True Trac or Detroit locker

[rar110]

I am looking at improving traction at the rear end. I am leaning toward the poor man's locker as $2k is out of the question for an ARB.

I have a True Trac at the front and are very happy with it. Now the AUD has improved I am looking at buying something for the back.

So the question is should I fit a Detroit locker (unlocker) or another True Track? I mainly do beach driving and occasional bush driving but nothing extreme. The beach is mainly where I get bogged, and then not badly.



.

[djam1]

I use a Detroit in a Salisbury and find it very good, you will need to upgrade the axles at the same time though.
If you dont and you break an axle you will risk breaking the Detroit.

[101 Ron]

I will second that.....detroit and axle up grade.

[Outlaw]

Yep go the detroit and Keith has some bloody good prices at the moment. Loving mine.

[justinc]

Certainly the Detroit locker, I bought a Sals from a 130 with maxi axles fitted, slotted in the detroit and away we go. Very happy with its performance, price and simplicity. Only concern I have is the inability to use odd diameter tyres on the rear in an emergency, but other than that would highly recommend them. I like 'set and forget'.:):D

JC

[cartm58]

i have a 93 rangie and fitted tru tracs front and rear and think they are a great combination to have without having the disadvantage of a fully locked rear by fitting the Detroit Locker

[flagg]

Is there any disadvantage to fitting one to the front?

Also Outlaw who is 'Keith'? :angel:

[Benny_IIA]

Is there any disadvantage to fitting one to the front?

Also Outlaw who is 'Keith'? :angel:


http://www.rovertracks.com/products/

I think ?

[spudboy]

If you are not lifting wheels then I'd suggest the TrueTrac in the rear. No need to uprate your shafts, as it is driving through both shafts even when giving you differential action.

When you have a detroit, if you are not going straight ahead (i.e. with the diff locked) then you are putting all your power down through a single axle. i.e: As soon as it unlocks to allow you differential action you only have 1 axle transmitting the power.

If you are rock climbing and doing huge washouts and get a wheel in the air regularly, then the locker will be better.

For sand and mud, the True Trac will be brilliant. If you do get a wheel in the air, you can feather the brakes to transfer some drive to the wheel on the ground (using 2 feet on the pedals briefly).

TrueTracs are cheaper than Detroits too I believe, especially if you don't need to uprate your axles.

That's my thoughts anyway.
David

[spudboy]

Is there any disadvantage to fitting one to the front?

Also Outlaw who is 'Keith'? :angel:

This thread has some more details on buying from Keith: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/89944-truetracs-arrived-usa.html

[isuzurover]

2nd hand is an option. I picked up a complete rear salisbury axle disc-disc with MD axles and ARB for not much over $1k. It is like new.

An ARB locker for a sals is only around $700USD new in the states.

[Ranga]

An ARB locker for a sals is only around $700USD new in the states.

Where would one order these from?

[isuzurover]

Where would one order these from?

ARB RD20 Air Locker - to suit 24 spline Salisbury diff (http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/SHOP_BY_BRAND_A-H/ARB_Air_Lockers/ARB_RD20_Air_Locker_-_to_suit_24_spline_Salisbury_diff.html)

Poly Performance Inc.*::*Lockers*::*ARB Lockers*::*ARB Air Lockers*::*ARB Air Locker: Land Rover - JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CTM, Johnny Joints®, Currie Enterprises, Edelbrock, Total Chaos, Ramsey Winch, Walker Evans, Wil (http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/ARB-Air-Locker-Land-Rover-p-17175.html)

Prices seem to have gone up a bit since I last looked. However these are just the first 2 I found.. Plenty of others.

[mark2]

I got my Detroit from Keith - he's very good to deal and it was a great price.

