Auburn ECTED for 2wd???

[FLYNAVY30]

Anyone running an Auburn ECTED diff in a 2wd? I've got a 3/4 ton 2wd '72 C20 Suburban with Dana 60. Its mostly just a cruiser but it does see a decent amount of gravel trails, log roads, etc when we use it to go camping. I'd like to be able to lock the rear for additional traction without loosing the full time limited slip functionality on the street.

Allegedly, the Auburn ECTED provides exactly that...a full time limited slip diff that can be electrically locked as needed. I've found some information on line, but its usually being reviewed by Jeep guys with delusions that their jacked up Jeep is a King of the Hammers contender. I really just want to know if the unit works as advertised on the road and in light to moderate dirt/gravel/mud/snow.

Thanks for the help...figured I'd post this in both the truck and suburban section as you guys get a little more traffic over here.

-Greg
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[Mike C]

Hey Greg, Corvette looking good. Still waiting to see it with the new wheels!

I've considered the ECTED along with the Eaton E-Locker for my '72. But after running my CJ-5 with the Powertrax No-Slip some on the street, I'm not near as leery about running a true automatic locker anymore. If the Jeep don't act too goofy with it's 84.5" wheel base I would image the extra 20 in my Jimmy would make it even less so , and your sub has another 20"+ wheelbase.

But if the price were right, I'd certainly run one. But most likely if I need to replace my GovLock in the 9.5" 14 bolt I will just go clutch type LSD. IME, they work great in mud and gravel which is the most likely usage for your 2x4 Sub.

Look into a PowerLock or one of the repro PowerLock clones for a Dana 60. It's almost a locker in the way it multiplies the force on the side plates.

[FLYNAVY30]

Thanks for the input Mike. I had looked at the Powertrax as well....like the ECTED, reviews of that unit were mixed as well. I absolutely agree with you about the long wheelbase on the Suburban helping with the auto locker on the street....thats the down side to these trucks, so few of us driving them compared to jeeps/FJs/Broncos/etc, sometimes its hard to find info on what works well.

[outfield]

I've got a '69 K20 with the factory No Spin locker, I love it for gravel roads and driving on back roads. I rarely need to lock it in 4x4 unless there is snow. It is noisy on the street at times, so it's not for everyone. I ran a Detroit True Track in the rear of a '74 half ton and was very impressed. You did not know there was a posi in the rear on the street, but it sure worked well on dirt roads. I was thinking if you went with the Ected diff you would probably never lock it in because of the posi...

[FLYNAVY30]

Originally Posted by outfield

I was thinking if you went with the Ected diff you would probably never lock it in because of the posi...

Its interesting you mention this....some of the reviews I read said this as well. The only difference was that all of those were by reviewers using the ECTED in a 4wd application. I'm just wondering if in the rare scenario where I'm really in some sloppy stuff with 2wd, would the actual locking function of the ECTED be useful over just relying on the posi unit to distribute the torque.

[Mike C]

Unless it is just absolutely worn out then a clutch lsd works great in loose traction situations. The exception is if you lift a wheel. Even then stabbing the brake pedal can help with a loose lsd.

I just don’t see you lifting a tire? I guess it COULD happen if you were on a shoulder or something and a front tire slipped in a hole.

TrackLock is the most common for a Dana 60 but they don’t have a great rep for longevity, but they are inexpensive to rebuild. They used to be cheap. I bought one around 2000 for $175 for a 4.10 down 30 spline axle. Now they are almost as much as a PowerLock.

The Eaton TruTrack is the least noticeable on the street and works great off-road. At least in the front of my ‘53 M38A1 which is my only driving experience.

I read several posts online and I don’t think I’d be brave enough to spend my money on the ECTED.

PowerLock or TruTrack unless you get a TrackLock for cheap and throw it in just to see. Your ‘72 SHOULD be 30 spline axles. At least that’s how I would spend my $.

Edit: After more Google-ing I think my $550 would be spent on one of these:

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-71...30-spline.html

[FLYNAVY30]

Ok, I appreciate the input....Ill take a look at the Power Lock and Tru Track. I believe my 72 does have 30 spline axles but Ill have to verify.

[outfield]

I have run the ARB air lockers in my trail rigs for 20 years, having the ability to lock a differential 100% is very beneficial. Say when you are backing up a steep grade, towing a trailer and going up a steep grade, or just on a loose gravel road that gets real steep. I love the No Spin in the 69 because it just keep pulling. If you can afford the Ected, you're getting the best of both worlds...

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30

Its interesting you mention this....some of the reviews I read said this as well. The only difference was that all of those were by reviewers using the ECTED in a 4wd application. I'm just wondering if in the rare scenario where I'm really in some sloppy stuff with 2wd, would the actual locking function of the ECTED be useful over just relying on the posi unit to distribute the torque.

[Mike C]

My big concern is that the cone type LSD renders itself useless in 30k miles or so. I don’t like doing things twice.