Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
LOCKERS & LIMITED SLIPS SELECTABLE LOCKERS BUYERS GUIDE AUBURN ECTED LOCKER Instead of offering an open differential when the locking mechanism is disengaged, the Auburn ECTED is a clutch-type limited-slip differential in standard mode. This provides a little added traction control but the bias is not set up so firm that steering or ride comfort is affected. As with other electronic lockers, when activated an electromagnet fully locks the clutches together – there is no gear-type engagement with pins or shift forks that must engaged. That allows for activation at almost any speed. Officials say the design is watertight, so boaters need not worry about going under water to launch their craft. As with the Auburn LSDs, the ECTED is covered under a replacement warranty. Street price: $775 OX LOCKER ARB AIR LOCKER Perhaps the best-known locker worldwide on the market today, the ARB requires an air compressor and careful routing of the air lines. For active off-roaders or those who tow in sand and need to air down tires, the ARB on-board air compressor is always useful. In normal operation, the ARB performs like an open differential. With the flick of a switch, the driver can engage the locking mechanism – which prevents the differential gears from rotating – on the fly within a reasonable speed. When the driver hits the switch again, a solenoid releases the air pressure inside the differential seal housing and the clutch gear moves out of position to unlock the differential gears. Street price: $800 to $925 plus cost of air compressor or storage tank system. EATON ELOCKER The Eaton E-Locker uses an electromagnetic mechanism to lock both wheels when the driver hits the switch. The basic construction of the E-Locker is a 4-pinion, collar-style design. When it was first developed in the late '90s, the unit featured a series of pins that locked the side gear to the differential case. The new style with a locking ring has broadened the application possibilities. The locking mechanism can be engaged at speeds up to 20mph as long as the wheels are turning at the same rate. In other words, you can't lock it on the fly if one wheel is spinning more than 50 rpm faster than the other. The kit includes all necessary switches and wiring. Street price: $700 to $950 Popular with modified Jeeps and rock crawlers for its stout construction, the OX Locker has limited applications in the full-size truck market. The OX functions similar to the ARB but has three options for actuation: hand-operated cable, electric and pneumatic. The OX provides full locking capability when engaged and an open differential when disengaged. All OX lockers come with a unique diff cover that is integral to the operation. Street price: $850 to $950 (additional cost may be required, depending on actuation method) AUTOMATIC LOCKERS BUYERS GUIDE EATON DETROIT LOCKER The Detroit Locker is arguably the cornerstone of the traction-improvement aftermarket, especially for off-highway activities. It's used from NASCAR to Trophy Trucks with proven success, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice for trucks driven mostly on the street. The Detroit Locker is notorious for noisy and clunky operation while making a turn. Some owners complain of a slight driveline slop or backlash. However, when traction is needed, both tires are locked together and there is no wheel-speed differentiation. Some truck owners like to use Detroit Lockers up front since they use 4WD only off roading or in snow/ice conditions and the extra weight of the engine helps add grip. Detroit Lockers also have one of the widest application ranges of any LSD or locker. Street price: $450 to $800 t RICHMOND LOCKRIGHT RICHMOND POWERTRAX NOSLIP u The Lock-Right is an economical version of a full locking differential. It installs into a standard open differential carrier without special tools. Like other lockers, it will make a ratcheting noise as the driver disengages from the coupler teeth repeatedly through a turn, which allows the outside axle to turn faster than the inside wheel. The Powertrax NoSlip provides the same locking performance but with better manners. It features a synchronizing ring that holds the driver away from the coupler teeth. This additional engineering also adds a little cost. Neither version is available for any American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) axle that is original equipment on late model vehicles. Street price: $375 to $600 for the Powertrax No-Slip and $300 to $425 for the Lock Right. 76 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Lockers Limited Slips.indd 76 8/6/13 10:18 AM