Thread: True Trac or Detroit Locker

Originally Posted by JC Rover

I've heard the true trac works very well with traction control. I'm about to get one for the rear Sals on the defender. Most of my off road driving is on sand. Where is the best place to get one? USA?

Jono

Originally Posted by butundede

I have also heard the same, but has someone out there got one in the back of there traction control equipped defender?

Cheers Bob.

Whilst a Tru Trac or Ashcroft ATB will offer some assistance over a vehicle fitted with just traction control,there is NO substitute for having both half shafts mechanically locked giving even drive to both wheels in 99.9% of places.

Originally Posted by Yorkie

the only minor concern with the detroit in the rear has been on sand going down a steep dune, you could feel the rear of the car trying to push around and also see it in the wheel tracks as back did not follow front.

but not really any bother for me as i hate sand with a passion so only drive on it once or twice a year.

oh and if you fit a locker, upgrade the axles aswell, not a case of if you break one but when to you break one...


aint that right baz?

Liam

In situations like this,and the same applies when going down very slippery wet muddy hills,if you ease your foot off the accelerator,the locker will unlock,due to the fact that they are actually an auto UNlocker and NOT an auto locker.
A majority of times,it just takes a modified driving style.

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Liam

In situations like this,and the same applies when going down very slippery wet muddy hills,if you ease your foot off the accelerator,the locker will unlock,due to the fact that they are actually an auto UNlocker and NOT an auto locker.
A majority of times,it just takes a modified driving style.

interesting idea although not sure they would unlock as is it not the resistance between wheels when turning on grippy surfaces that causes them to unlock when cornering but lock up again in a straight line. on sand and slippery mud that resistance would not be there would it?
tbh going down the dune i did the power on approach to correct the pushing effect and seemed to resolve that particular issue.

Originally Posted by LowRanger

Whilst a Tru Trac or Ashcroft ATB will offer some assistance over a vehicle fitted with just traction control,there is NO substitute for having both half shafts mechanically locked giving even drive to both wheels in 99.9% of places.

Without wanting to get into a debate I'd say its the other way around.

TrueTrac with Traction control will get you over 99% of stuff , there might only be 1% where a full diff lock would have helped.

I can live with that by not having to worry about breaking front axles or CV's

my 2 cents:

I have an ATB in the front and a maxi in the rear. I don't have traction control. The other week i had a front wheel cocked and due to the slope and mud I couldn't get traction in the rear. I tried on several attempts to left foot brake to simulate traction control. Soft, medium and hard braking rendered no noticeable transfer of power to the wheel with grip. Nor changing the acceleration, ie gentle to giving it a blurt. For my suspension set up and the type of driving I prefer to do I've found the limits of the ATB. I've opted to install a ashcroft locker in the front. I want the Eaton Elocker but it's almost double the price in Oz to the ashcroft unit out of the UK.

I haven't driven a truck with an ATB and traction control. I'd be interested to see the difference, if there is any. Logic says they would be complementary since the traction control does the thinking for you, how much braking is required to a single wheel.

Notwithstanding my experience, an ATB is an improvement over no traction aid in the front. When you can keep 2 front wheels on the ground even with some grip you can see the ATB working. If I was setting up a touring truck I'd keep the ATB because it's a understated traction aid and provides a release of tension in the drive train that dual lockers wouldn't offer when all locked up. It is easier on your CV's compared to a locker.

I haven't experienced ploughing of the front with the ATB. Nor heavier steering to any significant degree. A side affect of its designed is to return to centre, which is noticeable and not a bad thing.

As for which locker for the rear, that's really a matter of personal taste, type of 4wd'ing you do and budget. I'm a fan of the manual locker for all the reasons people have stated. For a touring vehicle it makes sense to be able to select when you want the rear locked. There is a difference in price when you add the extra cost of the unit, a compressor and extra labour to fit. Only you can answer and justify the extra expense.

It's good you are thinking about upgrading the axles and flanges. Not upgrading them is a recipe for a short 4wd trip and a trackside repair.

exciting times. It will transform your truck no matter which way you opt.

I'm waiting on a cheque that will pay for the front locker. I've been known to stalk the postman every day.

MLD

MLD what ATV do you have in the front and for what model? Just wondering if it has a destination when it comes out?

Do the ATB, the TrueTrac, the Detroit and lockers all work in reverse?

Jeff

Yes, Despite the Fact that the Front & Rear TrueTracs have oppisite helical gear cut, (I believe Qualfe LSD & Ashcroft ATB Front & Rear are both the same ) Yes they all work in reverse, but Electronic Traction Control does not, at least on the Td5 Defender it dosent.