Lockers....Locking for a final answer. **Update 7/21**

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:15 pm

I bought a DTT and a front diff from some shadey character from CO.

I purchased 4.10 gears for my rear axle cause the front diff already has them. I got to thinking about saving some labor costs by getting a locker put in at the same time. I acknowlege that the ARB air locker is the best, but too cost prohibitve with all the projects I have going. So I figured that since the Detroit Locker seems to be the popular 2nd best choice and it's a few hundred cheaper, I'll go with that.

From what I have been reading, there is no hard data on how these items will play with the factory ESP. I am glad to share my experiences with all (I think).

I have read that the DL will lock when you're on the power and unlock when you're off. I have also read that it will unlock in the turns....How does it know?

Although I don't have to worry about snow and ice anymore, there is a lot of rain. I am concerned about loosing control around turns and such.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:18 pm

The Detroit is awesome,one of the best lockers out there,but like you said how it and the ESP will react is unknown.If your that concerned I would say throw a TT in the rear also,from reading how ESP works the TT may be the best answer.

ARBSeth · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:18 pm

Full Carrier Detroit's DON'T unlock in the turns UNLESS you're off the gas. They can tell you're off the gas becasue the flat wound spring in there senses when you're on the coast side of the gears, causing the diff to "Unlock". They make a lot of noise in some applications, and bang and pop as they go in and out. They'll also make your rear end hop around if you're in a situation where one tire is turning faster than the other becasue you're off the gas (on-ramps where the worst for me... I always got on the gas too soon) and then hit the gas... the locker engages, pops and then the rear end suddenly wants to go the other way the nose is going!

They do work great off road, but putting one in a short WB, DD KJ probably isn't the greatest idea.

Forget where I work for a minute... ask around and most guys will tell you the same. If $$$ is an issue, get a TT. You'll be happier in the long run.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:13 pm

Seth what you said makes sense. Someone posted here that the DL unlocks in turns and it did not seem to make sense to me.

Maybe I should just cowboy up for the ARB, it's just a lot of change all at once. I just know that once I put one on my card, Marty is going to call me to let me know my sliders and roof rack are done.

Question about the ARB. When you activate it, does the pump run the whole time to keep it engauged?

jason thompson · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:13 pm

I have a Detroit in the rear of my TJ and am running Bias ply swampers which will make it seem worse
The "noise" and "pops and bangs" do not happen
They are not that bad in a turn even on the gas ,start the turn off the gas then ease into it and it does not get stupid
I would NEVER put anything else in the rear of a rig that sees trail time
Yes they will wear tires faster ,you may loose 5K out of a set of 4 but still worth it
When I first got it it did feel strange but now that I know what is going on it is worth it ,
Put it like this I can turn full lock in a parking lot ,which is sharper than what a KJ can, and drive forward and it will not pop bang or hop or do any thing stupid like that

I like it and fully plan to put one in the KJ

as far as the compressor on the ARB running all the time no as long as you dont have air leaks
it will run to air up then when you turn on the locker it will run to air it self back up

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:17 pm

So in summation; I have a "hell no " vote, an obstain and a "go ahead" on the Detroit Locker by three well-respected members of out community.

Not exactly the final answer I was looking for gents.

durangotang · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:09 am

Just do it ya big sissy :lol:

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:34 am

Hey, I didn't earn my shovel by being brave.

Milner · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:11 am

I have had Detroits in the rear of my EB (daily driven 15+years) and an XJ my wife drove daily for 10+ years. Even in the Utah winters. (I know you know how it gets here) EB still has them in both ends.
I've heard the stories too....But I can tell you, I did not notice the Det after the first week. You will adapt to it and pretty soon letting off/setting up for a corner will be second nature. Let off and ease into to the power as you corner and it will ratchet. Punch it and it will lock and push!
I have 2 ARB's installed by the PO in my PSD (took the front out yesterday) I have NEVER used them in 5 years! Both have leaked since I bought the truck. $4 seals and either a days work for me or $250 to have them replaced. Just not worth it to me.
I am a Det fan! Install and leave it alone, no worries, no compressor, no seals, not nothing, just a fully trustworthy locker!!
BTW the EB still has det in both ends.

