Thread: Detroit/True Track

Having driven my 77 with a Locker rear from Wannaring to Bourke after 3 inches of rain, I can comment that yes the slide down the slope is real, but a lot of fun.
I drove about 150Ks looking out the driver's side window, but as long as you remain aware of the front wheel position it is no problem, more an attitude. You still have better traction than with no lockers. The locker less cars all proceeded in a series of long "yaws", and 2 of the 10 speared off when the drivers forgot where the front wheels were pointing.

So I think the warnings are for newcomers to prevent them being surprised by the behaviour. The back sliding down the slope really improves the attitude of he car in that its pointing more uphill!

I fitted a Quaife front Torsen LSD a couple of days ago that I bought on this forum about a year or so ago. So far it has great manners with the only quirk, a bit more self centring on a 90degree T intersection take off.

I had a rear "phase1" Detroit Softlocker in my 77 but elected a Maxi in my 92 , as I felt the Detroit was just a bit uncivilised for a 92.
Also the quirks noted such as sliding down a hill, clunks in carparks, straight ahead on climbing slippery hairpins, attitude change on gear change on curves.
A couple of other points I found were that I had to replace the diff bearings in about a year( so ensure they are all changed), and I went through more rear bushes.
I am still very happy with the Maxi and would not consider a Detroit in preference.
regards Philip A

Originally Posted by Aaron

How big of an issue is the slide slope argument? Is it something that you can learn to expect and drive according ? Will it put you in a situation that is not able to be regained short of using the bull bar in a clay bank as a break?

I guess there is no perfect setup, short of spending 18 times the price on air lockers..

As for the front axel issue.. How weak are they? Are they like butter. or are they just something to take into concideration?

how big the issue is depends on each situation. If your on fairly grippy terrain and it lets go into the side slide situation it can be dangerous or even flip you over when it hooks up, on something a little more slipery the tail just steps downhill if you can keep it under control its all good. Most of why we're telling you is simply a heads up, once the lockers are fitted its gunna be different.

nope the axles arent butter but they werent designed with having lockers or anything other than an open center in them if you treat them with respect and drive the vehicle like the lockers or truetracks arent there then you should never have a problem.

The big one that I find the lockers a problem, is on big angled steps where the lockers will allow the Disco to move all over the place when there is wheel spin. I'm forever sticking the front end into the banks on stuff like this. Actually, depending, at times you cant even get up with the front locker in because it moves around so much at the front, as the rears try to align with the anglulated rock step which then makes the front move.

Well I have all the info I think, now its time to site and decide... TT with detroit rear, or front and rear TT.

Thanks for everyones help!

Originally Posted by Aaron

Well I have all the info I think, now its time to site and decide... TT with detroit rear, or front and rear TT.

Thanks for everyones help!

the Detroit is also a lot easier/cheaper to fit than a Tru-Trac in a Sals as there is no diff setup involved, but that should really be the least of your considerations.

You can fit a Detroit locker in a rear Salsbury in about 4 hrs, I fitted mine the first time in my old 1990 110, the centre came in/out quite easily without a spreader, but when I fitted it to my 2002 defender it took quite a bit of levering to get it out without the spreader, but it did go back in quite easily, you just need to take your time pulling it in with the caps.

Fitting the centre is a piece of p1ss, don`t touch the crown wheel, just undo the 8 or so bolts the split the hemsphere, remove the old centre and throw in the locker and put it all back together again, I have put about 50K on mine simce installing the locker without a problem and no whinning etc.

I love it, especially for the driving I do, I now have an ARB in the front as well and I find it a good combo.

Well after buying a hand winch, Ive been able to embark on some 4WD tracks that have been scaring me to do solo without others/winch, and Ive come to the conclusion that Defenders are rediculously capable standard.

Ive deleted the idea of a Detroit rear from my mind, as I dont need it. This is meant to be a touring vehicle anyways.

I gather from previous posts that the TT has less side slop sliding, but its hit and miss. If I were to undertake a 4WD'ing course (haven't done one yet.. basicly got NFI what Im doing while 4WD'ing) Would they be able to put me into a situation where I could experience this side slope sliding in a more controlled way and now where to expect it?