I'm reasonably happy with it, 2 main downsides from my point of view - the rear tends to walk sideways on slippery side slopes and on steep loose/slippery descents, the rear feels like it wants to come around. The latter can be overcome with some throttle but is still unnerving at times. Although, my 110 being a ute and light in the rear may exacerbate this. These things wouldnt be an issue with a selectable locker. If money was not an issue at the time, I would have bought a selectable locker. Having said that, I dont regret buying it.

On the road, its virtually unnoticeable and in cross axle type situations its as good as any other locker.

The only other thing I'd add is that locked axles dont really make much difference in sand - its possible that you could be dissapointed if the main reason for getting a locker is to have an easier time in soft sand.

[rar110]

I got my Detroit from Keith - he's very good to deal and it was a great price.

I'm reasonably happy with it, ...

The only other thing I'd add is that locked axles dont really make much difference in sand - its possible that you could be dissapointed if the main reason for getting a locker is to have an easier time in soft sand.


Thanks Mark I was hoping you would comment as I thought you had one of these options. I do get wheel spin from one wheel when stuck in soft dry sand so i thought traction from both rear wheels would help. With the front TT I get both wheels spinning and still stuck. However, getting unstuck only normally involves reversing up and giving it a bit more right foot.

[953]

Are Detroits any harder on axles than air lockers?
Sorry 4 hijack.
Cheers Dean.

[rovercare]

The only other thing I'd add is that locked axles dont really make much difference in sand - its possible that you could be dissapointed if the main reason for getting a locker is to have an easier time in soft sand.

Not that I've done very much sand driving at all, but found the opposite in the simpson, they made a huge difference on the dunes, towing the camper, enough that you'd get complacent, leave the lockers out, get stuck, simply back down, lock both diffs and drive over:D, actually ended up just leaving the rear in probably 3/4's of the crossing

[spudboy]

Are Detroits any harder on axles than air lockers?
Sorry 4 hijack.
Cheers Dean.

This is how I see it:
o Locked or unlocked, air lockers put down power through both axles (same with TrueTracs).
o Unlocked, (which is every time you go around a corner) a Detriot is only putting power down through 1 axle

So - Detroits really require an axle upgrade ....

[Crackerjack]

Is there any disadvantage to fitting one to the front?

Also Outlaw who is 'Keith'? :angel:

I remember a long time ago at a technical training day with the Range Rover Club, when that question actually came up, the advice was no for the front axle, something to do with the steering, the best set up for auto locking diffs was a detriot in the rear and a truetrac in the front.
That came from someone who we all considered to be an expert in Land Rovers, I think it may have been Lindsay Johnstone, it was a long time ago.

[discowhite]

This is how I see it:
o Locked or unlocked, air lockers put down power through both axles (same with TrueTracs).
o Unlocked, (which is every time you go around a corner) a Detriot is only putting power down through 1 axle this is not quite right.. a detroit will unlock off power, if you drive hard around a corner it will not unlock, so basically when it dose unlock you have minimal power thorugh the driven axle anyway.

oh and the axle i broke in the 90 with my detroit was straight ahead:twisted:

So - Detroits really require an axle upgrade ide say not always, it depends on the driver his right foot and where it will be driven. i gave mine curry for close to 12 months and when i did pop a cv and rear axle i was in a fairly narly spot. if you were just doing minor weekend stuff and sand work i wouldnt rush out and upgrade the axles.

....

cheers phil

[spudboy]

a detroit will unlock off power, if you drive hard around a corner it will not unlock, so basically when it dose unlock you have minimal power thorugh the driven axle anyway.
cheers phil

I am far from being a diff locker expert, but I would have thought that if you are cornering, it is unlocked - that's what a diff does.

If you put down power around a corner it has 2 options:
1: Lock up, which mean you have no diff action and will scrub tyres and get transmission wind-up
2: Stay unlocked, which means you are driving through only 1 axle

I don't know which option happens, but someone will come along with an authoritative comment....

[djam1]

If you have any power and plant it when going into a corner with a detroit it will do 1 thing, go straight ahead.
You just need to learn to drive accordingly steep sand dunes with a 90 degree turn just before the crest can be interesting

[discowhite]

I am far from being a diff locker expert, but I would have thought that if you are cornering, it is unlocked - that's what a diff does.

