Turbine Doc
Just Another Diesel Guy
Multiple options to choose from here are a couple of things to consider:
I posted this over at Page and at Place thought it would be good over here also.
This was getting some traction over in the DP 6.5 forum questions about lockers, while not an expert I have owned and operated one type, I'll post some edited text from Aug., 2001 4 Wheel & Off-Road you might be able to get a back issue in library, or PM me and we will figure out how to get you the full article from my copy.
5 types studied/tested in the article
Open: most common, free diff provided by all mfrs, most drivable, as vehicle turns inside tire turns at slower rate than outside, useless for off road pretty much, recommendation get rid of it if you have any thought of getting off of pavement.
Limited-Slip: Auburn Gear is one vendor, cone & friction material $400 or so, works similar to open but inside wheel will try to turn with outside wheel, requires friction additive, good pavement manners, but limited effectiveness off-road, good if you are a little stuck need to be in 4x4 before getting stuck. This is GM option code G80, found in many GM trucks, and most of the GM 2wd Diesel burbs check your glove box sticker for option G80 to see if yours came with one from factory.
Selectable Locker: ARB air Lock or OX Lock, performs like open when inactive excellent pavement manners, most expensive style $700-800 at time of article, if not familiar with setting up ring & pinion requires professional installation, air locker will not work on loss of air, or plumbing to it, compressor not included with kit generally extra $$$, OX Lock uses Tel-flex type cable/shaft for activation pure mechanical engage, positive both axle lock when in use like Spool.
Automatic locker: $400-600 Power trax, Detroit and others, active full time have capability to auto lock & unlock as torque is applied; heavy throttle in a hole will lock/unlock both or just one side, generally side with least traction spins until both side has same grab so power shifts left wheel-rt wheel until both can "git-some" and both pull out the hole.
I had one in my 2wd gasser for years would go places I thought impossible. Most are capable of being installed by experienced shade tree mechanic, do not have to interrupt ring and pinion. Downside though requires some learning to drive it not as pavement friendly until you learn how to drive it.
Spool: Cheap traction Drive-train Direct is one that was reviewed $170 spool locks both axles always on, But you knew that was coming always a but, no slippage of either tire anytime lot of wheel chip and pavement drive-ability issues get on it too hard in a turn and you can break drive-line stuff same with other lockers but since this stays engaged always highest risk to drive-line with this style.
From all that I've read and experienced only few folks need a locker front and rear; a locker in rear most of the time will negate need to even engage 4wd.
For simplicity I like the auto locker, several different vendors have lockers, been a while since I searched for them, Richmond Gear bought out the Power Traxx company so when looking with search engine for them you may have more luck looking for Richmond Gear products.
Power Trax No Slip is one I went with been there since fall of 2005, has held up to my occasional 18K tows even though not really recommended for full time towing, much tamer than the Lock Rite I ran before in the gasser, according to the Mfr no-slip is supposed to be more pavement friendly and auto trans vs stick is also supposed to be more better.
Another piece of off road traction is tires, my gasser with basic AT M&S tires struggled for traction, shifting to Bridgestone 15x31" MT tires was night & day difference, my locker equipped 2wd would leave many street tired 4X4 stranded, of course I fooled many because I had bought a set of GM 4x4 tow hooks as well.
I posted this over at Page and at Place thought it would be good over here also.
This was getting some traction over in the DP 6.5 forum questions about lockers, while not an expert I have owned and operated one type, I'll post some edited text from Aug., 2001 4 Wheel & Off-Road you might be able to get a back issue in library, or PM me and we will figure out how to get you the full article from my copy.
5 types studied/tested in the article
Open: most common, free diff provided by all mfrs, most drivable, as vehicle turns inside tire turns at slower rate than outside, useless for off road pretty much, recommendation get rid of it if you have any thought of getting off of pavement.
Limited-Slip: Auburn Gear is one vendor, cone & friction material $400 or so, works similar to open but inside wheel will try to turn with outside wheel, requires friction additive, good pavement manners, but limited effectiveness off-road, good if you are a little stuck need to be in 4x4 before getting stuck. This is GM option code G80, found in many GM trucks, and most of the GM 2wd Diesel burbs check your glove box sticker for option G80 to see if yours came with one from factory.
Selectable Locker: ARB air Lock or OX Lock, performs like open when inactive excellent pavement manners, most expensive style $700-800 at time of article, if not familiar with setting up ring & pinion requires professional installation, air locker will not work on loss of air, or plumbing to it, compressor not included with kit generally extra $$$, OX Lock uses Tel-flex type cable/shaft for activation pure mechanical engage, positive both axle lock when in use like Spool.
Automatic locker: $400-600 Power trax, Detroit and others, active full time have capability to auto lock & unlock as torque is applied; heavy throttle in a hole will lock/unlock both or just one side, generally side with least traction spins until both side has same grab so power shifts left wheel-rt wheel until both can "git-some" and both pull out the hole.
I had one in my 2wd gasser for years would go places I thought impossible. Most are capable of being installed by experienced shade tree mechanic, do not have to interrupt ring and pinion. Downside though requires some learning to drive it not as pavement friendly until you learn how to drive it.
Spool: Cheap traction Drive-train Direct is one that was reviewed $170 spool locks both axles always on, But you knew that was coming always a but, no slippage of either tire anytime lot of wheel chip and pavement drive-ability issues get on it too hard in a turn and you can break drive-line stuff same with other lockers but since this stays engaged always highest risk to drive-line with this style.
From all that I've read and experienced only few folks need a locker front and rear; a locker in rear most of the time will negate need to even engage 4wd.
For simplicity I like the auto locker, several different vendors have lockers, been a while since I searched for them, Richmond Gear bought out the Power Traxx company so when looking with search engine for them you may have more luck looking for Richmond Gear products.
Power Trax No Slip is one I went with been there since fall of 2005, has held up to my occasional 18K tows even though not really recommended for full time towing, much tamer than the Lock Rite I ran before in the gasser, according to the Mfr no-slip is supposed to be more pavement friendly and auto trans vs stick is also supposed to be more better.
Another piece of off road traction is tires, my gasser with basic AT M&S tires struggled for traction, shifting to Bridgestone 15x31" MT tires was night & day difference, my locker equipped 2wd would leave many street tired 4X4 stranded, of course I fooled many because I had bought a set of GM 4x4 tow hooks as well.
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