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Author Topic: Front Detroit or Spool?  (Read 8055 times)

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Offline neale_rs

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Front Detroit or Spool?
« on: May 19, 2010, 04:16:11 PM »
I've read conflicting information: that it is hard to turn with a front locker, that it's really not so bad, etc.  So, assuming off-road use only, 4 Low engaged, and no street use: What would allow easier steering off road, a front Detroit Locker or a front spool (or locked ARB for instance)?

Thanks
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Offline FourbangerYJ

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2010, 04:24:00 PM »
A Detroit will give you a tighter turning radius than the Spool or ARB (when engaged).
While in 4WD the front will want to push (try and stay going in a straight line even though the wheels are turned) but it's not bad. I don't think it's that noticeable. I am talking about the steering wheel wanting to return to center while in a turn.
The Detroit is the only one I would want to run in the front. Cheaper than the ARB, less to go wrong,no wiring, no spare parts to carry.
A spool would be a better choice for the rear, but I would still want the Detroit.
« Last Edit: May 19, 2010, 04:25:36 PM by FourbangerYJ »
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Offline Jeffy

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2010, 04:41:24 PM »
In the front, a Spool, ARB or even a LSD will under-steer when in 4WD.  A Detroit will also, if it's under power.  If you left off the Detroit will unlock and become more neutral.

In the rear, everything is opposite.  A Spool or ARB will want to over-steer and the Detroit will also, until it unlocks.
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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2010, 05:03:10 PM »
It sounds like a front Detroit is the way to go.  The ultimate setup would probably be a differential that could be selected between open and automatic locking. 

Thanks

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Offline Jeffy

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2010, 05:09:02 PM »
Quote from: neale_rs on May 19, 2010, 05:03:10 PM
It sounds like a front Detroit is the way to go.  The ultimate setup would probably be a differential that could be selected between open and automatic locking. 

Thanks


A Detroit is very predictable once you get used to it.  You can keep it locked up or release it with more or less throttle.

If I redo my axles, I'll probably either go Detroit/ARB or maybe ARB/ARB.
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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2010, 05:35:57 PM »
The ARB is a great choice for the rear axle, best of both worlds on and off road as far as handling in concerned.
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Offline Jeffy

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2010, 05:46:16 PM »
Quote from: neale_rs on May 19, 2010, 05:35:57 PM
The ARB is a great choice for the rear axle, best of both worlds on and off road as far as handling in concerned.
The thing I don't like about the Detroit is the 'one-legged pirate' dance it does when you're making a sharp turn from a stop.  The outer wheel is un-powered and the inner is touchy so you'll usually get wheel hop if you have to be quick.

Being able to induce a bit of over-steer is always fun though.
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Offline aw12345

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2010, 06:32:18 PM »
I am sold on ARB's, they take a lot of abuse, work well and are pretty darn reliable.
It is what is going to go in my hammers Jeep. I do not care for the detroits one bit, drove several jeeps with Detroits in them and do not care for their manners. Why learn to live with something when there are better lockers available
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Offline Bounty Hunter

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2010, 09:41:40 PM »
I run spools in both ends, have for years.  Ran lincoln lockers in both ends for years before the spools.  Traction is crazy good, they're KISS reliable, and they've very predictable onroad and off.  Mine is also a daily driver, but it's not for everybody.
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blacknblue

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #9 on: May 20, 2010, 09:09:12 AM »
Anyone have experience with OX lockers?
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Offline FourbangerYJ

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2010, 10:01:57 AM »
As far as making it harder to turn with a front locker it depends on what your doing at the moment. For the most part IMO you don't really know it's there while in 4WD. (in 2WD it's invisible) If you have the steering bound up on something and are trying to turn the wheel then ya it's hard to turn the wheel. Sometimes turning off the locker if you can helps, sometimes it don't. It does put a bit more stress on your steering gear. Luckily I have not had any problems with fluids becoming to hot. A steering cooler is a good idea with a front locker. Also your front shafts and U joints are stressed a lot more. Upgraded shafts are a real good idea!

I like my set up a lot! I know people that have ARB's and love there set up. I don't run with anyone who runs a spool or Lincoln locker. I think given a choice most go with either ARB or Detroit or a mix of both. Detroit front ARB rear would be a real nice setup! I have thought about upgrading to 35 spline rear shafts and the only choice for a locker is  ARB. I could do the 33 spline and stay with Detroit too,but the extra beef is always nice.
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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #11 on: May 20, 2010, 10:53:13 AM »
It's probably kind of like with my rear ARB.  If I ran the same section of trail with it off and then with it on, I might notice some difference.  But with it on all the time I don't know if the steering would have been any different with it off.  Personally I don't notice any difference in steering with it locked in the rear.  Well, just the sliding downhill on off camber sections when too much gas is applied.

I found a kit that includes 4340 30 spline front shafts and an ARB that is looking pretty good!

Is the Detroit Locker available for 30 spline shafts for the D30?  Are the 30 spline shafts really needed?  They seem to cost the same as the 27 spline...
« Last Edit: May 20, 2010, 10:58:35 AM by neale_rs »
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Offline sharpxmen

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #12 on: May 20, 2010, 12:00:54 PM »
Quote from: neale_rs on May 20, 2010, 10:53:13 AM
It's probably kind of like with my rear ARB.  If I ran the same section of trail with it off and then with it on, I might notice some difference.  But with it on all the time I don't know if the steering would have been any different with it off.  Personally I don't notice any difference in steering with it locked in the rear.  Well, just the sliding downhill on off camber sections when too much gas is applied.

I found a kit that includes 4340 30 spline front shafts and an ARB that is looking pretty good!

Is the Detroit Locker available for 30 spline shafts for the D30?  Are the 30 spline shafts really needed?  They seem to cost the same as the 27 spline...

30 spline shafts are as thick as the D44 shafts and if they're cromoly that would make them quite strong.
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Offline Mozman68

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #13 on: May 20, 2010, 12:35:03 PM »
Nothing beats ARB in my opinion....when out on the trail, I can make the climb, switch the front off and still make the sharp turn on the trail.  Everyone else is doing 10 point turns.... :clap:
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Offline jfrabat

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Re: Front Detroit or Spool?
« Reply #14 on: May 20, 2010, 01:52:06 PM »
One thing you need to consider is if you still run the original axle or not; from your sig, you have a YJ, which means you have a servo disconnect, which means, a spool will be sort-of like a selectable locker on the front.  If you unlock the front axle, the spool will actually be an open diff...  Just food for thought.

Now, I have a YJ (I got alloy axles, so no servo for me) and run ARB, and I am as happy as a tornado in a trailer park with it!  Would not trade it for anything, but then again, it is also the omst expensive locker out there... 
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