If you put down power around a corner it has 2 options:
1: Lock up, which mean you have no diff action and will scrub tyres and get transmission wind-up
2: Stay unlocked, which means you are driving through only 1 axle

I don't know which option happens, but someone will come along with an authoritative comment....


yeah your right.. what would i know.. i only hadf 2 of them in 2 different cars over a period of 5 years...




If you have any power and plant it when going into a corner with a detroit it will do 1 thing, go straight ahead.
You just need to learn to drive accordingly steep sand dunes with a 90 degree turn just before the crest can be interesting

this statement is spot on.
you cant just fit a detroit and drive as you were, you MUST adjust your driving style.

[spudboy]

yeah you're right.. what would i know.. i only had 2 of them in 2 different cars over a period of 5 years...


So what happens when you power on around a corner?

[isuzurover]

So what happens when you power on around a corner?

It drives like a go-kart.

I would personally fit HD axles, as most factory 24 spliners aren't that flash.

[lardy]

I will second that.....detroit and axle up grade.

what you talking Salisbury front and rear

[discowhite]

So what happens when you power on around a corner?


if its wet you go straight ahead:eek:
if its dry and your under power its like its on rails
if you baulk half way round the corner its not pretty either
if you step off before you get to the corner and your carring to much speed for that corner thats not pretty aswell!

with a detroit in the rear you drive to the corner coast around and then drive out. any drive under light throttle around a corner, even if its through one axle would not be enough to break it on road.

now with a true track in the front and a detroit in the rear one helps the other the true track helps steer the front and counter acts what the rear is trying to do.

cheers phil

[953]

Thanx 4 the replies.
It looks like if I bought the Detroit, I would also be more likely to need the axle upgrade, therefor the cost differance would be negligable.
Also not being the only driver of this vehicle could present probs, if u know what I mean;).
Cheers Dean.

[mark2]

if its wet you go straight ahead:eek:
if its dry and your under power its like its on rails
if you baulk half way round the corner its not pretty either
if you step off before you get to the corner and your carring to much speed for that corner thats not pretty aswell!

with a detroit in the rear you drive to the corner coast around and then drive out. any drive under light throttle around a corner, even if its through one axle would not be enough to break it on road.

now with a true track in the front and a detroit in the rear one helps the other the true track helps steer the front and counter acts what the rear is trying to do.

cheers phil

I wouldnt disagree with any of this but would add that the handling issues described above are noticable to the greatest extent in a RWD 2WD (or part time 4WD). In a constant 4x4 the effects of the Detroit are significantly reduced, to the point where many people would not know it was there with no need to consciously adjust driving style.

[rovercare]

I wouldnt disagree with any of this but would add that the handling issues described above are noticable to the greatest extent in a RWD 2WD (or part time 4WD). In a constant 4x4 the effects of the Detroit are significantly reduced, to the point where many people would not know it was there with no need to consciously adjust driving style.

Yea, for the wife to drive to the shops scenario, the only thing she'd probably notice with a detroit is the odd "funny clunk/sound":D

[discowhite]

Yea, for the wife to drive to the shops scenario, the only thing she'd probably notice with a detroit is the odd "funny clunk/sound":D
thats the only thing that the wife ever commented on also..''there was a ticking noise coming from the car when i reversed out of a park at woolies i hope i havent broken anything!'':twisted:



Thanx 4 the replies.
It looks like if I bought the Detroit, I would also be more likely to need the axle upgrade, therefor the cost differance would be negligable.
Also not being the only driver of this vehicle could present probs, if u know what I mean;).
Cheers Dean.

ide get some out of rover tracks, you can get a pair of HD axles landed here for less than a set of MDE or that other bloke in VIC cost.
i landed a set for the ute for under $650 would be cheaper now with the high dollar.

cheers phil

[rar110]

I think the following is a general consensus. Also, I have MDE axles/flanges (diff lock type) fitted already.

