Off Road Truck Differential Locker Guide - Lockers Buyer's Guide

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Eaton E-LockerAvailable to the public in mid-2002, the Eaton E-Locker provides full axle lock at the push of a button. It's an electronically controlled unit that's compatible with other electronic systems, such as brake-activated traction control and stability control. The E-Locker can be operated in 2-Hi, 4-Hi, or 4-Lo, and requires no lube additives, making it virtually maintenance-free. For more information, contact: Eaton Corporation, www.eaton.com.

ARB Air LockerHow cool is this? A locking differential that's air activated at the push of a button. The ARB Air Locker is an excellent choice for front diff applications because it can be manually engaged or disengaged. The manual operation is also a benefit if you use your 4x4 as a daily driver since it doesn't affect highway handling characteristics. Check with the company for a listing of its many applications. For more information, contact: ARB USA, Dept. OR, 20 S. Spokane St., Seattle, WA 98134, (206) 264-1669, www.arb.com.au.

PowertraxPowertrax offers two locking differentials for many vehicle applications. The No-Slip Traction System combines the qualities of limited-slip and locking devices and eliminates the ratcheting sounds often associated with locking diffs. Also, installation is a cinch because no ring-and-pinion setup is required. The Lock-Right Locker by Powertrax is a fully automatic unit that locks the axles together when the vehicle is traveling straight, but allows for differentiation via internal gears in turns. Both units are available for a number of applications. For more information, contact: Powertrax, Dept. OR, 245 Fischer Ave., Ste. B-4, Costa Mesa, CA 92692, (800) 578-1020, www.powertrax.com.

TractechWith the most applications and models to choose from, Tractech is one of the better-known names in the market. It offers its venerable Detroit Locker, Detroit E-Z Locker, and the Detroit Gearless Locker, all of which are speed-sensitive units, in addition to its torque-sensitive (limited-slip) lineup with the Detroit Truetrac and Suretrac. The Detroit Locker is said to be one of the most rugged locking diffs around, and is also the most widely available for axles ranging from 3,000- to 70,000-pound capacities. For more information, contact: Tractech Inc., Dept. OR, 11445 Stephens Dr., P.O. Box 882, Warren, MI 48089, (800) 328-3850, www.tractech.com.

Zexel TorsenAvailable for GM axle applications, the Zexel Torsen is a full-time torque-sensing, torque-biasing system. Torque and differentiation are continuously managed between the two axles and biased instantaneously according to variable road conditions. There are no clutches or preload to worry about. In fact, the T-1's patented INVEX gearing system is designed to perform for the life of the vehicle. The Torsen T-1 Traction Differential is available in any torque-biasing range from 2.5:1 to 5.0:1 and will fit in most standard GM axlehousings without modification. For more information, contact: Randy's Ring & Pinion, Dept. OR, 11630 Airport Rd., Ste. 300, Everett, WA 98204, (425) 347-1199, (800) 292-1031, www.ringpinion.com.

Auburn GearAuburn Gear offers its Pro Series and High Performance Series limited-slip differentials, both of which are compatible with all ABS and electronic controls, for Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Toyota applications. The torque transfer capability of the Auburn Gear units is achieved through the use of cone clutches coupled to beveled side gears, which are designed to provide the maximum amount of torque transfer without compromising vehicle performance in situations where torque transfer is not required. For more information, contact: Auburn Gear, Dept. OR, 400 E. Auburn Dr., Auburn, IN 46706-3499, (219) 925-3200, www.auburngear.com.

OX LockerIn an unprecedented mix of aerospace and off-road technology, the OX Locker by OX Trax is a locking differential that uses a positive locking cable to mate the axleshafts together and ensure maximum traction. Designed by a high-tech aerospace manufacturer, the OX Locker features a heavy-duty machined diff cover and is available for Dana 30, Dana 35, Dana 44, and Dana 60 applications. New applications are expected during the year. For more information, contact: DriveTrain Direct, Dept. OR, 1477 Davril Cir., Corona, CA 92880, (888) 584-4327, (909) 272-0158, www.drivetraindirect.com.

