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feedback on an Auburn E-locker


F150hybred

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Ok.. As the title of this thread stated, I'm looking for feedback on an Auburn ECDET locker. http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarket/product_listing.aspx?category=8946f7ff-e4b5-4b07-b738-c6f9d7f93179

I'm giving this one consideration for a number of reasons.. First and foremost, My Explorer IS a daily driver. The differential in question is in itself a limited slip with the ability to be locked up at the flick of a switch. I would believe that this would make it an ideal choice for a daily driver that will see some off road, more on road than off.
What I need is some feedback... I haven't seen good or bad written on them and hope someone has had some experience with them.
Below is a picture of the Explorer I intend to install this in.
 


Wicked_Sludge

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the auburn locker isnt a locker. its a limited slip with a preload that can be adjusted "on the fly". this means even with it locked, it can still slip, as im sure hahns' video shows.

ive heard nothing but complains from people that have used them. the general consencus is "i wish id gotten a real locker".

there are tons of lunchbox lockers on daily drivers on here. they seem to work just fine.
 

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I was there while that above vid was shot and can attest to it being "on".

Like Sludge said, it's not a true locker, it lacks any form of positive engagement (lock pins, splined clutch gears, etc). When you push the button, all that happens is the preload gets ramped up on the L/S clutches via a ball-ramp mechanism. As the clutches wear, I can only see it holding less & less.

Go ARB if you want selectable.
 

F150hybred

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My reason for thinking of the Auburn was for a couple reasons. First, it's a limited slip in it's normal operation. The second was the idea that is was in fact a locker when I would choose it to be. I appreciate your input guys.
 

Wicked_Sludge

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it sounds like a great idea....and it would be if it actually locked when you flipped the switch.
 

crawlin91

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I researched lockers and limited slips alike on several sites and Ive heard nothing but bad about these E lockers. Go with an ARB. I went Detroit Truetrac (Limited slip, probably the best LS unit on the market) in the rear and will be locking up the front end, probably with an Aussie when funds allow.
 

F150hybred

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Quite honestly, it was a toss up between the Auburn and a Detriot Locker. I liked the idea of a limited slip for every day use and the posibility of a locker with the flip of a switch. I'm leaning more to the Detroit locker idea after hearing what I have.
 

crawlin91

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Ive heard the powertrax no slip runs fairly smooth. I didnt go full lock because its my DD and Ive got a manual tranny, and ARBs are pricey. Well see how the Truetrac does.
 

Todd

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What about the Detroit E locker? I think that it’s a true locker when engaged.
 

racinranger

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im gona second the true trac. its a damn tight limited slip. my fx4 has the torsen in the rear and i can definitly tell you that it isnt anything like a regular l/s is. it does act funny tho under some throttle and a turn. it almost goes full locker at that point. depends on what your willing to put up with. some peoples idea of streetable are DRASTICALY different than others
 

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Cash is an issue here. That was my reason behind choosing either a Detroit locker or an Auburn. Both are comparably priced and there is NO FLIPPIN way I'm gonna pay over a thousand bucks for an ARB!
 

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To update the thread, I went with a lunch box locker. Being on a budget, it was the sensible thing to do. I did swap the carrier from the L/S to an open as strength in the L/S in not all the great when a lunchbox locker is installed. It has been some time now and I have only one bad thing to say about it... maybe two thing. One, It can sure give a person a feeling of being able to go anywhere. Second, They don't like regular gear oil when the temps get to the minus thirty Celsius range or colder. Synthetic is the way to go on these in the climate I'm in.
 

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