Detroit Lockers and Fullsize Pickups

[BPTactical]

Detroits are harsh on the street as they are a direct mechanical differential.
You are better with an Eaton, Yukon or similar for a truck that is regularly on the street.

[gnihcraes]

As reported above. My detroit locker in my GM14 bolt. Bangs loudly sometimes on pavement in parking lots, it doesn't like the sharp turns and unlocks with some force. Chirps and Hops at times on pavement.

Great in winter, nearly unstoppable in snow etc.

[ColoradoTJ]

I wouldn't even consider a Detroit locker on the street, let alone in a truck. If you don't mind coasting through corners, never have any weight in the bed or don't tow, go for it.

Otherwise, get a limited slip with clutches so you don't explode something on the street. This is coming from a guy that has two Yukon Lockers, and has owned a "few" Detroit Lockers in the past. I had one explode right in front of my house while turning into my driveway. Axle shaft broke and took out the carrier.

For the G80 guys....it is a locking differential, not a locker. After 20 mph the locking mechanism is no longer useful. Pretty sweet setup so far for me.

[gnihcraes]

my 88 chevy had the gm locker/limited slip, it blew up one day out of the blue.

[ColoradoTJ]

Those years of Gov-locks were not very consistent...that is for sure.

[To Bear Arms]

Every 4x4 I have owned has had some sort of a locker in it.
I had a '78 Jimmy that I put an ARB up front and a Detroit in the rear. It was my DD for many years. On ice the rear end wanted to pass you, but in normal snow conditions it was fine. Every once in a while, while driving straight down the road the rear Detroit would "pop" and you could feel it "unload" the axle. Lockers and spools are hard on the shafts so it would be a good idea to "upgrade" your shafts if they are available.
My first "locker" I ever had was a lock-rite. Don't know if they are still around but was pretty easy to install compared to a Detroit or ARB. If you have the money I would run ARB's.

[ray1970]

My two cents...

Unless you are doing serious off roading or trying to drive through two and a half feet of snow smart decisions and good driving skills will likely get you wherever you need to go without the clunks, bumps, slips and extra wear and tear that you'll get from most locking type differentials.

[hurley842002]

My two cents...

Unless you are doing serious off roading or trying to drive through two and a half feet of snow smart decisions and good driving skills will likely get you wherever you need to go without the clunks, bumps, slips and extra wear and tear that you'll get from most locking type differentials.

I also agree with this, that being said, my current vehicle and previous vehicle came with factory equipped electronic locking diffs, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[whitewalrus]

Detroits are harsh on the street as they are a direct mechanical differential.
You are better with an Eaton, Yukon or similar for a truck that is regularly on the street.

I agree with this, I love my Eaton I have now. Used to have a jeep with the Detroit, if I was to put another in a vehicle it wouldn't be in a daily driver and for something that is almost exclusive offroad use.

[Martinjmpr]

I also agree with this, that being said, my current vehicle and previous vehicle came with factory equipped electronic locking diffs, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

E-lockers are sweet. My 99 4Runner had one and it was awesome.


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