Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Defender => Topic started by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 11:12:08

Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 11:12:08
Ive got an ARB in the rear but I quite fancy a limited slip or auto locker in the front.

What have you got and why?

Detroit tru-trac limited is current fav but Im open to suggestions and ideas  :D  :D
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 11:16:20
That's my setup..  ARB in the rear, tru-trac in the front.

Suits my driving style and the auto box, gives a bit more of a progressive effect on the front rather than the full-on locker.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Henry Webster on November 06, 2005, 11:47:56
Truetrac has been faultless in the back of mine, but have no experience of one in the front I am afraid.

For what I am doing the setup is spot on with a Truetrac in the back and an open front.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 11:50:16
Quote from: "muddyweb"
That's my setup..  ARB in the rear, tru-trac in the front.

Suits my driving style and the auto box, gives a bit more of a progressive effect on the front rather than the full-on locker.


Thats what Im thinking.  Think it will have to wait till jan though  :?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 11:58:59
Quote from: "Henry Webster"
Truetrac has been faultless in the back of mine, but have no experience of one in the front I am afraid.

For what I am doing the setup is spot on with a Truetrac in the back and an open front.


Im looking at more challenge and winch events so I think the ARB rear and the limited slip should be ideal.

I hate changing front diffs and CV's so with the auto box and limited slip I wont break the fronts as much  :wink:

A truetrac i think it is then!
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 12:01:51
Thing with the TruTrac is it is the sort of thing where you never actually know when it is working.  Because it is all transparent, you just fit and forget... for the front axle, that is why I like it.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:06:32
How do they work?  Is it like a clutch thing?  If so, can that wear?

Just curious really  :?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 12:18:57
No clutches in these.  They use a set of helical gears, and bias the torque across the axle.

If you get a wheel off the ground completely or a wheel loses traction, it will act like an open diff..  a little bit of gentle left-foot braking can get the bias back and return drive to the grounded wheel.

A bit more info :  http://www.devon4x4.com/products/7/Locking%20Differentials/598/Detroit+Tru+Trac+Diff
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Henry Webster on November 06, 2005, 12:27:46
Similar in prinicple to the Quaife ATB.  I believe that the design is base on one created by Torsen.

http://www.quaife.co.uk/products/atbdifferentials.htm

H
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: rollazuki on November 06, 2005, 12:33:24
I ran a Lock-rite auto locker in the back of the zook a while ago, it was pants. I have to admit on a heavier car it may have been better, and off road it was excellent, but its road manners were atrocious. It locked in and out, banging and clattering all the time.
Ive got ARB's front and rear, Excellent, love 'em, Id advise anyone to get a pair.
I only green lane and play tho, non of that high speed stuff, so cant comment for that kind of use
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:35:40
Quote from: "Henry Webster"
Similar in prinicple to the Quaife ATB.  I believe that the design is base on one created by Torsen.

http://www.quaife.co.uk/products/atbdifferentials.htm

H


Cheers Tim

Henry, does look the same i agree.  Bit more pricey though, think I'll stick with the proven Detroit.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 12:36:47
The TruTrac isn't the auto locker... that's the Detroit.   And I'd agree about them for road use ;-)

The Trutrac is good on the road in my experience.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:39:41
Quote from: "rollazuki"
I ran a Lock-rite auto locker in the back of the zook a while ago, it was pants. I have to admit on a heavier car it may have been better, and off road it was excellent, but its road manners were atrocious. It locked in and out, banging and clattering all the time.
Ive got ARB's front and rear, Excellent, love 'em, Id advise anyone to get a pair.
I only green lane and play tho, non of that high speed stuff, so cant comment for that kind of use

I am tempted by two ARB's, I already have one on the rear BUT is the solid lock on the front that bothers me.  Away from poor steering etc its the breakages CV joints and front diffs.  Although I think the ARB wil give more traction, its the slight give of limite slip that tempts me.

After all a busted drive train means you go no-where
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:43:41
Quote from: "muddyweb"
The TruTrac isn't the auto locker... that's the Detroit.  


Im confused, isnt it the Detroit Trutrac???  :?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 12:45:01
There is the Tratech Trutrac - The Torque Biasing Diff (LSD Action)
There is the Tratech Detroit Auto-Locker - The Auto-Locking diff.  (or more accurately the auto-unlocking diff)
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:45:01
Cancel that, I see.

