I got my detroit locker in thursday. It went in smoothly, good gear mesh pattern, 8 thousandths backlash, and 25in/lbs rotational drag. I couldn't have asked for better. It is quiet on the road, the clicking going around corners is not as loud as I had expected. As for traction, I have more then then I know what to do with. I am still breaking in the new gears, so I won't "test" it properly for about another week. I will report more when I know.

 

that sounds good. ive been weighing my options, but im still undecided on what i should get for traction. i need something that is fully streetable, because i spend a lot of time on the highway towing my buddy's racecar, so i dont want anything thats gonna give me problems switching lanes or making sharp turns. so far my first choice is the powertrax unit, but over on truckworld.com there's a couple of people complaining that their units have broken under serious off road conditions. let me know how you like your detroit after you break it in.

 

In your opinion, would I be happy traveling back roads appox 50 miles a day with a detroit locker? I wheel approx once a month in summer, 2-3 times a week in winter (mmmm, snow).

a commuter beater (subaru or saturn) is in the works, but my traction aid might come first. The clicking, will I be wearing the locker out? Tire wear chirping?

 

Yeah I think that you would be happy on dirt roads, it doesn't really have diffrent road manners until you stomp the gas. As far as wearing it out, I don't think so but I do think you will have slightly more tire wear, even though there is no tire squeal. On dirt it does slightly drag one tire but not bad.
I now have about 300 miles on it, so I am starting to do things.
In the lititure I got with it recomends it for towing.

 

I went for a little ride tonight (we got some snow last night) and the new rear end is unstoppable, I was pushing snow with my front bumper. It was great....time for the front end.

 

haha thats great!! i gotta get me one of those