Whats the better diff lock: arb air locker or detroit truetrac?

[rickjonvik]

i want to install a diff lock in my rear axle 2007 ford ranger fx4, whats better the arb air locking system or detroit truetrac?

 

[Hahnsb2]

A TrueTrac is a limited slip, not a locker. I'll take a Detroit Locker over anything personally.

 

[strvger]

x2 on the Detroit locker. that's what i'm running and love it!

and Welcome to TRS !!

.

 

[gribly]

Depends on how much you want to spend. ARB if you have the money and want the selectable lock, or get the detroit or a powertrax if you want something cheaper.

 

[88_Eddie]

detroit....a selectable is nice, but you could almost buy 2 detroits for what one arb would cost after you buy the locker, get an air source and spend a bunch of time rigging it up. then it can always not wanna work, or spring an air leak, then you've got a $700 open diff

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I will also jump on the Detroit locker band wagon. I love mine.

 

[rickjonvik]

whats more reliable the truetrac or locker?

 

[Surrey]

I think I am going to go with Aussie lockers when I do my truck up.

 

[88_Eddie]

I think I am going to go with Aussie lockers when I do my truck up.

that's what i'm going with, i dont have the dough for 2 detroits. i've got one for my 8.8 and another lined up for my d35

 

[Surrey]

that's what i'm going with, i dont have the dough for 2 detroits. i've got one for my 8.8 and another lined up for my d35

Exactly, you can get two Aussies for the same price as one Detroit pretty much, and they have lifetime warranties and (from what I've heard, at least) amazing customer service.

edit - selectable lockers are typically prefered for daily drivers front axles though...

 

[3.0ranger1227]

Why? you could run a spool and it doesn't change anything if the hubs are unlocked...

That being said I'm going with an auburn ECTED when I get around to doing my rear end. LS with selectable full lock is awesome. so is the warranty that includes the clutches

 

[wahlstrom1]

Detroit locker, atleast you can buy parts for them. I put a hurt on my truetrac and can't get parts for it, so I had to weld the broken teeth up and remachine them to make it useable!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Why? you could run a spool and it doesn't change anything if the hubs are unlocked...

That being said I'm going with an auburn ECTED when I get around to doing my rear end. LS with selectable full lock is awesome. so is the warranty that includes the clutches

ECTED is junk. It is NOT a true locker, just a limited slip that tightens up when engaged.

 

[4x4junkie]

ECTED is junk. It is NOT a true locker, just a limited slip that tightens up when engaged.

Yup, I've seen 'em in action, they do not have any sort of positive-engagement mechanism. Instead it uses a ball-ramp system to add more pressure to the L/S clutches (which are used only on one side of the carrier too IIRC).

And spools up front are great if you only drive in straight lines (someone's gonna mention the "Get out & unlock one hub" thing... That'll get old real quick when you have to jump out of your truck each time you come to a curve). With a selectable locker, you can spool the axle at will from inside the cab, then go back to open diff when no longer needed.
However last I checked, there is no selectable locker made for the SLA IFS D35 on a '07.

As for a Detroit in the rear, I say go for it if you have an automatic transmission. I'd skip it though if you're driving a stickshift, get the ARB instead.

 

[gribly]

Why? you could run a spool and it doesn't change anything if the hubs are unlocked...

That being said I'm going with an auburn ECTED when I get around to doing my rear end. LS with selectable full lock is awesome. so is the warranty that includes the clutches

On three different occasions this year so far I have been in 4wd on pavement due to snow, and you need an open diff up front to steer going down the road in 6 inches of unplowed snow.