Dertroit make the true trac and the detroitlocker.

Talk about confusing!!!!

Its the limited slip Truetrac that I'll be getting.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 12:46:13
Quote from: "muddyweb"
There is the Tratech Trutrac - The Torque Biasing Diff (LSD Action)
There is the Tratech Detroit Auto-Locker - The Auto-Locking diff.  (or more accurately the auto-unlocking diff)

Got it, cheers Tim  :D
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: isle of man on November 06, 2005, 12:53:49
i have run tru-trac in one of my wranglers it's a great bit of kit for those twisty bits.....but put it in mud and rocks and there is the down side.....have you thought about electrac? lsd & locker in one? i know it was pulled from the shelves for some technical problems a wile back it must be sorted by now........just another option.



as for me i have arb's now.


peter henry
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 06, 2005, 13:06:01
Not sure the electrac is available in a LR fitment yet.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: unknownmanxman on November 06, 2005, 13:22:38
I run a detroit locker in the rear and a truetrac up front.. i find this combination is excellent.

The truetrac seem to cancel out and handling issues that the rear locker might create on the road..
Its brill offroad...
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Henry Webster on November 06, 2005, 14:01:13
Quote from: "landyman Ash"
Away from poor steering etc its the breakages CV joints and front diffs.  Although I think the ARB wil give more traction, its the slight give of limite slip that tempts me.


That and as Tim says - its fit and forget - an ARB or any locker is only as good as the driver pushing the button!  Making sure that the front diff is in or out at the right time is naother thing to think about and it WILL make a difference to your directional control.

H
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Bulli on November 06, 2005, 14:14:58
what kind of use are you going to be putting it through. The fact that an ARB isnt on except when required is what atrracted me to it. The lsd is a nice idea but sure that would wear at a greater rate and put more stress through cv's etc. Yes the arb would stress is more but for only a short time, then its a normal diff. Are you going to be doing high speed? in which case why would you need to lock the diff? Maybe im completely wrong but i use mine to anticipate trouble and once through i switch them off . It is very rare that i have had to negotiate much in the way of corners where traction was that limited....and where it was the steering is fine as the ground allows it to slide a little.
 just my two penneth.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: LOFTY on November 06, 2005, 18:57:32
KAM make a limited slip/ locker in one unit, nicly made bit of kit, have one in back of the green beast, with Tru-track in front, this makes a very good combination.
My jeep had ARB front and rear, i noticed that with front locker engaged, steering was a big problem.

Tru-trac, fit and forget, as Tim says.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 06, 2005, 22:17:58
Quote from: "LOFTY"
KAM make a limited slip/ locker in one unit, nicly made bit of kit, have one in back of the green beast, with Tru-track in front, this makes a very good combination.
My jeep had ARB front and rear, i noticed that with front locker engaged, steering was a big problem.

Tru-trac, fit and forget, as Tim says.


Its exactly thr steering that bothers me.  Truetrac seems the idealfront option, with ARB rear, for winch and challange stuff  :wink:
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: dave_2A_2.25Turbo on November 08, 2005, 00:12:59
How easy is it to fit the Trutrac?  DIY or not?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 08, 2005, 08:27:23
If you are happy building / adjusting diffs, then it is a DIY job.  Slightly less work than doing an ARB, but essentially the same operations in the diff end.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: LOFTY on November 09, 2005, 19:24:47
With trutrac, you need a shim for the crown wheel, to allow correct meshing of pinion after rebuild, it is possible without, but you have to adjust bearing almost out of thread. The supplier i used didnt mention this.
Fitting, well if you are ok with putting together diffs, "preloading, pinion alignment etc" then its easyer than ARB, no pipes etc. :P
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: rollazuki on November 09, 2005, 19:59:40
From personal experience, Id never buy an auto locker again.
They have veeeeeery poor road manners, and arent all that strong.
I had a lockrite, broke it, they sent me a new un from the states, sold it on eblag, and fitted ARB's.
ARB's on the other hand are awesome. Unless they get muck in the valves and wont unlock :evil:
Anyone have a cure to put a filter or something on the air valve exhaust port??
Id buy ARB's, you get a compressor(very handy) and they actually work.
Cant comment on LSD's and the like, better for high speed stuff I would imagine.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 09, 2005, 21:08:01
I am still tempted by another ARB, not sold on the LSD yet but nearly.