ARBSeth · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:23 am

The compressor will run itself up to 100psi and hold it. It will cycle every 30 minutes or so to keep it within the spec. If it's doing it more than that, it's probably leaking somewhere. Use teflon paste, not tape and you won't have a problem. And pay for professional install from an authorized dealer... a lot of guys say they can do it... but you're better off in the long run using a guy that knows what's what with the locker and the diff. Air lockers aren't hard and the RD93 in the KJ is one of the easiest tp put in, but if the guy messes it up... you're gonna hate it. So find a good guy to put it in for you.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:23 pm

ARBSeth wrote:

The compressor will run itself up to 100psi and hold it. It will cycle every 30 minutes or so to keep it within the spec. If it's doing it more than that, it's probably leaking somewhere. Use teflon paste, not tape and you won't have a problem. And pay for professional install from an authorized dealer... a lot of guys say they can do it... but you're better off in the long run using a guy that knows what's what with the locker and the diff. Air lockers aren't hard and the RD93 in the KJ is one of the easiest tp put in, but if the guy messes it up... you're gonna hate it. So find a good guy to put it in for you.

X2
I have heard some stories about bad installs and even worse after the fact
had mine done buy a guy who at one time did all the ARB's for the local rep
when they shut down he started his own place but is not an ARB rep
I had an issue with the lollipop leaking ,copper hose got kinked in the diff.
He fixed it on his dime and showed me how to do it should I need to do it out on the trail
now that is some customer service

LostRenegade · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:41 pm

I went with a Detroit Locker in mine after my Powertrax blew... I have had the Detroit Locker for about 6 months now and it is awesome. Hardly can tell its there unless I punch it around a corner.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:44 pm

JL Rockies wrote:

So in summation; I have a "hell no " vote, an obstain and a "go ahead" on the Detroit Locker by three well-respected members of out community.

Not exactly the final answer I was looking for gents.

ok there it is
2 yes
1 no
1 50/50

I would say that the yeses have it

RAYMAN975 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:09 pm

i got a detroit locker, no-spin, couldnt be happier, gentle around corners, or taking off from a stop around a corner, and you dont even notice it. every once in a while it will squeal the tires if your a little hard on the gas, espcially in the rain, but nothing to worry about. best mod yet on my jeep i think, right up there with my lift

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:13 pm

I am wondering......to all those who talk about getting off power into turns......I bet you all have manual tranny.
Here's a scenario:

I am in a parking lot. I put her in reverse and the Jeep starts moving. In fact, when in reverse I ride the brake, never need throttle. So the locker is locked right? If so, how can I make the tight turn to leave the space? Am I going to have to drop it into neutral so I can turn?

On ramps and off ramps or whatever, I am in Drive, there's power to the drive train and the locker is locked not matter if I am on or off the throttle....Am I correct here?

ARBSeth · **Posted:** Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:12 am

Sort of... the locker will disengage if it's on the coast side of the gears.

So if you're off the gas, it's unlocked. The backing up thing is always tricky.. my CJ had a Detroit in it and I had a bitznatch of a time backing it up, the rear end hopped all over the place... the newer soft lockers don't have as many issues, but I've only sold them, not driven them so I don't know for sure. The same with an on/off ramp or changing lanes... you have to coast through it. Like all these guys say, you'll get used to it... but it can be a pain in the stupid sometimes.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:30 pm

I ordered a Detroit Locker today. It will get installed next week with my gears and front DTT. If it doesn't work, it's Ben's fault.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:09 pm

JL Rockies wrote:

I am wondering......to all those who talk about getting off power into turns......I bet you all have manual tranny.
Here's a scenario:

I am in a parking lot. I put her in reverse and the Jeep starts moving. In fact, when in reverse I ride the brake, never need throttle. So the locker is locked right? If so, how can I make the tight turn to leave the space? Am I going to have to drop it into neutral so I can turn?

On ramps and off ramps or whatever, I am in Drive, there's power to the drive train and the locker is locked not matter if I am on or off the throttle....Am I correct here?

I have an auto in my TJ
as far as backing up trust me you will not even notice it
when you are going down the road under power it will go along fine if you get off it will fell like it started to pull or something strange like that then when you get back on the gas it will kind of move again
this is not bad just a motion not a movement if you are ready for it ,used to driving the jeep locked
when me and a buddy who also has a detroit were going to a local park we were going behind each other and taking turns letting the jeep drift off down hill and pull back into the lane at the bottom
not holding the wheel tight it is funny to watch when you know what is going on but if you did not know you would have thought we were drunk
dont worry we were the only thing on the road ,no mans land

durangotang · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:01 am

JL Rockies wrote:

I ordered a Detroit Locker today. It will get installed next week with my gears and front DTT. If it doesn't work, it's Ben's fault.

Watch it or you just might be demoted to a rake! :lol:

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:53 am

I’m a little confused. We are talking about two lockers, right? Just for clarification for the rookie:

Locker #1 Detroit
Locker #2 ARB

Both are designed to work with 4:10 gears? Both will work with ESP? And what is the cost of each one?

Lockers....Locking for a final answer. Update 7/21

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