Spicer Trac-LokUsing a clutch plate and disc arrangement designed to create better vehicle control in adverse or changing driving conditions, the Spicer Trac-Lok is a limited-slip differential that uses all the available traction at both wheels. In extreme cases of differences in traction, the wheel with the least amount may spin after the limited-slip has transferred as much torque as possible, which is limited in order to optimize overall vehicle handling. For more information, contact: Dana Corporation, www.dana.com.

Genuine Gear Quik LokDesigned by the makers of the Detroit Locker, the Genuine Gear Quik Lok offers an easy installation, a lifetime warranty, and a low price. Said to be the best standard-duty ratcheting locker offered, the Quik Lok is available for most applications, including the Dana 30, Dana 35, and Dana 44, as well as the Ford 9-inch. For more information, contact: Genuine Gear, (800) 421-1050, www.4wheelparts.com.

DriveTrain DirectPriding itself on trust, quality, and value, DriveTrain Direct carries everything you'll need to equip your rig with a locking differential. From ring-and-pinion sets, hub conversion kits, axleshafts, and complete axle assemblies and axle assembly packages, DriveTrain Direct offers a bit of everything. For more information, contact: DriveTrain Direct, Dept. OR, 1477 Davril Cir., Corona, CA 92880, (888) 584-4327, (909) 272-0158, www.drivetraindirect.com.

SupliersWest Coast DifferentialsIn addition to servicing parts, West Coast Differentials carries a full line of spools, lockers, and posi-tractions made by top-quality manufacturers such as ARB, Auburn Gear, Detroit Locker, Eaton, and Powertrax. The company also offers many years of technical experience, and its tech experts and sales staff can help you decide which locking unit is best suited to your needs. For more information, contact: West Coast Differentials, Dept. OR, 2429 Mercantile Dr., Ste. A, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742, (800) 359-4737, www.differentials.com.

Drivetrain WarehouseOffering an array of axle components, including a full lineup of lockers, limited-slips, and ring-and-pinion sets, Drivetrain Warehouse is a great source for drivetrain parts. Shown is the Posi Lok Cable Lok designed to replace the factory vacuum diaphragm or heated coil disconnect assemblies that are often prone to failure. The Posi Lok, available for Dodge, Jeep, and Chevy applications, ensures instant engagement every time. For more information, contact: Drivetrain Warehouse, (888) 432-7656, www.drivetrainwarehouse.com.

U.S. GearServing the drivetrain and transmission industry since 1963, U.S. Gear offers a full line of axle components, including the Torq-Line limited-slip differential. The Torq-Line is available for GM and Ford applications and is designed as a direct replacement for the hard-to-find expensive OEM unit. It's totally rebuildable, cast of nodular steel, and is made in the USA. For more information, contact: United States Gear Corp., Dept. OR, 9420 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60617, (800) 874-3271, www.usgear.com.

Randy's Ring & PinionKnown as the man with the ring gear halo, Randy Lyman of Randy's Ring & Pinion not only has what you need to outfit your 4x4 with a top-of-the-line locking differential, he can also supply the essential tools needed to install it. Randy also offers a full line of ring-and-pinion sets, axleshafts, spools, rebuild kits, and axle yokes. You might also check out the Web site for excellent technical information. For more information, contact: Randy's Ring & Pinion, Dept. OR, 11630 Airport Rd., Ste. 300, Everett, WA 98204, (425) 347-1199, (800) 292-1031, www.ringpinion.com.

Reider RacingReider Racing Enterprises is a full-line axle component distributor of 28 major product lines, including high-performance ring-and-pinion gearsets and 16 different types of locking and limited-slip differentials. Based in Taylor, Michigan, Reider Racing handles products manufactured by Precision Gear, U.S. Gear, Auburn Gear, PowerTrax, Dana Corp., TracTech, ARB, Timken, CR Services, Mile Marker, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Ford Motorsports, and more. For more information, contact: (800) 356-1330, www.reiderracing.com.