Anyone try the Detriot Soft Locker in their truck? - Diesel Forum

Suns_PSD · 02-28-2005, 12:56 PM

Basically, the Detroit people tell me that I have two choices for my sterling rear axle.

1.) the "Soft Locker" that remains locked the majority of the time. It is very strong. The downside is that it makes some noise going around turns but apparently it is not very much in a large truck like an F250.

2.) They are about to release a "True Trac" that is a limited slip differential. The big advantage of this system is that you apparently will never know it is in there except when you need it.

What can you guys tell me about these systems and in particular your experiences w/ the noise of the "Soft Locker", snow & ice handling, off road prowess of these products, etc.?

Thanks Guys

TxToy · 02-28-2005, 02:09 PM

I've got a Detroit in the rear of my Toyota for off-roading purposes. I barely hear it and after a while you forget its there, until you make a sharp turn and the tire starts chirping [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Every once in a while it makes a big BANG and you think the rear end just fell out of your truck, but thats normal. On a big truck like these, I doubt you'll even know its there. You'll want to be sure to keep your tires rotated because the inside rear will scrub if you are on the pedal and turning. It doesn't snow or ice down here so I can't tell you from personal experience, but the rear end will try to pass the front end if its slippery and you stand on it.

For off-roading, I wouldn't use anything other than a true locker such as the detroit. It makes a world of difference!

smorgan · 02-28-2005, 02:36 PM

Got em in my Jeep..Ill pretty much second what TexasToy said.. They get interesting in the [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] snow!!! Also Im locked both ends [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

MattBMiller · 02-28-2005, 07:36 PM

I have one in my race truck. Definitely know it's there on a short wheelbase "grippy" tired truck.

Matt

Mach1 · 03-01-2005, 09:05 PM

The ratchet mechanism is a little loud, and it is rough on the tire wear, and it pushes the front end straight foward...

You have to weight your options and decide..

An air locker might be an alternative as you can have the locker-lock/unlock at the touch of a switch. Drive around in 1 wheel drive and then lock to two TRUE wheel drive, with NO slip except in the tires...Radical, but effective...If you are looking for maximum traction..

strong_like_tractor · 03-02-2005, 12:18 PM

I have one in my truck and don't really notice it around town. Once in a while a chirp while going around a sharp corner but that's about it. No noticable tire wear increase - the front still wears faster then the rear. Concrete with epoxy sealer is super slippery even at slow speeds with a locker - exercise caution in the Ikea parking lot.

JP