For TT:
Less noticable on road than Detroit, no need to change driving style (accelerating out of corners etc), more traction than without it, less likely than Detroit to cause side way sliding (never really understood this).

For Detroit:
Less expensive than TT, much more traction than TT off road, will work well with front TT.


I must admit I am leaning a bit toward of TT because of on road effect of Detroit and because it would probably perform ok in sand. Is there anyone in Brisbane (or going to the Canungra MJC meeting) who is game enough to let me take their Detroit fitted Defender for a quick drive?

[mark2]

Yes, it would be worthwhile to drive one and see what you think. You're more than welcome to drive mine if you're coming up the Sunshine Coast way at some stage. We might even be able to arrange a test on some sand!

[spudboy]

For Detroit:
Less expensive than TT, much more traction than TT off road, will work well with front TT.


How much is a Detroit (ballpark)?

[rar110]

How much is a Detroit (ballpark)?

From memory the TT was about $120 AUD more, plus some bearings etc.

The Detroit was a bit over $600 AUD.

[dullbird]

really? I never thought a LSD would be more expensive than a full locker

[discowhite]

really? I never thought a LSD would be more expensive than a full locker

the manufacturing process is more involved for the TT.

cheers phil

[953]

Im with rar110, could someone give a quick explanation on sideslopes & lockers:angel:.
Cheers Dean.

[Furka]

In the case of a LSD like the Truetrack, how compatible is it with the Traction Control from a Disco 2 for example ?

I am very tempted to put two Truetrack on my TD5. What are their handicaps (if they are) in good pavement and aggressive drive ? Are they good on raining days ?

[justinc]

Im with rar110, could someone give a quick explanation on sideslopes & lockers:angel:.
Cheers Dean.

Dan,

I haven't yet had any issues with mine on side slopes, even running BFG mudders which have an average sideways grip.

I was warned about this and quite frankly haven't yet had any reason to be concerned. ANY slope with mud on it will cause the vehicle to slide downhill if the throttle is applied. Theoretically it should be worse with a locker engaged, but as yet I haven't found it a problem, at least no more than when I had an open diff in the rear.
(Note: Unlocking the CDL will reduce the 'bite' the Detroit has by not allowing a full 50% drive to the rear.)
JC

[justinc]

In the case of a LSD like the Truetrack, how compatible is it with the Traction Control from a Disco 2 for example ?

I am very tempted to put two Truetrack on my TD5. What are their handicaps (if they are) in good pavement and aggressive drive ? Are they good on raining days ?

There are no handicaps, they work well in conjunction with TC, and unless you are aggressive with the right foot into corners etc, they are hardly noticeable. With the TC they will behave almost like a full locker, as the TC will apply the brakes to the spinning wheel, which is what makes these diffs really shine.
Definately fit 2:)

JC

[ashtrans]

Hi Guys,

a bit more reading for you on the subject :

Detroit Lockers

price of new detroit lockers - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php'showtopic=47867)

Quaife / Truetrac

Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/part_117.html)

Dave

[dullbird]

cost of one of those dave would almost shy of 200 dollars put 2 tru trac's in my car at the current US exchange rate

[ashtrans]

cost of one of those dave would almost shy of 200 dollars put 2 tru trac's in my car at the current US exchange rate

Hi,

I was not suggesting the quaife was cheaper than the truetrac, the quaife is far more expensive as it's a far better product, it's a motorsport product as opposed to the more price sensitive recreational off road diffs, the quaifes are for the higher speed 'rally raid' vehicles,

I posted it for the traction control info as the quaife operates on the same 'automatic torque biasing' principle as the truetrac,

cheers

Dave

[dullbird]

Hi,

I was not suggesting the quaife was cheaper than the truetrac, the quaife is far more expensive as it's a far better product, it's a motorsport product as opposed to the more price sensitive recreational off road diffs, the quaifes are for the higher speed 'rally raid' vehicles,

