Great video. Thanks. I am looking into a detroit locker for the 8.8 in my xj and either a selectable front or a truetrac lsd. Glad to hear the locker isnt as bad as some say for street.
Great choice on the Detroit lockers. Mechanical lockers have no air lines, wires, relays, or cables to fail and leave you without a locker and they work better in my opinion. I have Spartan lockers in the front and rear of my Jeep XJ and a Detroit in the rear of my F250 and they work great on and off road. As you said most of what you read on the internet about auto lockers is false or over exaggerated, I have no problem steering in 4x4 with my front locker and in the snow as long as you don't drive like a fool you won't' have any problems.
I've just finished installing True tracs front and rear in a friends JK. While not really a locker it will surely make a difference in poor traction situations.
We put a Detroit Locker in the rear our '84 CJ7 25 years ago. Installed by a ring and pinion shop. 30,000 miles driven plus 50,000 miles towed behind our MH, still going strong. Very audible click as you are turning on pavement, every time. Every couple of weeks it will bang so loud you think you must have broken something. AMC 20 rear with Moser axles. As I am on pavement 95% of the time, not the best choice. Great in the sand dunes though.
I've got a 02 tj about I identical except I have the five speed and I can honestly say things are ugly noise chapter and so on that said I love it and it has educated me how to drive it now. Still think I'd recommend it the locker is cheap and near Bullet proof.
I bought my 97’ TJ (4cyl) from a gear head, no rust, red w/ black soft top, Dana 44 with Detroit front & rear, skid plates, super clean for $4200. But I had to dump another $14k in her & had a 6 1/2” long arm kit, 37” Super Swampers, Stinger bumper, fenders, Hella Lights, etc. DVD System & named her, “Ballz Deep”. Loved that Jeep. Sold her later for $12k. She won many car show trophies & pulled out Swat Units, Ambulances, 1 ton 4x4 trucks w/ Elect. 4x4 that didn’t work on the beach down here in SE Texas & 1st question everyone would ask is, do you have Lockers? I cannot believe that little Jeep can pull suck huge things so easily!! I miss her
05 tj dana 44s at both ends Detroit E lockers at both ends 4.5 in rubicon express long arm lift with 4.56 gears rolling 17x33 in tires and a 6 speed manual locking the diffs is the best way to get the most outta your jeep all my buds wanted me to lift it first not me i say lock it first then work on the other stuff However its your jeep so do what ya want with it just remember to keep the shiny side UP
What did your turning radius change to? Since you are a mechanic you can do a couple of things to help turning on road. High performance steering set up. PSC pump and steering box, freewheeling hub kit makes on road a breeze. Driving style can help make 27 spline axles last longer. Looking good so far, keep growing. Be safe. Might be time to upgrade roll cage.
Help, I have a 95 YJ, 360 AMC motor, 4 speed standard, Dana 44 front and rear, 4:27 gear ratio, Detroit lockers front and rear, Chromoly axles, BF Goodrich 35's. I can understand the loud poping or actually a scary bang coming from the rear end when I accelerate hard when taking off from a parking lot BUT I do not understand why at highway speeds such as 80 Kph (50 MPH) the rear end just snaps violently quite often and actually gives the YJ a little torque sideways which you have to steer a brief second to control or correct the pull sideways. I cannot find any other people talking about this on any sites. Tires are almost new and have same air pressure. It is almost like the gears would be releasing and banging back in as they would while turning under power.
That's hard to diagnose with that description, but who installed the gears/lockers? Are all endplays/preloads correct? Which Detroit is it, older style or the newer "soft" lockers that are quieter? What tire pressures do you run? Try running 30 psi on road to make the tires less "grabby" then air down off road.
@@fasthog96 I guess I will have to take her apart and see if I notice anything funny. I bought the girl this way and do not know answers on your questions. I fear something bad because I had her out on dirt road today and she was snapping at speeds of around 20 to 30mph. It is almost like she is spooling up and releasing with a terrible jerking bang.
