2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Locker question

[gcorron]

Ok, probably a dangerous topic, but, what the heck, I'll live dangerously. Especially since I probably won't be able to check the forum until late tomorrow night.



I have a good friend who "does" diffs, Other than getting used to it, I can it won't be my first, is there a problem with putting a Detroit Locker in the rear of my ride?



97 - 2500 - Auto. Don't want one in the front diff, (not a Detroit) but will it put too much strain on anything? Haven't seen much about this particular topic.



BTW, I want something that is open unless I tell it different in the front, like an ARB, or another one he recommends, can't think of the name at the moment.



No :-{} dang-it, just the facts.

 

[scramblin]

I have 4 jeeps and a 70 Torino Cobra that have Detroit lockers in the rear. As long as the tires are equal diameter and are inflated equally there should be no problem with drivability. The only problem I can see, would be towing. While making turns you will chirp the tires. It will cause premature tire wear. Other than that Detroit is the only way to go. Arbs have too many variables, air pumps, air lines, seals, solenoids, etc... Too many parts that can cause the locker to fail.

 

[Boomer II]

What scramblin said.

 

[F8LDOSE]

i put a detroit locker in my 2wd 3500 last year. Yes it's aggressive while turning, yes it's loud, but most important, No i haven't got stuck yet, and no it won't break. Go for it.

 

[Mtngoat]

I've had an ARB in the front and a Detroit in the rear of my Jeep since the mid 90's and I swear by them!! Might put an ARB in my truck front end some day. . Detroits will cause some tire wear, but they wear out someday anyway... !



Robin

 

[fyrescott]

I hate to say this but... . most people who bag on ARB's can't afford them or just do not know enough about them. I have had ARB's in both my wheelers for 10 years and never ever seen a problem. The only problems occur when vehicle are driven through water and or never get a diff oil change. Moisture kills anything. I ran a Detroit in the rear of my Toyota and the only issue is with street-ability. They wear tires out quick, very quickly they load up and when they release it sounds like a grenade going off in the diff. In wet weather on winding roads a Detroit has thrown me in a spin more than once. No question an ARB is the best diff carrier made, best of both worlds.

 

[jmadden]

Eaton electric or Detroit Electak... no air to leak out!



The traditional Detroit was put in cars and truks throughout the late 60s and early 70s and I don't recall hearing about problems. Personally I like the electric concept over the full-time locker, but after you modify your driving habits to the habits of the Detroit you'll probably come to like it (even the noise, after all you do drive a CUMMINS!).



jm