Which locker in a Dana 44 rear?

[86 CJ-7]

I'm looking into all locker options out there for my CJ-7. If there is a best choice out there, which locker would you go with and why? Money is always a concern, but many are competitively priced. Thanks.

 

[Drew_XJ]

is it your daily driver?

 

[DOSS]

If it is your DD get either a ARB or an OX.. If this is just your toy either being trailered or just driven to trails get a Detroit and be done with it.. Heck get a spool and be cheap

 

[jdub]

I have a Detroit true track atomatic locker in my '86 d44 rear. It wheels well, but even better it's almost non-existant when driving around town. helps in the snow too. I'd definatley suggest it for a dd rig. I have never heard mine pop or any kind of chatter. Very invisible untill you need it!

 

[Drew_XJ]

I have a Detroit true track atomatic locker in my '86 d44 rear. It wheels well, but even better it's almost non-existant when driving around town. helps in the snow too. I'd definatley suggest it for a dd rig. I have never heard mine pop or any kind of chatter. Very invisible untill you need it!

thats what i was gonna suggest unless its a trailer queen then full spool and your done

 

[notajeep]

I might be a little different, But I am a huge fan of the full spool for the rear. Simple, strong, cheap, the chicks dig the funny sounds I make in the parking lot. :greg:

 

[jdub]

I've heard you turning challenged squakers in moab, Do you find yourselves frequently needing new tires? Or is it just a noise issue?

 

[Kiel]

I might be a little different, But I am a huge fan of the full spool for the rear. Simple, strong, cheap, the chicks dig the funny sounds I make in the parking lot. :greg:

Chicks eh? Thats not what I heard

 

[waynehartwig]

I agree.. Either a selectable locker (ARB) or LSD (TruTrac). It just depends how much of a locker you need. If a LSD is good enough, then go that route. But if you need it to be 100% locked, then ARB. Or if it's a trailered rig, then Spool or a Detroit. But do a Detroit if it's a DD, you'll regret the way it handles in the snow. Granted it works, and you can get use to it.. Especially if you are towing anything with your rig, don't get a Detroit.

 

[jdub]

Wanes' right I have to make sure I'm not too close to other cars, My jeep swerves and pulls, especially when in 4X4. Keeps things interesting! But yeah I guess I'm used to it. I have experimented in ice or gravel. The detroit true trac, like other soft lockers will still slip. If you put one tire in snow/ice and the other in dry pavement it will slip in the ice but still keep you going on the dry side. This is where I'm ignorant.... Is the only difference between the detroit tt and a limited slip in a newer model vehicle built for snow conditions, handling. Is that a detriot isn't nesecarily meant for snow but a lot stronger?

 

[waynehartwig]

Wanes' right I have to make sure I'm not too close to other cars, My jeep swerves and pulls, especially when in 4X4. Keeps things interesting! But yeah I guess I'm used to it. I have experimented in ice or gravel. The detroit true trac, like other soft lockers will still slip. If you put one tire in snow/ice and the other in dry pavement it will slip in the ice but still keep you going on the dry side. This is where I'm ignorant.... Is the only difference between the detroit tt and a limited slip in a newer model vehicle built for snow conditions, handling. Is that a detriot isn't nesecarily meant for snow but a lot stronger?

Standard Detroit locks up like a spool when there is torque on the driveline, and when removed, opens like an open differntial. Hence the reason for over/understeer on icy/snowy roads.

Detroit TrueTracs are a limited slip, but they are clutchless. So you don't need any special fluids or modifiers and they won't wear out. Also, unlike other limited slips, a truetrac will transfer power to the wheel that isn't slipping from the wheel that is. And since they are clutchless, they are ok for front installs. These are also fairly inexpensive, $425 to your door.

Limited slips are pretty much 'never know they are there until you need them'. They are quiet, no banging or popping, or wierd handling things.

 

[N-Smooth]

i have a full spool in mine and love it. it was cheap and my rig is a trailer queen. i have taken it to highway speeds and it handles fine.
if you stay on it around corners the detroit acts just like a spool (a really expensive spool)

 

[waynehartwig]

i have a full spool in mine and love it. it was cheap and my rig is a trailer queen. i have taken it to highway speeds and it handles fine.
if you stay on it around corners the detroit acts just like a spool (a really expensive spool)

Exactly, but then you would always know it was locked, and wouldn't have issues with under/oversteer. So if it's a trailer queen, just lock it up in the rear and be done. Cheap too... You could do a lunchbox style spool (mini spool) for about $50 (I'm not looking at a price sheet, just guessing). lol Got my curiousity up, $75 to your door.

 

[N-Smooth]

Exactly, but then you would always know it was locked, and wouldn't have issues with under/oversteer. So if it's a trailer queen, just lock it up in the rear and be done. Cheap too... You could do a lunchbox style spool (mini spool) for about $50 (I'm not looking at a price sheet, just guessing). lol Got my curiousity up, $75 to your door.

i don't get it... i have a spool. my friends have detroits, thats where i experienced the "spoolish" features yet higher cost.
i put a minispool in my bros sami, myself! it was very cheap

 

[bobdog]

Detroit lockers are just fine in daily drivers. They are not just like a spool. I can drive mine with out ever chirping a tire. It might take a day or two to learn the characteristics of one but once you do it is no problem.

 

[ChestonScout]

I wouldnt get a truetrac. There is a bolt that holds them together and it tends to walk out which detroys the truetrack, gears, and your diff cover. I have seen it a couple times and heard of it happening several other. I used to have a spool in the Scout and I loved it! It wasnt my daily driver but I drove it a lot. I am now running detroits front and rear. I wouldnt hesitate for a minute putting a detroit in a DD (except the cost) but thats just me.

Have you ever heard of anyone with an ARB that hasnt had problems with it engaging?? If they do engage they are great but I just dont trust them. Too many variables. Busted airline, leaking airline, compressor not working, etc. etc. So now youve spent twice as much as a detroit and it wont even lock up for you. Again its just all personal preference.

Just weld up your spider gears and go wheel!

 

[mbryson]

...........Have you ever heard of anyone with an ARB that hasnt had problems with it engaging?? If they do engage they are great but I just dont trust them. Too many variables. Busted airline, leaking airline, compressor not working, etc. etc. So now youve spent twice as much as a detroit and it wont even lock up for you. Again its just all personal preference.

I'll run one again. I never had any issues with the blue line, the electrical junk or anything other than housing failure. VERY happy with my ARB experience. They're VERY predictable.

 

[ID Bronco]

Detroit all the way. Good road manners and always locks up when needed.

 

[notajeep]

I still vote for the spool. the chicks dig it.... In the parking lot and on the trail! :greg:

 

[Herzog]

I still vote for the spool. the chicks dig it.... In the parking lot and on the trail! :greg:

As much as I like the simplicity of spools, they sure suck for technical turns and tire wear.

I'll vote detriots on both ends.