Detroit Locker, 1k miles later

[Straight6Jeff]

Well, I took out the non-slip-limited slip about two weeks ago and shoehorned in a detroit locker. I should have done this from the start. The newer detroit locker with the "softlocker" technology much more civilized than the old detroits I had run. You cannot hear the racheting, but witht he six speed, it can be felt a little especially when going from drive to coast on slow tight turns.



As some may recall, I had restacked the Trac-loc in my D80 and it was so tight, it never slipped. Great for traction, bad for tires. It felt like the back of the truck was hooked to a tow strap on every turn.



The Detroit was the first avenue I was going ot venture down, but I figured I'd give the restack a try. I would imaging that not making all of the clutches and steels active in the trac loc would have allowed a little slip. Live and learn. I had went with a full synthetic lube and added 4 bottles of the Ford Motorsports performance friction modifier (That stuff really stinks, as in a home perm gone bad septic style!). Even then the Trac loc didn't slip.

 

[Midnite]

I guess I don't understand--if the aggressive action of the tight trac-lok was too much, why did you go with the locker? I'm especially confused since you seem to be quite happy with the locker.



Mike

 

[Rman]

lockers allow differentiation when no power is applied. The trac-loc's do not, they act like spools so to speak. The lock that axle into turning all the time. The lockers do this when power is applied, yet open when it's taken away to allow differentiation. It's really confusing I'm sure someone can offer a more detailed explanation. This is the main advantage of the detroit, besides they're strong as hell and last forever.



If this is really what you need(locking), I fully suggest that anyone doing this, refuse the trac-loc option from the factory. Get a standard open diff axle and install the detriot. The factory trac-loc's can be ok, but it does take a lot of tuning. I know some guys that have stacked and stacked and stacked, finally getting what they desired. Just get the detroit from the get go and your set.



*edit* Trac-locs don't really act like spools, only when you pressure up the clutch plates so that it takes so much force make them slip, then they simply "act" like spools. DIdn't want to cause any confusion.

 

[Midnite]

I thought the clutches in a trac-lok only tightened up under power, similar to a locker--is that not the case?



The powr-lok in the Dana 70 in my '92 chatters a bit if I turn a corner under power, but not if I coast through it.



Mike

 

[crabman]

LSD or Detroit Locker?

Straight6Jeff,

I do not have LSD but have been thinking about installing one or a detroit locker.

What would be the cost difference between the two? Suggestions on places to purchase LSD parts or a detroit locker.

Thanks

crabman

 

[Bodybomber]

My dana 70 has never worked properly. Looks like the detroit is a good way to go but will it take the torque of a modified Cummins?

How do they act in when drag racing ect?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Gene (SledPuller) has a Detroit in his Dana-80. He has abused it for quite a while pulling... . I'm sure he has put at least 600hp/1200+ft-lbs through it quite a few times.



I thought I remembered hearing that you had to modify the Detroit to make it fit? If I remember right... it wasn't a big deal.



Matt

 

[Dieselnutz]

Detroit in a Dana 80!! How?? I would like to do the same. I did not think they made one for the 80. I have heard about modified 70 carriers but would like some details.

 

[STRALEY]

The Detroit locker for a 70 will work in the 80. All you need to do is drill the holes for the ring gear to 9/16" I believe. The locker will come with 1/2" holes and the drilling only take 10 minutes on a drill press. I just put one in my truck that will be used for sled pulling only. I don't have any hooks on it yet but Gene has had good luck with his.



Jeremy

 

[The Adjuster]

Hi all,



For those wishing more info on Detroit Lockers try these guys ... http://www.reiderracing.com/detroitlockerapp.htm ... I am no wat affiliated they just have a great range of locking diferentials.



Kevin

 

[Straight6Jeff]

The D80 has a specific application part number. There was no modification necessary to install mine. I have the 4. 10 ratio. Go to tractech's web site for a complete listing of applications.



Crabman, the price of a new trac loc is about the same as the detroit. But witht he trac loc, the operating characteristics are in question. the trac loc I had in my 2500 worked great. the one in my currnet 3500 never worked. I got tired of experimenting with the troc loc.



DTS (Drivetrain Specialists) has some really great prices.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by Dieselnutz

Detroit in a Dana 80!! How?? I would like to do the same. I did not think they made one for the 80. I have heard about modified 70 carriers but would like some details.

They make one for the Dana 80, but not an 80 equiped with 3. 54 gears, only for 80's with 4. 10 and up.



Rob

 

[PC12Driver]

What's the spline count on the D80's?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by PC12Driver

What's the spline count on the D80's?

35

 

[Sled Puller]

Check with Greensburg Machine for Detroits. Thats who did mine.

724-837-8233

 

[CFast]

Straight6Jeff, so what happens on the street when you push on the go pedal in a turn? I've read all your posts on your trac loc rebuilding with out any luck. I've been thinking about rebuilding mine, or just saving up and getting a detroit. Sounds like detroit is the way to go, if I can get one for 3. 54 gears.

 

[Rman]

Originally posted by Rob Thomas

They make one for the Dana 80, but not an 80 equiped with 3. 54 gears, only for 80's with 4. 10 and up.



Rob

The 4. 10 and up carrier is different than the 3. 54. So If he has the 3. 54's I guess he just has to switch carriers and run a taller gear? This would be expensive on a 4wd. Could he just run a D70 carrier with 3. 54's and run the D70 Detroit? Just some options, curious if they'd work.

 

[CFast]

I thought i read somewhere that the D70 powrloc would fit the D80 with 3. 54 gears, all you had to do was drill the holes larger to fit the D80 ring gear. Would this apply to the Detroit for the D70?

 

[Jim Fulmer]

15,000 miles or so on mine and it's just fine.



Jim