Unfortunately, I don't have an LS. Big mistake and winter is coming soon. Anyway, there's a shop in town who sells Detroit Lockers. They recommended I get the Soft Locker for my 10.25 rear. I know Auburn Gear makes one, but don't like the idea that's it's not rebuildable and uses nonsynthetic gear oil. How harsh is a locker on corners? Also, doing one-wheels burnouts is pretty pathetic.

 

Jupiterak

I have heard the Auburn (which is a limited slip not a locker) lasts quite a long time, so the need for a rebuild is somewhat obviated. The cone clutch operation yields a much better bias ratio than convential limited slips. I also have the same distaste for non-synthetic requirements of the Auburn. That is a drawback.

From what I understand, the lockers are excellent if that's what you really need, as evidenced by WLF's experience with Powertrax. Maybe not the most enjoyable on the street but hell that's not what you bought it for.

I remember watching some guy with a Detroit do donuts in a circle for 15 minutes until his axle snapped.....So if you are planning on doing donuts for more than 15 minuts, maybe the locker isnt' the way for you to go...

 

I'm mainly interested in an aftermarket LS. Primarily for winter driving and maybe some offroading every once in a great while. Thanks for the info, I still have about six weeks before snow hits.

 

In the 10.25" FOMOCO corp. diff. the detroit softlocker is a good choice. Do not use the regular detroit (dyneer) locker. I have received complaints about noise (when turning) with the regular locker.

I have set--up many ford dealers in the softlocker. No complaints on these trucks which are used by utility companies, mining co's., farmers, ranchers & people that just tow or drive around.

The Auburn is a good l/S; however, I would tend to shy away from Auburn in 10.25" diff. Softlocker is much better choice!

I have set-up hundreds of diff's. & sold thousands of parts for diff's. @ my regular vocation.

 

Jupiterak,
I have a Powertrax no slip and love it, but it can in fact be uncomfortable at times, especially in the rain.
If you want some good information about some of the limited slips available, here is a web site http://www.ring-pinion.com/. Check out the articles at this site for the different LS available and the strengths and weakness of each.
Good luck and have fun...

 

I have had both the Auburn and the Detroit Locker (not soft locker).

The detroit is amazing off road, but way too agressive on snow and ice - everytime you touch the gas the rear end steps out because you can't get enough torque to unlock the unit.

The Auburn is a good compromise, stong enough for off road but mild enough for the street.

My $0.02

Ian

 

..the lighter or heavier duty Auburn lockers?

 

Devon, You may want to go to the Auburn website and check out their new program on X-locker. Yes, Auburn now has an exchange program for Auburn units that get tired. I checked out the site a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at how cheap a person could get into another Auburn (if your old Auburn was wore out). I cannot remember how much $$$ on the exchange; however, it was under $100.00 (U.S. dollars).