Detroit driveability?

[Jared]

So, I've got a TJ with the D44 rear axle with 3.55 gears and a factory limited slip. I have a LP D30 up front with 4.10's ready to go in the TJ.

I'm going to regear the 44 to match the new front and will have to replace the carrier to do so. So I figure, "Why not get a nice locker while I'm at it?"

I've run rear lunchbox lockers before and frankly have not been impressed with the driveability. The pops, bangs and unintentional lane changes after a turn just flat out suck.

So... my question is - Are the full case Detroits better behaved on the asphalt? I understand that a selectable locker would be better, but about $300 more than a Detroit.

OK all you Detroit Locker'd folks, chime in!

Thanks,
Jared

 

[James K]

I think it drives fine.

the longer the WB the less you feel the effects, JMO

 

[Badger]

i constantly hear these stories of lane changing when having a Detroit but in the years i have run them never once experienced this so called twitchy rear crap.its called learn to drive with one in either let off the gas all the way through the turn or use the gas all the way through it.

 

[Herzog]

i constantly hear these stories of lane changing when having a Detroit but in the years i have run them never once experienced this so called twitchy rear crap.its called learn to drive with one in either let off the gas all the way through the turn or use the gas all the way through it.

Those stories usually come from people driving with standard transmissions. Detroits are much smoother with automatics.

 

[rxcarl5]

I run a detroit in the rear of my jeep and have done so for about 5 years now. It really isnt that bad to drive at all. I do have a manual transmission and have felt the release but not to the degree of it trying to change lanes. If it were me I would choose the detroit I love mine and it drives just fine on the road.

 

[Milner]

Yep, I pretty much agree with all the above! I drove my Bronco daily for 12+ years with a Det, and Ang's XJ was a DD for 10+years with a Det. Not a problem for either of us, I actually kinda miss driving with one

Anybody want to trade a 10.25 Detroit for my ARB??

 

[Jared]

That's pretty much what I figured. I've driven lunchbox style lockers with both sticks and autos and agree that they're smoother with an auto. The TJ is both short wheelbased and a manual trans, so I wanted to be sure it wasn't an occasionally frightening experience to drive with a Detroit in the rear. Especially since it's my wife's daily driver.

Thanks,
Jared

 

[Max Power]

Maybe you should ask your wife what she wants because if she hates the locker you will hear about it. Also ask yourself if you think she can adjust her driving style to that of a locked rearend.

 

[kobyhud]

I have just recently gotten used to driving with one. Torque steer is weird on the road. It isn't a huge deal on the freeway. I find it more disconcerting at the middle speeds... like 35 to 45 while taking onramps and offramps and such. You do need to get used to having the throttle either on or off in the corners.

If I was really driving it all the time it would drive me insane. I vote for the selectable.

 

[neagtea]

I have drove detroits on the road for years and haven't had any issues. They are a little different than driving open diffs. The new ones are better than the old ones. Longer wheelbase rigs it is hardly noticeable. Oh Yea LUNCHBOX LOCKERS SUCK. IMO.

 

[Badger]

yes Detroit now puts out the soft locker which isn't so harsh on the engage disengage

 

[reddevil]

My wife likes to chirp the tires around corners, so she likes the detroit. I don't even think about it when driving around, I think it's great.