Detroit Truetrac vs. Locker: Which is Best for Your Vehicle?
Choosing between a Detroit Truetrac and a locker for your vehicle’s differential depends heavily on your intended use. While both enhance traction, Truetracs offer gentler, automatic torque biasing, making them suitable for daily driving and moderate off-roading. Lockers, on the other hand, provide maximum traction by mechanically locking both axles together, ideal for extreme off-road conditions but potentially harsh on paved roads.
What is a Detroit Truetrac?
A Detroit Truetrac is a type of limited-slip differential (LSD). It uses a system of gears, rather than clutches, to automatically transfer torque to the wheel with the most traction. This design provides a smoother, more predictable driving experience compared to lockers, especially on paved surfaces. Truetracs excel in situations where one wheel might lose traction momentarily, like driving on snow, ice, or loose gravel.
Advantages of a Detroit Truetrac
- Excellent for daily driving: Minimal impact on street manners.
- Automatic and seamless operation: No driver intervention needed.
- Durable and reliable: Gear-based design reduces wear and tear.
Disadvantages of a Detroit Truetrac
- Limited locking capability: May not provide enough traction in extreme off-road scenarios.
- Performance can diminish with significant wheel lift.
What is a Locker?
A locker, often called a locking differential, mechanically locks both axles together, forcing them to spin at the same speed regardless of traction. This provides maximum traction because if one wheel is in the air or on a completely slippery surface, the other wheel will still receive 100% of the available torque. Lockers are primarily used for serious off-roading where maintaining momentum is critical.
According to Wikipedia’s differential article, a differential’s primary function is to allow wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds. Lockers override this function for maximum traction.
Advantages of a Locker
- Maximum traction: Ideal for extreme off-road conditions.
- Ensures both wheels spin together: Overcomes even severe traction loss.
Disadvantages of a Locker
- Poor on-road handling: Can cause unpredictable behavior and tire wear.
- Harsh engagement: May result in clunking noises and jerky movements.
- Not suitable for daily driving: Primarily for off-road use only.
When to Choose a Truetrac vs. a Locker?
Consider your primary driving environment. If you mostly drive on paved roads with occasional off-road adventures, a Detroit Truetrac offers a good balance of performance and drivability. If you’re a serious off-roader who frequently encounters challenging terrain, a locker might be the better choice. Some drivers even opt for a selectable locker, which allows them to switch between open differential, Truetrac-like behavior, and full locking capability as needed.
FAQs
What is the difference between a limited slip differential and a locker?
A limited-slip differential (LSD) like the Truetrac partially limits wheel spin by transferring torque to the wheel with more traction. A locker completely locks both axles together, forcing them to spin at the same speed.
Is a Truetrac good for snow?
Yes, a Truetrac is excellent for snow. It provides improved traction compared to an open differential, helping prevent wheel spin and maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
Will a locker break an axle?
Yes, lockers can increase the risk of axle breakage, especially with aggressive driving or high horsepower applications, because all the torque is forced to one side when the locker is engaged.
Are lockers street legal?
While some lockers may be technically street legal, their on-road behavior can be unpredictable and negatively affect handling. Selectable lockers offer the flexibility to disengage the locking function for street driving.
What is a lunchbox locker?
A “lunchbox locker” is an automatic locker that replaces the spider gears inside an existing open differential carrier. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but tend to be noisy and harsh on the street.
Summary
The Detroit Truetrac offers a smooth, automatic torque biasing solution ideal for daily driving and moderate off-roading. Lockers provide maximum traction for extreme off-road situations but sacrifice on-road comfort and handling. Carefully consider your driving needs and typical terrain to determine the best differential for your vehicle.
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