Topic: Detroit locker in winter???? ABSOLUTELY!

[GzrGlide]

Thought I would post some real world experience with a Detroit locker being used in a DD on ice & snow covered roads.

This is our first winter with the Detroit locker in our Super 35 kit we had installed this last summer in our 98, 4 banger TJ w/5spd, running on 33x10.5 BFG MTs and 4.88 gears.

The short version is that I don't know what all the worry is about with auto lockers in the winter. I haven't had any issues with this set-up. None!

We've had snow and ice covered roads here for several months now and I haven't had so much as even a sudden rear-end swing out. There were times where I really wondered if it was even working. Trust me it works just fine.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. No hesitation. I love the simplicity of the Detroit. No airlines, compressors, wiring or cables to worry about. It will either work or it won't.

It still bangs or pops the odd time (did it much more when it was new) but that's just the nature of the beast, and besides it's fun to wake up the pedestrians every once in a while.

So for anyone considering a Detroit for a DD used in the winter, just do it. I haven't regretted it and I don't see that changing.

[garydubf]

I think that most peoples experiences with the rear end coming around is a direct link to a heavy foot on the go pedal while dring in ice and snow.  Detroits are awesome!!

[Jeffy]

You should be able to learn/adjust to keeping the Detroit quiet for 99% of the time.  But it's that 1% where you either turn your wheel as you come to a stop, let off the throttle in a turn then get back on it or shift when turning, does the locker get a bit unpredictable.  I'm sure you guy's know exactly what I'm talking about.

Oh there is one other scenario;  having a locked rear can cause rear steer.  That's when you're in a turn and you can steer the vehicle with the throttle.  This is because the rear is able to break loose easier and go into a mild drift/powerslide.

We don't get that much snow here, at least not at where I am, but we do get black ice.  I've had the rear twitch (less then a wiggle) and my passengers never noticed it.  I've also had the rear wiggle when turning and again the passenger never noticed.  It probably had to do with my finesse with the throttle and not panicking.  I've had my Detroit Softlocker over 8 years now and no problems.  Snow, ice, rain, etc...

I think the problems are blown out of proportion by those who hear about the 'features'  of the Detroit and haven't ever driven with long enough.

[callenst]

Why buy the super 35 kit with the detriot and superior axles for ~1060$, when you can get the Ox/Alloy axles for ~1030?   Are the superior really worth the cost diff?  Im seconds away from upgrading my axle.   I live in Northern Utah so snow n' ice are an issue.

[Jeffy]

Why buy the super 35 kit with the detriot and superior axles for ~1060$, when you can get the Ox/Alloy axles for ~1030?   Are the superior really worth the cost diff?  Im seconds away from upgrading my axle.   I live in Northern Utah so snow n' ice are an issue.

A bit OT but; the Super 35 uses 30 spline 1.30" shafts as opposed to the stock 27 spline 1.13" shafts.

[callenst]

Sorry the Ox locker with 30 spline alloy shafts with a cable/diff cover is 1039.   Why go for the detroit and superior?

[Jeffy]

Sorry the Ox locker with 30 spline alloy shafts with a cable/diff cover is 1039.   Why go for the detroit and superior?

Missed that part...  Still the Detroit has been a round for a long time and is simple as can be.  Nothing to adjust, switch or turn on.  Also, it's fairly inexpensive as well.

[TheSlowNorris]

Just my .02 cents...

I got a s35 kit with a Detroit locker for $450, then I had six states put it in (Getting all bearing/seals done as well) for $404.

Didn't know how I would like it, but it was well worth $854 to have a little faith in your rear end.

My driving experience:

- In snow, lay heavy on the gas rear slides out, take it easy? Traction is killer, handles way better!

- Following Jeffy's advice on shifting on corners is straight on.

- Torque steering shifting on hard acceleration

- Noise when disengaging clutch (It's a jeep, so no worries, makes it sound like driving my Grandpa's Willys :) )

- And, this is odd, shifting from 1st to 2nd became really rough (Sorta rough going from 2nd to 3rd). However, downshifting isn't rough at all. 6-States assured me this was totally 'normal.' Don't think so on the issue of 1st to 2nd. I think disengaging the clutch is unloading the drive train. I have found a couple of hits on the net about this, but it's still a bit of a mystery to me.

All in all? Except for the rough shifting (Not the 'clunk' of clutch disengagement) I really gotta say I like the Detroit auto locker. Makes the Jeep drive like a jeep. Like to get one in the front too. Maybe it'll make my girlie tj drive more like my old CJ5  or Gramps CJ3B !!!

[Bounty Hunter]

I run a rear spool in my DD and it too drives very well on snow and ice. 

[grumpygy]

Had one in my old truck only time it got out of control so was I.   Real easy to drive.

  Jeep has a Posi in it works ok.

  My truck, no nothing and it is scary at times.  Been stuck in my driveway when iot slide into the ditch.  Had to pull it out with the Jeep.

[Torch_Ind]

I run a lunch box locker to witch is locked under any slight load accelerate or deceleration.  been great don't have any issues. only people saying issues with full time lockers is having them in the front.

[jfrabat]

Oh there is one other scenario;  having a locked rear can cause rear steer.  That's when you're in a turn and you can steer the vehicle with the throttle.  This is because the rear is able to break loose easier and go into a mild drift/powerslide.

The best explanation of what oversteer and understeer is I got from Top Gear, and they also explain why oversteer is better.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/zoICf55jED8?version=3&amp;amp;hl=en_US" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/zoICf55jED8?version=3&amp;amp;hl=en_US</a>

Sorry, but I just LOVE that show...

Felipe