Well, they'll work and are easy to install. I don't think they're anywhere near as durable and I'm fairly certain that they're not cheap either. Personally I wouldn't bother.
@@fasthog96 A lunchbox is 300 or less... Just wondering... I've been told that a dana 30 is too weak for a locker. Personally, I think that's a load. I'm thinking a full Detroit on both ends will be just fine. Thanks for the help!
@@brianfedie8046 Well, a Dana 30 isn't the strongest but folks even break Dana 44's so I would disagree they're too weak for a Detroit. Depends on how you drive.
Thanks! I am giving serious consideration to going with a Detroit in my TJ with 33s. Some say I will crash and die especially since it snows here at times. I think I can adapt. I like the simplicity and durability of the Detroit.
I bought a 14 wrangler, it’s lifted with big mudders on it. I believe it might have Detroit lockers in the front. My issue is when I take tight turns like at a parking lot or at intersections, the front end makes a rattle noise and I notice that the wheels wiggle a bit. I’m not a fan of that at all. If someone could help me I’d be greatly appreciative. If taking the lockers out has to be the fix then fine. I just need advice as to what to install. The diff covers say Rancho on them. Btw I’m not totally intelligent in the off-road community.
Raise both rear tires off the ground. Plus one front one. Pit it in gear gently and see if it tries to move. With a Detroit, you'd be able to drive it right off the Jack stands with only thr one front tire in the ground. If the tire in the air spins and it doesn't even try to pull off the stands then its an open diff.
I was wondering how the 456 gears are on the highway? I need new gears for my 35” tires but my Jeep is a everyday driver not just off-road. It has a 4.0 engine and 6 speed TJ 3.07 stock gear.
They work great! Just remember 4.56 gears with 35's are about like a 4.10 with smaller tires. Mine is a daily driver( mostly local) but it gets some highway. I limit speeds to about 60 or so. It will go faster but it wasn't built for that. A friend with the exact same setup as yours runs 4.88 gears and with the 6 speed overdrive it is VERY good on the highway. Do NOT make the mistake of not putting enough gear in it.......a big waste of money.
What part numbers are the true lockers? (not the TrueTrac) I asked my mechanic to install lockers and according to the part number, they are TrueTracs. I'm trying to convince him he messed up...
I'd have to go thru my receipts to tell you, but I ordered everything thru Quadratec. Call them and they can tell you. These are Eaton/ Detroit REAL mechanical lockers. Trutracs are NOT at all the same, more like a "limited slip" differential that do NOT lock both axles together.
The simplicity of the Detroit locker and lower cost is compelling. But the idea that every horror story I have heard over several decades on the downside of this method being a fabrication or some conspiracy is not credible. These can get you killed on wet roads if you lose focus on what can happen for even a moment. Would never consider one for the front on anything but an offroad-only rig.
Not as bad as you think. 99% of the folks retelling the horror stories never even drove one. On the front....unless power is being applied you would never know the locker is there. Kill you on a wet road?? Total bullshit....
I can tell from the walk around that this guy loves his Jeep. Respect.
Nice set up
Wow! They look great just sitting there! I can tell they perform!
Nice Jeep!!
Great video. Thanks. I am looking into a detroit locker for the 8.8 in my xj and either a selectable front or a truetrac lsd. Glad to hear the locker isnt as bad as some say for street.
My plan has always been selectable in the rear, and auto locker in the front. Maybe I'll do an auto in the rear too now. Thanks for the info
Great choice on the Detroit lockers. Mechanical lockers have no air lines, wires, relays, or cables to fail and leave you without a locker and they work better in my opinion. I have Spartan lockers in the front and rear of my Jeep XJ and a Detroit in the rear of my F250 and they work great on and off road. As you said most of what you read on the internet about auto lockers is false or over exaggerated, I have no problem steering in 4x4 with my front locker and in the snow as long as you don't drive like a fool you won't' have any problems.
What locker would you recommend in the front on my 03 chevy silverado 1500?
@@truthisweareallgonnadie. None, that axle and CVs are too weak to handle a locker.
