Locker or Limited Slip?

[mclairmo]

Anyone got a locker of any kind or limited slip in their rear diff on a 2wd? I want to install one (or have one installed) but don't know what is best for mostly street driving but occasional desert/dirt and towing use. I don't really want a lot of shakes and shimmys like a Detroit Locker but not sure if a limited slip is strong enough and will last a long time. Also, not sure if an air locker or electric locker is best since they would cost more. I have a Lock-Right in my big block Camaro and while it really locks the diff on the straights it also gives me a loose feeling in the rear sometimes and clicks loudly in the turns. Any thoughts?

[jamesi20]

Detroit Truetrac®


Uses pairs of "Helical" gear sets






Gears only - no clutch packs.


Ideal for 4WD front axles or rear axles, as well as 2WD; light trucks, SUV’s, cars.


Rugged yet smooth and quiet.


Torque bias ratios of 2.5 to 3.5:1 range.

[special-K]

I really liked the Auburn Gear unit in my Blazer.

[haysonj]

I've been looking at the Powertrax on Summit but have not bought it yet. Seems like it would be good for the street as it releases in turns so it would be smoother and quieter.

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by haysonj

I've been looking at the Powertrax on Summit but have not bought it yet. Seems like it would be good for the street as it releases in turns so it would be smoother and quieter.

I have one in my K5. It is much more harsh in operation than the Detroit I have in my Nissan. If I had it to do over again I would skip the Lock Right. I think part of the issue is the fact that the 12-bolt shafts are secured by c-clips that are wedged in between the dog clutches and any shifting of the axle shafts in the housing could cause those clutches to engage/disengage. A "real" full-case locker would not have those issues because you would not have a bunch of parts floating around in the carrier.

For a 2wd, if you are going to drag it get a locker or spool. For a street driver I would go with a limited slip (the helical diffs are nice).

[haysonj]

Originally Posted by 69TowRig

I have one in my K5. It is much more harsh in operation than the Detroit I have in my Nissan. If I had it to do over again I would skip the Lock Right. I think part of the issue is the fact that the 12-bolt shafts are secured by c-clips that are wedged in between the dog clutches and any shifting of the axle shafts in the housing could cause those clutches to engage/disengage. A "real" full-case locker would not have those issues because you would not have a bunch of parts floating around in the carrier.

For a 2wd, if you are going to drag it get a locker or spool. For a street driver I would go with a limited slip (the helical diffs are nice).

the one I'm looking at is not the lock right it is called the Powertrax Traction System and is for on road use in pickups and muscle cars

[Ackattack]

I like eaton posi for our trucks for the street. I took my 72 GMC to the track with it too, no problems with the diff.

Also, I had a Detroit Truetrack in the front of my Jeep, and sometimes it would only spin on wheel. I wasn't too impressed with it honestly.


The ARB air locker I had in the rear worked great though

[turp mcspray]

All lockers have qwerks that may be objectional to some. When you get on and off the throttle you will feel it lock and unlock. Lockers have a certain amount of play built in for the teeth to lock into. This is just the way it is. On the street where both tires have near equall load to them a limited will work great and last a long time. I prefer the eaton style myself. In a 4wd that will get wheeled, a locker is a must imo.