Re: [MV] Detroit Lockers with Locking Hubs

From: jonathon (jemery@execpc.com)
Date: Tue May 27 2003 - 07:17:15 PDT


Dave,

>It's interesting that you say that since a lot of off road mags and some
>limited slip makers do not recommend putting limit slips or lockers in the
>front of a 4x4.

See my previous list post, it's mostly the lawyers, as with everything.

>That is supposidly ARB's claim to fame, since their
>"lockers" totally unlock.

Yea, but, if it is locked (off road) your going to have really squirrely
steering just like a mule, one second your steering tight then your wide.
My guess is you'd want to cut out the front lock in turns when off road and
only engage it when you actually needed it. Also, will the ARB unit unlock
if it's under load? I don't know the answer but if it won't then that could
complicate things. But if they are advertising it for front use then go for it.

> If no torque is applied to a locker or limited
>slip axle,

Per previous post by Ken, a Detroit Locker is not like any other unit, no
clutches.

In fact, I was going to post this but I'm getting tired of defending myself
here, but maybe I'll mention it anyway. If you jack up the back end of a
truck with a DL and have the tranny in gear (engine off), then have someone
turn one rear wheel, it will stop, as in it will try to turn the drive shaft
if you didn't have the tranny in gear. Now have that person hold some
pressure against that tire and you go around to the other side and try
turning that tire. If you turn one way it will stop just like the other
side, but if you turn it backwards, it will free wheel, round and round and
round with no resistance. If you then hold that side against the drive shaft
then you can do the same thing with the other side, it will stop in one
direction and free wheel in the other. If your in a junk yard and want to
know if something has a Detroit locker in it, this is the simple test to use.

happy locking,

je



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