I posted it for the traction control info as the quaife operates on the same 'automatic torque biasing' principle as the truetrac,

cheers

Dave

yeah but it didn't stop us salivating over it...you tease:D

[953]

Hi Guys,

a bit more reading for you on the subject :

Detroit Lockers

price of new detroit lockers - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php'showtopic=47867)

Quaife / Truetrac

Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/part_117.html)

Dave

More food 4 thought! With the way our $ is at the moment I could buy the Detroit or ARB heaps cheaper in the USA but if I have probs:rolleyes:.
Cheers Dean.

[Furka]

There are no handicaps, they work well in conjunction with TC, and unless you are aggressive with the right foot into corners etc, they are hardly noticeable. With the TC they will behave almost like a full locker, as the TC will apply the brakes to the spinning wheel, which is what makes these diffs really shine.
Definately fit 2:)

JC

I am very pleased with yout answer. The 2 TT will be the next improvement on my D2 ;)

[yosh]

Hello.

My first thread at this respectable forum.


allready mentioned, I allso use detroit + HD shafts & flanges at the rear with great satisfaction.

questions:

I'd like to install Truetrac at the front.
1. dosen't it harm driving & handling because of the full time 4X4?
2. is it necessary to install HD shafts & flanges as well?

Thanks .

[rar110]

I put one of Keith's LSD true tracs in the front of my 110. The majority of my off road work is on the beach or sand tracks. I have not been in any really difficult situations. However, I notice the benefits with the driving I do. I have never been stuck in sand since.

I installed upgraded finer spline axles (from Keith) when I bought the LSD. Retained the standard County CVs and drive flanges.

I haven't noticed any change to steering. I previously had a 110 with a maxidrive locker in the front. It was excellent but you definitely noticed the steering and the strain on the CVs.

I wouldn't mind putting a true track in the back (or a Quaife). Bit hard to justify when I don't get stuck.

[cockie55]

You say "I mainly do beach driving and occasional bush driving but nothing extreme" .......then I would spend the money elsewhere. I have TruTrac up front and with CDL my on demand rear locker/with maxi axles are rarely used in sand. In sand a LSD/TruTrac up front is heaven on a stick.

[yosh]

I have TruTrac up front and with CDL. In sand a LSD/TruTrac up front is heaven on a stick.

Hello,

can you please explain what is the CDL?
and, can you clarify and elaborate on the usefulness and efficeancy of the front LSD for better traction, concidering it as not a full locking differential, which I suppose should make it less effective?

thanks very much...
(pardon for the broken english)

[spudboy]

CDL = Centre Differential Lock, and almost all Landies have one (except a few Discoveries in 2002 or 2003 I think).

In most models you just push the Hi/Lo lever across to the left to lock the centre diff. Newer rangies have auto locking CDLs (Viscous, and now electronic?).

HTH David

[Blknight.aus]

Hello,

can you please explain what is the CDL?
and, can you clarify and elaborate on the usefulness and efficeancy of the front LSD for better traction, concidering it as not a full locking differential, which I suppose should make it less effective?

thanks very much...
(pardon for the broken english)

an lsd in the front generally outshines the locker as it provides for a limited amount of rotational difference on the wheels which helps you corner but it still provides a proportion of positive drive to a wheel that has traction when its partner has none.

