Are you looking for a performance upgrade for your vehicle but not sure which differential to choose? The Detroit locker and the Truetrac are both popular types of locking differentials. But which one should you choose between Detroit locker vs. truetrac?
If you’ll be doing much off-roading and have a powerful vehicle, the Detroit Locker is a good choice because it’s built to handle the rigors of off-road driving. The Truetrac, on the other hand, is a better choice for on-road driving because it provides a smoother ride and is better suited for lighter vehicles.
In this blog post, I’ll compare the Detroit Locker vs. Truetrac and help you decide which one is best for you.
Comparison Table Of Detroit Locker Vs. Detroit Truetrac
| Criteria | Detroit Locker | Detroit Truetrac
|
| Ease of installation | Difficult to install; need special tools | Easy to install; does not require special tools |
| Reliability | Very reliable; has been used in racing applications for many years | Proven reliability in off-road and towing applications |
| Strength | Can handle high amounts of torque and power | Can handle high amounts of torque and power |
| Locking mechanism | Mechanical locking mechanism | Clutch-based locking mechanism |
| Differential type | Open differential | Limited slip differential |
| Ease of use | Once installed, does not require any maintenance or adjustment | Maintenance-free; does not require any adjustment |
| Pricing | Inexpensive compared to other locking differentials | Moderate pricing |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 2-year warranty |
| Made in the USA | Yes | Yes |
About Detroit Locker
The Detroit Locker is a locking differential that allows both wheels on an axle to rotate independently. This allows each wheel to maintain traction while negotiating different terrain, making it ideal for off-road use. It is also helpful for towing and hauling, as it prevents the wheels from binding up and losing traction.
The Detroit Locker is not a limited-slip differential, which uses clutch packs or cones to provide resistance to wheel slip. Instead, the Detroit Locker uses a ratcheting mechanism that locks the two halves of the differential together when one wheel begins to slip. This provides 100% lockup, meaning that both wheels will receive equal power and traction.
About Detroit Truetrac
Detroit Truetrac is a leading manufacturer of differentials for a variety of vehicles. The company’s products are designed to improve traction and performance, making them popular among off-road enthusiasts and racers. Detroit Truetrac was founded in 1984, and its products are now available worldwide.
The company’s differentials use a patented cone-clutch design that allows for smoother operation and increased durability. This design also allows for increased traction, allowing power to be distributed evenly to all wheels.
Detailed Comparison Of Detroit Locker Vs. Truetrac
The Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism of the Detroit Locker is a ratchet-type design that engages and disengages the Locker as needed. The Detroit Truetrac, on the other hand, uses a cone-type locking mechanism that is always engaged.
The ratchet-type design of the Detroit Locker means that it is less likely to engage when not needed, saving wear and tear on your drivetrain. The cone-type design of the Detroit Truetrac means that it is more likely to engage when not needed, which can cause wear and tear on your drivetrain.
If you are looking for a locker that is less likely to engage when not needed, the Detroit Locker is a good option, and a locker that is more likely to engage when not needed, the Detroit Truetrac is a good option.
Off-Road Capability/Terrain Suitability
Detroit Locker is better for extreme off-road conditions, such as rock climbing or mud bogging. At the same time, Detroit Truetrac is better suited for more moderate off-road conditions, such as sand or snow.
If you frequently find yourself in extreme off-road conditions, then Detroit Locker is the better choice. Detroit Locker’s locking mechanism is designed to keep both wheels locked together at all times, providing maximum traction and stability.
While Detroit Truetrac’s locking mechanism is not as robust as Detroit Locker’s, it is still more than adequate for most moderate off-road conditions.
Maintenance requirements
The Detroit Locker requires no maintenance other than occasional lubrication of the cross shaft and bearings. The Detroit Truetrac, on the other hand, requires regular maintenance in the form of periodic checks and preload adjustments.
Cost Comparison
The Detroit Locker is a locking differential that uses a clutch system to lock the wheels together when losing traction. The average cost of a Detroit Locker is about $570.
The Detroit Truetrac is a locking differential that uses gears to lock the wheels together when traction is lost, and the average cost of a Detroit Truetrac is about $540.
The Detroit Locker is slightly more expensive than the Detroit Truetrac, but both are considered to be high-quality locking mechanisms.
Compatibility With Other Drivetrain Components
When choosing between a Detroit Locker and a Detroit Truetrac for your vehicle, it is essential to consider the compatibility of the locking mechanism with the other drivetrain components.
The Detroit Locker is compatible with all drivetrain components, while the Detroit Truetrac is only compatible with specific drivetrain components.
The Detroit Locker is a locking differential that uses a clutch-based locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is compatible with all drivetrain components, including axles, transmissions, and transfer cases.
The Detroit Truetrac is a locking differential that uses a gear-based locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is only compatible with specific drivetrain components, including axles and transmissions.
Durability/longevity
Detroit Locker is designed for off-road use and is built to be incredibly tough and durable. It is made from heat-treated steel for strength and durability, and it features a double-lip seal to keep out water and debris.
Detroit Truetrac, on the other hand, is designed for both on- and off-road use. It is made from cast nodular iron for strength and durability, and it features a triple-lip seal to keep out water and debris.
Both locking mechanisms are incredibly tough and durable. Still, the Detroit Locker is specifically designed for off-road use and features a few extra features that make it even more durable.
If you are looking for a locking mechanism for your off-road vehicle, the Detroit Locker is the better choice. If you are looking for a locking mechanism for both on- and off-road use, the Detroit Truetrac is the better choice.
Efficiency
The Detroit Locker is an automatic locking differential that uses a ratcheting mechanism to lock the differential. When one wheel starts to slip, the ratchet mechanism locks the differential, transferring power to the other wheel. The Detroit Locker is very efficient in off-road conditions and provides 100% lockup when needed.