If your running twin ARB's, had much breakages?  Its for challenge events, not speed.  Whats your thoughts?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Bulli on November 09, 2005, 21:27:09
Buy the ARB , you can switch it off...no breakages touch wood! 12 months of hard use
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 09, 2005, 21:51:29
Quote from: "Bulli"
Buy the ARB , you can switch it off...no breakages touch wood! 12 months of hard use


Decisions decisions..... :?  :?  :?  :?  :?  :?  :?  :?

Ive got the ARB rear.  Blimey I'm not sure.

Going to have to think about this alot  :?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 09, 2005, 22:40:17
Just been watching Tims 90 in the "Birthday bash" vid and you can really see the limted slip working a treat.

Having watched the vid, Im kind of sold on the LSD one at the present.

Vid is WELL worth a look!!!!  :shock:  :shock:  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Siecroz on November 10, 2005, 12:49:53
Call me a complete thicko.. but how do I tell what I have on mine?? (Frontera 2.3TDi LWB 1994)

 :oops:
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 10, 2005, 18:35:41
Quote from: "Siecroz"
Call me a complete thicko.. but how do I tell what I have on mine?? (Frontera 2.3TDi LWB 1994)

 :oops:


I think you have neither.

Most vehicles just have a standard diff.  The "locker" or limited slip is 99% of the time and after market product you buy.  It will give you WAYYYYYYY more traction but at just under £500 a diff its a pricey improvent.

I'd be fair to say you'll have standard diffs, just like a land rover.  Down side with them is that as one wheel spins on an axle, the other ones stops so get into mud and you'll get stuck.  Lockers or LSD's stop that and make sure BOTH wheels alwats remain turning.  Get two diff lockers and and engage your centre diff (in the transfer box) and all four wheels turn the same speed, all the time.  maximum traction!!!!!!!!
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: muddyweb on November 10, 2005, 18:49:54
Just to add some extra confusion...

Some of the Fronteras did have a factory-fit LSD in the rear.  Don't ask me how to tell other than actually trying the thing though.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 10, 2005, 19:07:24
When I wrote my post I had a niggly feeling some Frontera did.

Glad you confirmed it.  I agree, I'd have NO IDEA how to check apart from getting it on two stands and giving them a spin with a mate on each rear wheel.

If they lock, you've got a LSD  :wink:
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Siecroz on November 11, 2005, 00:04:41
Its got AUTOLOCK hubs.. but I take it that that does not affect the Difs? (as I said.. COMPLETELY new to 4x4's) ...

I read the Frontera Manual to see what info that had in it.. it said about when in 4L, if you go the oposite direction, the Autolock will disengage for a brief moment and then re-engage.

hmm... hubs, diffs, locks, slips...  :?  head going pop. :)

I'll get it eventually
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: landyman Ash on November 11, 2005, 18:45:27
Hmmm, Im a bit lost too.....

You need to talk to Barry on MC, he's a frontera man.

Its a big world the 4x4 scene and you'll catch it quicker then you think!!!!  Its a bit land Rover biased this club (he he  :twisted:  :twisted: ) but everyone tries to help!!

Look out for barry and his white frontera on his avatar (the little pic)
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Range Rover Blues on November 11, 2005, 19:17:55
Autolock hubs simplu dissengage the front drivetrain when in 2wd to save fuel, they won't help with traction.  That said when in 4wd a selectable system should already be locked up front/back.
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Range Rover Blues on November 11, 2005, 19:18:58
Quote from: "Bulli"
Buy the ARB , you can switch it off...no breakages touch wood! 12 months of hard use


Glad to hear it..Are you on 10 or 24 spline shafts? which halfshafts do you use?
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: chuggaman on November 14, 2005, 18:46:55
Quote from: "landyman Ash"
Just been watching Tims 90 in the "Birthday bash" vid and you can really see the limted slip working a treat.

Having watched the vid, Im kind of sold on the LSD one at the present.

Vid is WELL worth a look!!!!  :shock:  :shock:  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D


I would.Its a good investment i think

mike
Title: Diff lockers - Auto lockers v limited slip??
Post by: Bulli on November 14, 2005, 19:30:44
24 spline but uprated most things to fit em. Had to change the entire front hub assembly and the rear stub axles. Only things that i have had to change are wheel bearings ...not much of a job.
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