@@Lray4x4 what can get to able to put a locker up front?? Do they make a different diff to go up front that can handle a locker?
@@truthisweareallgonnadie. Yeah a Straight axle swap. If you don't want to go through all that just lock the rear and leave the front open.
My truetracs are being installed right now and I'm looking forward to it in my 06 TJ. Thanks for the video.
True track is a limited slip though and not the same as a detroit locker.
I've just finished installing True tracs front and rear in a friends JK. While not really a locker it will surely make a difference in poor traction situations.
Man, that beast looks great!!
Fantastic video, that’s sealed the deal on me buying a Detroit locker for my 12 valve defender 110 then!
Thank you ! Good luck with your lockers and maybe throw up a vid about it!
Thank you and good luck!
Gene Mall I have a very short video of the 12 valve running in the defender engine bay, check it out :)
Cool, thank you for the video!
great choice in lockers
Nice video!
We put a Detroit Locker in the rear our '84 CJ7 25 years ago. Installed by a ring and pinion shop. 30,000 miles driven plus 50,000 miles towed behind our MH, still going strong. Very audible click as you are turning on pavement, every time. Every couple of weeks it will bang so loud you think you must have broken something. AMC 20 rear with Moser axles. As I am on pavement 95% of the time, not the best choice. Great in the sand dunes though.
I clicked, expecting to see the lockers in action. Nice vid and beautiful Jeep though.
Thanks for that vid sir
I've got a 02 tj about I identical except I have the five speed and I can honestly say things are ugly noise chapter and so on that said I love it and it has educated me how to drive it now. Still think I'd recommend it the locker is cheap and near Bullet proof.
I bought my 97’ TJ (4cyl) from a gear head, no rust, red w/ black soft top, Dana 44 with Detroit front & rear, skid plates, super clean for $4200. But I had to dump another $14k in her & had a 6 1/2” long arm kit, 37” Super Swampers, Stinger bumper, fenders, Hella Lights, etc. DVD System & named her, “Ballz Deep”. Loved that Jeep. Sold her later for $12k. She won many car show trophies & pulled out Swat Units, Ambulances, 1 ton 4x4 trucks w/ Elect. 4x4 that didn’t work on the beach down here in SE Texas & 1st question everyone would ask is, do you have Lockers? I cannot believe that little Jeep can pull suck huge things so easily!! I miss her
Sounds like a nice rig! Let's see some pics
05 tj dana 44s at both ends Detroit E lockers at both ends 4.5 in rubicon express long arm lift with 4.56 gears rolling 17x33 in tires and a 6 speed manual
locking the diffs is the best way to get the most outta your jeep
all my buds wanted me to lift it first not me i say lock it first then work on the other stuff
However its your jeep so do what ya want with it just remember to keep the shiny side UP
Awesome Jeep, Detroit’s are amazing. What fenders are those? I have been looking at getting some steel flat fenders for mine.
What did your turning radius change to? Since you are a mechanic you can do a couple of things to help turning on road. High performance steering set up. PSC pump and steering box, freewheeling hub kit makes on road a breeze. Driving style can help make 27 spline axles last longer. Looking good so far, keep growing. Be safe. Might be time to upgrade roll cage.
what kind of fenders are those?
Help, I have a 95 YJ, 360 AMC motor, 4 speed standard, Dana 44 front and rear, 4:27 gear ratio, Detroit lockers front and rear, Chromoly axles, BF Goodrich 35's. I can understand the loud poping or actually a scary bang coming from the rear end when I accelerate hard when taking off from a parking lot BUT I do not understand why at highway speeds such as 80 Kph (50 MPH) the rear end just snaps violently quite often and actually gives the YJ a little torque sideways which you have to steer a brief second to control or correct the pull sideways. I cannot find any other people talking about this on any sites. Tires are almost new and have same air pressure. It is almost like the gears would be releasing and banging back in as they would while turning under power.
That's hard to diagnose with that description, but who installed the gears/lockers? Are all endplays/preloads correct? Which Detroit is it, older style or the newer "soft" lockers that are quieter? What tire pressures do you run? Try running 30 psi on road to make the tires less "grabby" then air down off road.
