Locking front differential

[kbbeckius]

I know this has been discussed before, but I was pondering the idea recently, and happened to come across a new product. Initially I thought an ARB air locker could work, our vehicles already have a compressor. However I have found something that could be even a better choice, Eaton's new differential the E-Locker. Its an electrically actuated, magnetic locker. They are supposed to be available soon, the first set of applications include the 8.5/8.6" GM differential. One question though, are the front and rear differential components interchangable? Obviously the differential must be able to operate in an "open" mode, as limited-slip and locker types would make steering difficult at best.

Thx Brad

Whoa--Wait a minute don't our vehicles use the 7.5/7.6" rear? I don't know if they plan on offering an E-Locker for these diffs

After more research it looks as though the will offer a unit for the 8.2" GM front diff in 2003

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: kbbeckius on 2002-03-16 20:13 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: kbbeckius on 2002-03-16 20:25 ]</font>

 

[kbbeckius]

After furthur research, it looks like our front differential is the GM 7.2" ifs. There is a locker offered by lock-right and powertrax it slips in place of the spider gears. I don't think this would work too good though as it seems it would bind up the steering. I don't know, any thoughts??

Thx brad

 

[jwaller]

I have seen many guys run the lock right in off road apps. and for stock trucks( off road mind you) they can work for a while but, for trucks making lots of power the lock right doesnt seem to be able to take the punishment

 

[nomoty]

well clone311v6@Otelco.net has a locker front diff. for sale with only 10,600 miles that has never been used since locker was put in.

 

[rockvillespeed]

THEYRE MISERABLE SUCK SUCK SUCK ON THE STREET!!!!
NOISY AND CLUNKY AS HELL - PLUS, YOU'RE STEERING WOULD FEEL MOST FUNKY AS IT CAME IN AND OUT OF LOCK -
DO NOT - NOT - DO IT

 

[syclone383]

Humm, Do you have one in your truck? Not likely as the 2 I've installed have never made any noise what so ever, on the street or on the strip. The steering doesn't feel funky either. Perhaps your truck had other issues? The fastest all wheel drive truck in the country has ran one for the last 3 years with out any problems. 1.53 60fts on radials and it will probably go 1.40's this year and et in the 9's. To each his own.

 

[jwaller]

which 2 have you installed? what brand?

 

[syclone383]

PowerTrax Lock Right PN 1935 GM 7.5 inch 26 tooth spline IRS (Front) I believe the current JEGS PN is 754-92-0775-2605. It made a big difference in Hoovers truck but it still does the "Diddy" as he calls it when the fronts spin and fight for traction. If you ain't running 10's then you probably don't need one anyway.

 

[SYTYNUT]

Hey Sy383,

Could you either post more info here or send me an email in regard to these Q's please. Specifically, have you noticed any short coming in installing the Powertrax unit in Hoovers or anybody others Sy? I ask b/c were thinkin of puttin one in my buddy's bowtie Sy. Also, I researched Powertrax website last nite and they say on it your not supposed to run their unit in full time 4 wheel drive applications like ours on the street. You guys had any problems? How's it feel on the street? Any diff then stock? How many miles you put on their unit so far? Any probs? Do you have an before/after drag results? How hard was the install? You ever seen/used one in the rear diff?

My Sy does the "Diddy" now too and I'm just tryin to get more stable launches. WOW 1.53 60ft too, huh. Thats just AWESOME. I remeber at 99 Nats Hoovers Sy left so hard and straight and w/CONSISTENT 1.60's all day long. How'd he cut a 1.53 and whats he doin to get 1.40 60fts and 9's AWD? Any other traction secrets/mods you guys have tried out that have worked for ya?

TIA and I look forward to seein you guys and Hoover at the Nats.

 

[bdubb]

andrew had a locker in it. it was awesome, acutally made the truck feel like it was awd.

 

[JustBeachin]

On 2002-03-19 16:01, Dr Gonzo wrote:
andrew had a locker in it. it was awesome, acutally made the truck feel like it was awd.

Didn't it make his truck do gnarly left turns when he launched......?

 

[SPiN]

They eventually found out what that was, but I think it had nothing to do with the locker.

Something was shorter on the left side than the right side? Thats my technical description at least :smile: !

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: SPiN on 2002-03-20 10:40 ]</font>

 

[bdubb]

correct. his truck would still do it without the locker in it.

 

[kbbeckius]

This looks like it might be the best limited slip differential for the front in our application. Its made by Tractech, you know the makers of the infamous Detroit locker. anyway http://www.tractech.com/ they offer the "Detroit Truetrac" which they claim "Ideal for 4WD front axles or rear axles, as well as 2WD; light trucks, SUV’s, cars" This is a geared limited slip diff, which looks similar to the Zexel-Torsen type.

Whadda ya think??
Brad

 

[7dhamper]

So the only reason to not have posi in the front is because it messes with the steering, right? Well, how about on a 4X4 Jimmy? As long as I throw it back into 2WD after doing my thing, I should be able to turn just fine, right?

 

[10secTy]

I called to get pricing on the Detroit"TrueTrac" for our front diffs. I was later called back and told they where discontinued a couple years ago. Damn I did alot of reading about that diff and it would have been perfect for the front of our trucks. Ohh well.

Nolan

 

[2cold]

On a 4x4 Jimmy you'll be all right as long as as you can unlock the front hubs or make it so your frount axles are not engaged with each other when you switch back to 2 hi. On a 4x4 I'd say fuck it and I'd run even it does make it a little harder to turn.

 

[rockvillespeed]

no, i dont have one.
we have installed them for various customers over the years, mostly guys stop-gapping their way to a "real" (rear) diff - and they ARE clunky - they do get better with mileage, but i'd never want one in my personal car - i am speaking of street/strip cars, here.
we've installed 'em for offroaders up front, and they report good results - but they dont give a crap about steering feel, handling, etc - they just wanna crawl up a rock.
the tractec design would be ideal for a front unit.