zeitgeist57 Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 Good ol' Cleetus has been under the knife for a few months now, in my first axle rebuild. It's taken so long because of vacations/weekend trips, weather, laziness and everything else. After having the lock bolt break for the cross-pin (major PITA), I proceeded to sledgehammer the shit out of the carrier in the rear differential. It eventually gave way. Needless to say I need a new carrier now. Since I'm going that route, I've been thinking of eliminating the one-wheel drive spin that Cleetus has done since day one. The truck is used mainly for basic transportation/hauling duties, but also has towed a few tons of crap from time to time. Would an LSD or Detroit Locker be an improvement for a 2WD truck? I really won't mind if there is any additional noise. I am more concerned with a locker's effect in snow/ice or when towing a trailer. I've done a lot of Internet reading about how the locker is great off-road and in rough weather, but the disconnect off-throttle in a turn can be annoying. Cleetus is an '85 fullsize Chevy pickup (C10) that has a 305ci (5.0L) V8, 4spd manual, and the rearend is a 2.73 open-diff 10-bolt with 28-spline axles. It is a "Heavy Half" with diesel springs and brakes. I've installed a Class V hitch and it's been a great workhorse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grease monkey Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 I think a limited slip would benefit you better than locker in the application you're looking for. Locker's are mainly used in offroading applications. For the type of stuff you do with your truck, I honestly think a limited slip diff. is going to be your friend. And yes, it would be a GREAT improvement over the open diff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 I think a limited slip would benefit you better than locker in the application you're looking for. Locker's are mainly used in offroading applications. For the type of stuff you do with your truck, I honestly think a limited slip diff. is going to be your friend. And yes, it would be a GREAT improvement over the open diff. Cause your still a peg leg yourself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copperhead Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 A rear locker means you will be doing doughnuts constantly in ice/snow. It will not drive straight, it will always want to kick out on you. You have already mentioned the other big downside - when taking a turn, you either have to let off the throttle completely and hope that it disconnects (no guarentees) or stay in the gas and rip up your tires, not to mention get a lot of unwanted attention from the tire noise. I don't know of anyone that tows with something locked in the rear, but I would almost think it would be downright dangerous to do. Unless you are wanting to drive it along the beach in the sand, you will have no benifits from it, I personally would just deal with a little bit of tire slippage at takeoff than go through the headache and expense of a locker. However, if you are deadset in doing it, look for an electric or air locker, something that you can shut off when you don't need it. I think you will find yourself never engaging it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1647545494 Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 detroit locker is just a hd limited slip.... you'll do ok with it having two drive wheels instead of one in any weather is a plus some detroit style lockers make some ratcheting noise when turning sharply..... if you are replacing the center section and the gears make sure to set them up properly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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