I’m looking for a locker but since I do a lot of street driving as well I would like something a little smoother and quieter then a Detroit Locker, if there is such a thing. An ARB is to money for me unfortunately. I was looking at the Detroit Gearless Locker and the EZ-Locker but I don’t have a clear idea of the differences (advantages and disadvantages) of each . Anyone an expert on lockers? Thanks Robert

 

I'm also researching lockers, and, while I'm still undecided (any suggestions?) I have read some interresting articles about the subject. Most of the stuff I've read seems to lean toward having a Detroit in the rear, while using some other system in the front. The most praise was for a Detroit/ARB pair. I'll have to find the article I was reading - when I find it, I'll post the URL here. The reasons for the mix'n'match were that the ARB really is the thing to have when in 4wd, but that the Detroit would improve driving all-around. Also, there were some traction issues with the ARB in the rear when driving on icy or wet pavement. The Detroit will ratchet to mimmic a differential action while turning - something the ARB does not do(?).

Again, if anyone has suggestions, we'd be interrested.



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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com

 

Thanks much, FordMan!

We don't have much icy pavement here in SoCal, so I may opt for ARB's on both.


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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com

 

All you have to remember is 3 letters...ARB! I have them front and rear. I also did much research and drove some trucks with detroits in them. Bottom line is, leave the ARBs off unless being offroad. I would never have them on on icy or wet pavement because I don't like a locker in the back on that kind of surface. With both the rear tires locked together when you're spinning (and EVERY locker is going to do that), you have less control...that is what normal 4 wheel drive is for.

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hytek1dr@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Freeway/7515/

 

I've been doing more research, and I came across the following info regarding Torsen differentials:

<a href="http://www.torsen.com/index.htm">Torsen Home Page</a> with info on their products

and

<a href="http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/Torsen/Torsen.htm">Torsen White Paper</a> with an in-depth discussion of the Torsen differential.

The Torsen home page says that they have replacement units available for Ford 8.8 and 9.0 diffs, for front and rear.

Anyone try these? Are they a good alternative to a locker?



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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com

My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT SuperCab shortbed 4x4, 302, A4OD, silver-on-black two-tone

 

Some of the recent postings on the wheel-to-wheel list have talked about a problem with the Torsen. As an on-track diff it's a thing of beauty UNLESS you lift a wheel off the pavemant, then you loose traction in a hurry. If your off-road consists of logging trails and fire roads like in ProRallye then they work fine; also pobably great in the desert, etc. not real useful for rock crawling though.

 

Thanks, StrangeRanger.

I don't think I'll be doing any serious rock crawling (not a good idea with such a big truck) but I will be doing lots of desert roads with BIG moguls and such, and lots of sand. In fact, on my last trip, I did indeed 'lift my leg' on a frame-twister.

Back to the drawing board...


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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com

My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT SuperCab shortbed 4x4, 302, A4OD, silver-on-black two-tone