Anyone running a rear locker?

[dan brooks]

I have an open rear diff - one wheel drive sucks - and would like to upgrade to a limited slip, but the PowerLok unit is too #@!$% expensive.



Is anyone running a "hard" locker (Detroit, Lockright, NoSlip, etc) in their truck? If so, how does it drive - both loaded and empty? My Jeep has Detroits at both ends and it can be a real handful to drive, but the short wheelbase, 5-speed, and sitting about 8" higher than stock probably has a lot to do with that.



My daily commute is 21 miles each way, through town, with lots of traffic lights. When I'm fully loaded with the cabover on and the Jeep on the trailer, I'm sitting right around 14k pounds. I'm curious about how a hard locker will affect the driveability of the truck.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have the loc-rite in my truck and like it very well. Both wheels spin in the mud and wet grass. Of course it don't make it a 4wd but it helps keep me going in the slick stuff.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Dan, I've run a Detroit locker for about a year now and the only thing I notice is it's tight around corners, tire wear is increased a little because of that (like I can measure tire wear) in a parking lot it unlocks without an issue, no loud clunkie' unlock... ... it quiet! I'd do it all over again without a doubt.



Jim

 

[dan brooks]

Thanks - I haven't driven a long wheelbase vehicle with a locker, but know the auto makes things more tolerable than the manual in the Jeep.



Jim - I wish the Detroit in my Jeep was that quiet... but then I'd miss the shocked looks on the faces of those around me when it lets out that nice bang.

 

[Mtngoat]

Dan-



I remember the first time the rear locker in my Jeep released. I pulled over, thought I'd broken an axle on a paved street!!! Just what it sounded like. Since then I have broken a few so I really know what it sounds like now!



Robin

 

[dan brooks]

Oh, yeah... even anticipating some pops and bangs, the first "real" one scared the crap out of me - I expected to see parts scattered all over the road.

 

[wcjp]

When I swapped axles on the Jeep and moved from ARB to rear Detroit it was a big difference. My first time with the Detroit on the road I thought I destroyed something expensive. It's still a little unnerving to hear.

 

[Mtngoat]

My Arb has been awesome, I have had it over ten years and other than a pressure switch, nada problems! Having said that, tho, I would have nothing but a Detroit in the rear end. Talk about indestructable!! And I have beaten it hard over the years!

Robin

 

[Beast2B]

We have a Detroit in the rear of one of our Furd F350 4x4 4-door work trucks. Rarely unlocks while towing 10k, occasionally unlocks on the tighter corners. LOVE THE TRACTION!

 

[dan brooks]

Originally posted by Beast2B

Rarely unlocks while towing 10k, occasionally unlocks on the tighter corners.

That is the concern I have about a Detroit and towing heavy, just wasn't sure if it would be an issue or not. Guess it is... .



I wouldn't trade the Detroits in my Jeep, but it looks like a limited slip is a better choice considering what I use the truck for.