On the other hand, Detroit Truetrac is a limited-slip differential that uses clutch plates to provide traction to both wheels. The Detroit Truetrac is less efficient than the Detroit Locker in off-road conditions but still provides good traction.
Ease of installation
The installation of a Detroit Locker or Detroit Trutrac is straightforward. The only tools required are a socket set and a torque wrench. The installation can be completed in a few hours, and the average do-it-yourselfer should have no problem completing the installation.
Detroit Locker or Detroit Trutrac are designed to work with your existing factory axle and suspension components. There are no special modifications required for installation.
Remove the old differential carrier, install the new Detroit Locker or Detroit Trutrac, and reassemble. That’s it!
Noise-level
Detroit Locker is one of the quietest lockers on the market, thanks to its unique design that evenly distributes power to both wheels. This results in a smoother, more consistent operation that is significantly quieter than other locker options.
Detroit Truetrac, on the other hand, uses a series of gears and clutches to provide traction rather than locking the wheels together. This results in a locker that is significantly quieter than its locking counterparts but can still provide the same amount of traction when needed.
Weight Comparison
There are key differences between the Detroit Locker and the Detroit Truetrac. The first is weight. Also, the Detroit Locker weighs around 9.5 pounds, while the Detroit Truetrac weighs around 11 pounds. This may not seem like much of a difference, but it can add up over time and make a difference in how the Locker performs.
Key Benefits of Detroit Locker.
- Detroit Locker provides 100% traction to both wheels so that they will never slip, no matter how much power is applied.
- It is the most rugged and dependable locking differential on the market.
- Detroit Locker is perfect for off-road, mud, snow, and rock crawling.
- This Locker is the original locking differential and has been proven in racing applications for over 50 years.
- It is the most trusted name in locking differentials.
- It is backed by a nationwide network of authorized distributors and dealers.
- A limited lifetime warranty backs Detroit Locker.
Key Benefits of Detroit Truetrac
- The Detroit Truetrac is a proven performer with over three million units sold.
- It is the only gear-type limited slip differential on the market that is backed by a no-questions-asked, nationwide warranty.
- It is easy to install and requires no special equipment or lubricants.
- Truetrac is maintenance-free and will not chatter like clutch-type LSDs.
- It provides maximum traction without sacrificing ride quality or drivability.
- The Detroit Truetrac is backed by a comprehensive warranty and is made in the USA.
Finally, Detroit Locker vs. Truetrac: Which is better?
This is a difficult question, as the Detroit Locker and Truetrac have advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your driving style and needs. The Detroit Locker is a good option if you are looking for a strong and durable locking differential. However, if you are looking for a locking differential that is more versatile and can be used in various terrain, the Truetrac may be a better option.
Eaton Detroit Locker vs. Truetrac: The Main Difference
As the names suggest, the Eaton Detroit Locker and Truetrac are two very different locking differential systems.
The main difference between the two is that the Eaton Detroit Locker is a mechanical locking differential, while the Truetrac is an electronic locking differential.
The Eaton Detroit Locker is a locking differential that uses a series of spider gears to lock the two wheels together. This system is entirely mechanical and does not require any power to operate.
The Truetrac, on the other hand, is an electronic locking differential that uses sensors to detect when one wheel is slipping and then sends power to that wheel to help it regain traction.
The Eaton Detroit Locker is an excellent choice for off-roaders who want a locking differential that is tough and reliable. The Truetrac is a great choice for those who want an electronic locking differential that is easy to use and provides excellent traction control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit Truetrac a locker?
Not a “locker,” but a helical gear restricted slip differential; the Truetrac is a great option. Power is transferred from the spinning wheel to the wheel with the best traction through the Truetrac’s mechanism. Traction loss is transferred to the wheel with a larger traction capacity when one tire loses control.
What is diff locker best for the street?
With selectable lockers, people who require the traction benefit of an actual locking differential while commuting may have it both ways. Open-differential performance is predictable and steady when using these lockers, which may be activated and deactivated at will.
How well does the Detroit Truetrac work?
Medium-duty 2WD and 4WD applications benefit from Detroit Truetracs. There is little or no resistance in the steering wheel when using them in front-drive steering axles, and they perform effectively in both directions.
What is the difference between a locker and posi?
Using a clutch plate to keep the wheels together, a posi track differential is a limited-slip differential. Differential torque causes the clutch pack to release and the wheels to rotate at different rates. A locker mechanically secures the wheels.
How long do limited slip differentials last?
After 100,000 miles, most rigs will require their rear differential repaired. Before 60,000 miles, the limited slip will likely need to be repaired if the vehicle is often driven on sand, dirt, gravel, or snow.
Is a Detroit Locker streetable?
Even though the Detroit Locker may be used on the street, the Detroit Locker was initially designed for heavy-duty, off-road applications. Eaton has a wide range of applications for heavy-duty vehicles on the road as well.
How strong is a Truetrac?
Maximum continuous torque for the Truetrac designs ranges from 2,500 Lb-Ft to 25,000 Lb-Ft, depending on the model. More giant gears and additional pinion sets may be used to increase the machine’s capacity.
So, Which One Is For Your Automobile?
The Detroit Locker is perfect for vehicles that see much off-roading or need extra traction in slippery conditions. The Truetrac, on the other hand, is a limited-slip differential that sends more power to the wheel with more traction.
So which one should you use in your vehicle between Detroit Locker vs. Truetrac?
If you’re mainly using your car on the street and don’t do much off-roading, the Truetrac is probably the better option. If you spend most of your time off-road or in challenging weather conditions, the Detroit Locker is the way to go – it can handle any terrain or condition you might encounter.
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