@@fasthog96 I guess I will have to take her apart and see if I notice anything funny. I bought the girl this way and do not know answers on your questions. I fear something bad because I had her out on dirt road today and she was snapping at speeds of around 20 to 30mph. It is almost like she is spooling up and releasing with a terrible jerking bang.
Would Spartan lunchbox lockers (front and back) be a good idea? JKU sport Dana 30 & 40. Thanks for the vid.
Well, they'll work and are easy to install. I don't think they're anywhere near as durable and I'm fairly certain that they're not cheap either. Personally I wouldn't bother.
@@fasthog96 A lunchbox is 300 or less... Just wondering... I've been told that a dana 30 is too weak for a locker. Personally, I think that's a load. I'm thinking a full Detroit on both ends will be just fine. Thanks for the help!
@@brianfedie8046 Well, a Dana 30 isn't the strongest but folks even break Dana 44's so I would disagree they're too weak for a Detroit. Depends on how you drive.
Yes Spartan lockers work great, I have them in the front and rear of my XJ with 35s.
good information, but I was hoping you would have video of driving around on and off road. Still, thanks for posting
Ahhh! Ask and you shall receive! If you look under my video list there is a video of me rock crawling and you'll see the lockers in action.
Thanks! I am giving serious consideration to going with a Detroit in my TJ with 33s. Some say I will crash and die especially since it snows here at times. I think I can adapt. I like the simplicity and durability of the Detroit.
I bought a 14 wrangler, it’s lifted with big mudders on it. I believe it might have Detroit lockers in the front. My issue is when I take tight turns like at a parking lot or at intersections, the front end makes a rattle noise and I notice that the wheels wiggle a bit. I’m not a fan of that at all. If someone could help me I’d be greatly appreciative. If taking the lockers out has to be the fix then fine. I just need advice as to what to install. The diff covers say Rancho on them. Btw I’m not totally intelligent in the off-road community.
Raise both rear tires off the ground. Plus one front one. Pit it in gear gently and see if it tries to move. With a Detroit, you'd be able to drive it right off the Jack stands with only thr one front tire in the ground. If the tire in the air spins and it doesn't even try to pull off the stands then its an open diff.
How do you like those Milestar Patagonia tires?
They're very nice! Quiet on-road, great traction off -road and very good in snow
I was wondering how the 456 gears are on the highway? I need new gears for my 35” tires but my Jeep is a everyday driver not just off-road. It has a 4.0 engine and 6 speed TJ 3.07 stock gear.
They work great! Just remember 4.56 gears with 35's are about like a 4.10 with smaller tires. Mine is a daily driver( mostly local) but it gets some highway. I limit speeds to about 60 or so. It will go faster but it wasn't built for that. A friend with the exact same setup as yours runs 4.88 gears and with the 6 speed overdrive it is VERY good on the highway. Do NOT make the mistake of not putting enough gear in it.......a big waste of money.
What part numbers are the true lockers? (not the TrueTrac) I asked my mechanic to install lockers and according to the part number, they are TrueTracs. I'm trying to convince him he messed up...
I'd have to go thru my receipts to tell you, but I ordered everything thru Quadratec. Call them and they can tell you. These are Eaton/ Detroit REAL mechanical lockers. Trutracs are NOT at all the same, more like a "limited slip" differential that do NOT lock both axles together.
Is it a true detroit? Or a detroit truetrac?
True lockers...….truetracs are good but they're only "limited slip" devices
The simplicity of the Detroit locker and lower cost is compelling. But the idea that every horror story I have heard over several decades on the downside of this method being a fabrication or some conspiracy is not credible. These can get you killed on wet roads if you lose focus on what can happen for even a moment. Would never consider one for the front on anything but an offroad-only rig.
Not as bad as you think. 99% of the folks retelling the horror stories never even drove one. On the front....unless power is being applied you would never know the locker is there. Kill you on a wet road?? Total bullshit....