Master
I thought I'd start this thread based on something I've learned the hard way to improve my tdi300 off road.
(BTW I'm not a novice off roader as I've spent years driving on some of the toughest and most remote tracks in the country. However, most of that was in a V8 Rangie.)
Last year I got bogged in sand in a remote part of the NT with a trailer on the back and a nervous wife in the passenger seat.
Anyway, I got saved by a couple of Aboriginal men with a Landcruiser. (Oh the shame)
It wasn't the 1st time I'd struggled in sand either and I always blamed the lack of power. As you probably already know once you go below a certain rev range in the tdi you're in big trouble with the diesel.
However, over time, what I worked out was, it wasn't the lack of power which was the problem. It was a combination of a diesel and a lack of traction. I reckon the lack of traction was the real problem before the loss of power. If the wheels hadn't started to spin and dig in the sand and start to bury the car, the motor would've been able to get me through most times.
Now, the lack of power of the diesel in sand IS a problem. I'm not denying that but, I've found that my chances of getting thru are multiplied many times by having much better traction. The power available is being used effectively rather than being wasted by spinning wheels and digging in.
So, to cut a long story short, I read a lot when I got home and eventually decided to fit a truetrack lsd diff to the rear. The initial cost escapes me now, but I bought it from a guy on ebay with a good track record and, it wasn't too expensive. Then, once I had it set up by a Diff Specialist it cost around $1200. So, it worked out more than I initially expected.
Anyway, I have found it to be awesome and it really adds to the overall off road ability of the car. If I had the money I'd put another one in the front as well.
On road you don't really notice it although, I've heard that fitted on the front you can feel it slightly grabbing going around tight corners?
But, for the extra traction it supplies in sand, in slippery conditions, and just overall dirt I can't recommend it highly enough. The difference is very noticeable and I havn't been bogged since!
BTW I am not affiliated with these guys in any way and am not trying to sell you something. I just honestly wanted to inform you of what I've learned the hard way in the hope it may make it easier for you. You 'may' prefer a cheap Chinese winch to get you out of trouble? Cheers!
Wizard
Good to know....
Wouldn't a Detroit Locker in the Rear be just as good or if not better... especially in a Constant AWD vehicle?
I know of a few running this setup in other vehicle makes and they love them. U don't notice any difference when driving due to the constant AWD... Take the Front Driveshaft off and then it's a different story.....
Rob
I have a Detroit Auto Locker in the rear and I agree completely, it makes a huge difference to towing our camper trailer. The Detroit Auto locker is always locked unless it turn a bend, when it unlocks, so it works the opposite of your Detroit True Trac, which is unlocked except when the wheel spins and it locks. That makes the True Trac suitable for the front because it doesn't affect the steering, as the auto locker can do. Having no air compressor or electrics to fail, they are set and forget -except for oil changes. Simple, but effective.
Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app
Master
I can't comment on the locker as I know nothing about them.
no regrets here with detroit in the back and trutrac up front[300tdi defender]
Master
I went with the Ashcroft ATB .just on $500 landed and very easy to fit and set up ...did it my self. I don't know it's there until I feel it work when needed ..Gary
Wizard
Guys...
For those running the Lockers in the rear on Std Axles..... Have u had any failures with your axles at all?
Originally Posted by DiscoMick
With True Trac in the front.... Is there any issues with it locking up & effecting your steering when u apply the accellerator either in a straight line or when cornering? Plus u running standard axles in the Front. I'm assuming this is the cheapest way of getting lockers Front & Rear?
What's the difference with the Ashcroft ATB (sorry I have no idea about Ashcroft gear)
Rob
Trutrac is not a locker- just a gear driven limited slip, i have standard axles and cvs up front with out any issues and it gets worked hard, in the back with the detroit i fitted ashcroft 1/2 shafts as they work with the hd flanges i got from MR previously, if i got maxidrive 1/2 shafts i would have needed there unique flanges[more cost and im a tight arse], i only replaced the standard rear 1/2 shafts because the flange end splines were rooted .
My 110 is tuned, if you stomp the pedal while tight turning on a wet road it can bite and try to straighten up, you drive accordingly! others that have driven mine hadnt noticed any difference from there own 110s, the trutrac does return to centre.
I would gladly reccomend this setup, i use my car for work and currently has 460000ks
Master
SubscriberI've got a maxidrive in the back, but wanted a bit more traction, so installed a true track in the front. the only thing i notice is the steering is little heavier, and the car tracks better . Other wise it's quiet and smooth you don't know its there. I don't think you'll regret putting one in the front, it make your car very capable without you having to operate anything.
I haven't really noticed much difference offroad yet, when I went to fraser it had rained recently and the sand was fairly firm, so not much of a challenge. Might have to wait until the wet weather comes and go to glass house mountains etc. I did hear a few people reckon they're rubbish and easily broken. But a lot of people like them so I went ahead. Compared to the the maxidrive, ( self installed), and axle set up its lot cheaper, SBL automotive put my trutrack in, it was about half the maxidrive price I think. I was often stuck before i put the maxidrive in.
Wizard
So, can someone give a approximate cost for a Rear Detroit Locker and then the approximate $$ for the Truc-Track up Front ?? Are we talking under $1k for the rear and under a $1k for the front installed ??
rob
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