Limited slip diffs come in a few varieties and achieve their drive distribution in various ways.

the simplest way is what I call a sprag locker. these are sometimes called an unlocker. Its essentially a normal open diff with a pair of one way clutches attached to the carrier, one for each axle. When the crown wheel turns in the normal direction of operation both axles are driven forwards by the clutches. When you corner and one wheel speeds up it overruns the clutch and is free to turn faster than the crownwheel.
This type of diff has a couple of drawbacks. 1. They dont work in reverse and 2. depending on the exact situation they can cause some havoc with the vehicles handling if you have two of them fitted. 3. I have heard of a couple of cases where with 2 fitted and four wheel drive accidentally engaged on high traction surfaces they have taken out driveline components.

youve then got what I call a Cam'n'clutch locker which essentially has a set of springs and cams worked into the guts of the diff that when the axles start to turn at different rates the cams are activated to start engaging the clutch which then transmits the drive to the slower axle. they work in both directions, are a little more maintenance intensive needing occasional adjustment and more attention to the oil you use in them and are adjustable in how much slip you want to have before they engage. some are rough in there engagement but generally this is not the case

Torque biasing diffs are next and are pretty much the ducks nuts of the LSD world they are fairly unique in the way they work through the magic of helical worm gears driving clutch members. Their engagement is usually silky smooth and they apply torque to the axle that can use it at a proportionally larger amount than the slipping wheel this is refered to as the the torque multiplication factor and it can be as high as 3:1. its not a magic increase in available power but a multiplication of the resistance offered to the spinning wheel for instance If a wheel was spinning on a diff setup for 2:1 multiplication and it had 50Nm of resistance applied to it then the wheel that wasnt spinning would recieve 100Nm of drive.

this has some unique advantages which I'll delve into later.

[cockie55]

Yosh CDL is “Central Differential Lock” or locks up the central or 3rd open differential sitting in the transfer case. If you have one LSD locker like a TruTrac on one axle (and no CDL) you are guaranteed that 1 wheel must get traction. However this is really little different to having open diffs all round and no CDL.

Engage CDL (having no lockers) 2 wheels must get traction (1 on each axle). However having 2 LSD lockers with no CDL little different as still only 2 wheels (on the same axle) are guaranteed of getting traction. However with just one LSD locker and with CDL engaged 3 wheels must get traction.

This is the reason why D2 owners go to all that trouble to get CDL’s hooked up.

I have found a TruTrac up front is 70- 80% efficient but a lot easier to steer than having a 100% locker on the front axle, particularly at speed in sand. I also think most people put TruTrac on front axle first planning to put a 100% locker on the rear.

[DeanoH]

What happens when you're in reverse? Have you got better steering with the Detroit locker (in the rear) than with the TruTrac?
Do you need to take extra care driving into tight windy places with TruTrac's as you might have no (or restricted) steering reversing out?

Deano:)

[cockie55]

DeanoH

A TruTrac is geared style limited slip diff that is very smooth and effective engaging and there are no impediments to reversing. Detroit is a auto locker that is 100% locked up and unlocks on hard surfaces cornering etc when required. Detroits should only go on rear axles not stering axles because of this style of operation.I am unaware of any reversing limitations with a Detroit howver the unlocking probably requires getting used to. The only impediment with auto lockers is some people prefer on demand lockers (ARB,Maxi etc) not auto lockers on the rear axle when on loose slide slopes.

[BigJon]

I think with a truetrac you won't notice any change to the steering either forwards or backwards. I know the one fitted to the rear of my RRC is completely transparent, I don't notice it at all.

[yosh]

thanks very much for the remarks.

CDL engaged at any offroad condition where my wife private car wouldn't pass.

The point is, I'm trying to figure out how much better traction I'l achive with the truetrac at the front. I've allready implemented Detroit on the back and can only say good things about it.
no doubt on demand lockers - ARB will give better effect as 100% lockable but it cost twice the LSD.
I rarely drive on sand so it's effet on this condition is irelevant for me.

I understand the mechanical clarification Dave kindly offered.

Can drivers who add LSD to the front after allready have 100% locker at the back tell how they impressed with the improvment?

[Blknight.aus]

if you're going to run any of the lsd's that arent an unlocker in the front and you already have a selectable locker down the back you're laughing in all respects and will have the best of all worlds with downsides that in reality just arent worth worrying about. Especially if you already have TC.

with the CDL in you achive positive drive to all wheels yet still maintain the ability to have a differential action on the front wheels which will allow you to maintain most of your steering ability.

