1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Detroit Locker Update

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 09:29 PM
  #1  
mhuppertz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 135
From: Tijeras, New Mexico, 7,000ft up
Detroit Locker Update

It's broken in now, and I have gotten on it a bit. Definately more aggressive than the limited slip. I have driven it on solid ice, both on pavement and off with little problem (except when I whough it was in 4 high going up a snow covered ice hill). I like having traction to both tires right away, instead of starting to spin one tire before the other gets traction.
If you have been driving posi pickups in bad conditions for some time, you won't have trouble controlling the Detroit Locker.
You do have to be more careful though, because there is a much more positive connection to the drive train now. I think it would be easier to break parts!
I would hate to go back to a limited slip at this point.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 10:32 PM
  #2  
u.s mma's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
have you towed with it yet? how much did the entire rebuild cost you? people allways say lockers are bad on ice, but I figured if you know how to drive and know your truck your fine.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 10:55 PM
  #3  
mhuppertz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 135
From: Tijeras, New Mexico, 7,000ft up
No, I haven't towed yet. I want to make sure it's totally broken in first. I don't anticipate a single problem though. It's probably at it's worst unloaded and light.
You are right, if you can drive, and know what your truck will do in any circumstance, it's really a non issue driving on the ice with a locker.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 11:45 PM
  #4  
TJE's Avatar
TJE
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 8
From: OK
Well help a guy out... what is a locker? What is under my truck now? I have the factory D70.

Thanks, Tony
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 11:50 PM
  #5  
mhuppertz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 135
From: Tijeras, New Mexico, 7,000ft up
Originally Posted by TJE
Well help a guy out... what is a locker? What is under my truck now? I have the factory D70.
Thanks, Tony
You either have a limited slip, which only allows so much difference in tire speed via clutches, or an open differential, which transferrs power to the slipping wheel only. A locker allows the outside wheel in a turn to spin faster, but the power always goes first to the wheel that is getting traction, then locks as soon as both wheels are turning at the same speed.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 04:02 PM
  #6  
TJE's Avatar
TJE
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 8
From: OK
Originally Posted by mhuppertz
You either have a limited slip, which only allows so much difference in tire speed via clutches, or an open differential, which transferrs power to the slipping wheel only. A locker allows the outside wheel in a turn to spin faster, but the power always goes first to the wheel that is getting traction, then locks as soon as both wheels are turning at the same speed.
Is there a way to tell by looking what I have? Thanks for the explanation.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 04:07 PM
  #7  
mhuppertz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 135
From: Tijeras, New Mexico, 7,000ft up
Originally Posted by TJE
Is there a way to tell by looking what I have? Thanks for the explanation.
Yes. There are a couple of ways. The best way is to jack up the rear axle, support it, and spin one of the tires. If they both turn in the same direction, you have a limited slip. If they freely turn in opposite directions, you have an open diff. If they start spinning in opposite directions, then the other tire slow, stops, or eventually starts spinning the same direction, you have a limited slip with the clutches going out on it.
Mark
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 04:50 PM
  #8  
TJE's Avatar
TJE
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 8
From: OK
Okay thanks.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2008 | 05:12 PM
  #9  
Crossy's son's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,547
Likes: 2
From: Quinton, New Jersey (middle of nowhere)
or look at your option sheet under the hood.right under the gear axle ratio it should say ''limited slip differential''..at least mine does
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JQmile
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
7
Sep 24, 2012 08:43 PM
mhuppertz
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
21
Feb 23, 2008 06:41 AM
G1625S
Off Road / 4x4
4
Mar 27, 2007 06:49 PM
nfsommer
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
27
Mar 16, 2007 03:35 PM
canucktrucks
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
10
Nov 18, 2004 07:08 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:48 AM.