a full blown locking diff with all it's quirks and broken half shafts. I know I'd be pissed!

[mongoswede]

Tiger???? Wow, that's the first time anyone's called me that. Give me a moment so I can put on my kid gloves here first.....


OK I'm back...
I'm hardly wacking you over the head here. Perhaps just questioning your position on considering any unit that isn't air or electrically actuated to be a limited slip. It's OK to question and disagree here isn't it? yes

I'd hate to see someone go spend a lot of money on a detroit thinking they're getting a less aggressive limited slip, only to find out it's a full blown locking diff with all it's quirks and broken half shafts. I know I'd be pissed!

its the oldest internet problem in the book....impossible to read tone and inflection into what is written. What I write and you read and vice versa will more than likely be entirely misunderstood from an emotion kind of view.


My thoughts are that the detroit locks up but has the ability to unlock and allow for different wheel spin when not under power. The selectable lockers remain locked (please correct me if I am wrong). Thats why I guess I think of the autolockers in the limited slip category....because they can unlock where a unit like the ARB air locker remains locked as long as its switched on. While they are not technically limited slip as they are 100% locked when they go into lock mode but can unlock. make any sense?

[I Leak Oil]

I understand how they work but I don't understand how they can be considered limited slips. They are traction aids. They help gain traction when power is applied. A limited slip allows the diff to slip to varying degrees under load. A locking diff does not. It's how it works under load (trying to gain traction) that matters.

[LR Max]

Detroit lockers have driver control!

Foot off gas pedal = it will unlock.

Foot on gas pedal = it will lock

Full steering wheel lock, rolling 2nd gear clutch sidestep + full gas pedal = BEING AWESOME

Better than an ARB because all said controls are already on the truck.

[mongoswede]

I understand how they work but I don't understand how they can be considered limited slips. They are traction aids. They help gain traction when power is applied. A limited slip allows the diff to slip to varying degrees under load. A locking diff does not. It's how it works under load (trying to gain traction) that matters.

I'm sorry...I didn't express myself properly. I was trying to say that I think of them in the same category as limited slips even though they are not. I can see that this is a waste of words...My brain is clearly in its own swamp so feel free to point at the ogre and say he's confused and we can move forwards

[siii8873]

WOW, opened up a can of worms here. Thanks everyone for the information. From my perspective, no experience with any type, this discussion has been great. I wanted to hear opinions and that I did.
To each his own no right or wrong.
Thanks

[I Leak Oil]

To each his own no right or wrong.

That's exactly it. It's YOUR truck. Do your research and decide which unit with it's +'s and -'s is best for you. Don't listen to the brand "X" is best arguements. Rarely is there a one size fits all product. Best of luck with what ever you choose.

[Tim Smith]

I can tell you that I have a truetrac in the rear with the 24 spline upgraded half shafts. Front is stock rover with 10 spline. I absolutely love the set up. I helps through the sticky spots when it can but mainly I just love the fact that I don't have to worry about half shafts any more.

Whichever you decide on, remember that a locker/limited slip device should not be used to compensate for driver skill. If you go about your off roading that way, you'll end up spending way more money than you need to and some ninny like me will still run circles around you.

Bill at Great Basin Rovers is a great source of information on third members.

[junkyddog11]

With Series Rover axles I wouldn't consider anything other than a selectable locker (ARB ....Detroits are not selectable if you actually want to move). You can upgrade the axle shafts but the R&P will not stand the constant abuse of a Detriot for long. Even the limited slip can be a bit much. Of course this does not apply to the Salisbury version.

[lrdukdog]

lockers

I know several fisherman that do beach surf fishing that use the Detroit set-up (lockers rear and limited slip front) and swear by it. As in "never get stuck" in soft sand etc.
Jim Wolf

[TJR]

ARB's cost more.

Yes ARB's cost a bit more. but I chose to put one the rear of my relativley short wheelbase early bronco figuring if it save me one accident from spinning out on a slippery road, it was worth the extra price.
I also though my wife would drive the truck too.. but that never happened. That was 10 years ago.. The ARB has been fine e.g. o-rings etc, but other parts of the truck have not help up so well...i.e rust

I'd get a ARB again (24 spline) for my 88 if it were in the budget.

...Talbot

[junkyddog11]

I know several fisherman that do beach surf fishing that use the Detroit set-up (lockers rear and limited slip front) and swear by it. As in "never get stuck" in soft sand etc.
Jim Wolf

No doubt we all know people who use them and have no issues. The Detroit / tru trac combi is the "old standby" I'd guess and it certainly is *dependable* especially in soft sand. History is that they do wear the rest of the drivetrain which is imo worth considering.
I probably was a little over the deep end when I suggested not even considering the Detroit . I'd suppose that it may come down to a budget decision in many cases.