[cockie55]

Most people instal a LSD up front and leave it at that or then add lockers to rear so getting real life feedback on improvements on doing a LSD up front after the rear has been locked may be hard to find.

However improve it will with 4 wheels (not 3 wheels with rear only locker) getting traction (with CDL). You will also maintain some steering and put a bit less stress on front driveline compared to locking the front up using a 100% locker.

[BigJon]

Most people instal a LSD up front and leave it at that .

I mustn't be most people then! I installed a TruTrac LSD into my rear diff about three years ago. The front diff is still as intended.

[Zinke]

Most people in the UK do the rear axle first and then the front if they need more. But we dont have that much sand we can drive on over here!

[cockie55]

Most people in the UK do the rear axle first and then the front if they need more. But we dont have that much sand we can drive on over here!

Yosh already has his rear locked with a Detroit....he is asking for feedback from those who have put in a TrueTrac at the front (and preferably like him already have their rear locked).

[Zinke]

Yosh already has his rear locked with a Detroit....he is asking for feedback from those who have put in a TrueTrac at the front (and preferably like him already have their rear locked).


I was only replying to BigJon's comment, saying most people i know fit a locker or LSD the rear axle first and then add to the front if they feel they need more but we dont have as much experience with sand as you guys.

Many thanks for your helpful input though! :D

[Jim621]

the simplest way is what I call a sprag locker. these are sometimes called an unlocker. Its essentially a normal open diff with a pair of one way clutches attached to the carrier, one for each axle. When the crown wheel turns in the normal direction of operation both axles are driven forwards by the clutches. When you corner and one wheel speeds up it overruns the clutch and is free to turn faster than the crownwheel.
This type of diff has a couple of drawbacks. 1. They dont work in reverse and 2. depending on the exact situation they can cause some havoc with the vehicles handling if you have two of them fitted. 3. I have heard of a couple of cases where with 2 fitted and four wheel drive accidentally engaged on high traction surfaces they have taken out driveline components.

.

Are you saying that the detroit has issues going in reverse?
Do they 'unlock' when going in reverse?

cheers, Steve

[101 Ron]

I find the comments on Detroits interesting.
My Detroit in a Salisbury fitted to a 101 landrover...ie short wheel base and bar threads.....the worse possible thing for wet round abouts etc and I tow regularly 2 tonnes etc and my 101 see s much off road action.
fact.......with a constant 4wd system you usually have to tell some one new to the vehicle driving it that a detroit is fitted in the rear as they dont notice it, towing, roundabouts, wet roads or not.

Detroits work the same going backwards or forwards.....fact.

Side ways slops with wet mud , grasss etc.... yes the rear of the vehicle may step out and that fact is you have all ready gone further along the slope than you could have gone with a unlocked diff and a sectable locker will do the same thing when locked......no difference there.
The reason why a normal open diff will not step out as it will spin a wheel and lose traction before the vehicle steps out side ways and locked rear end will keep pushing and spining both rear wheels on a side slope if the driver has his foot down letting the vrhicle move side ways.........fact.

If a vehicle axle assy has a locker fitted of any type and that axle assy was not designed for a locker from the factory then the haft shafts(driving axles) should be up graded as that diff, axle assy was not designed to take full torque though on 1 drive axle shaft instead of the 2 as designed.........fact.

I dont mean to sound know it all, but I am just trying to make muddy water clear.
ron

[scott oz]

I had a full Detroit in the back and the soft detroit locker in the front.

True Track is a LSD which means that you will never get full axel lock. I think I was told at abut 75% of full lock they slip hence LSD and why they can be used on the front.

Best combination may be the full detroit on the back with and ARB on the front

[ugu80]

This months 4WD action mag just rated the detroit locker the best locking diff for the rear of a 4WD (comparo with ARB, TJM, Lokka and E locker).

I love my detroit rear.