Actual DETROIT LOCKER for Tundra/Tacoma/T100 (not LSD)

mxjeremy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 09:04 PM

I've been reading all about lockers and LSDs for my Tundra.
http://off-road.com/toyota/projects/...ing/index.html

I'm running 305/70r16 MTRs and will re-gear to 4.56, and while I'm at it, add a locker or LSD. I don't do much wheeling, mostly just taking out my dirtbikes, but I would like to, and would most likely romp around at MDR/SCORE races, or go out w/some buddies w/jeeps.

If I go the LSD route, will I be getting stuck when I try to wheel w/the jeeps, or in sand/mud?

If I go the locker route, I'd rather get a locker that replaces the carrier like the ARB or this elusive Detroit locker. Does this exist? part # 187sl199a
http://detroitlocker.com/images/LTPCAGweb91305.pdf

Links to buy the Detroit Locker:
http://www.allprooffroad.com/index.p...ask=view&id=20
http://www.ring-pinion.com/content/p...p?vid=12&pid=3

Will the Detroit be harsher than the Powertrax No-Slip on the street? Too harsh? Is the stock carrier strong enough? Please Advise.

------------
Truck specs:
2001 Tundra v8 xtra cab 4x2
Camburg Uppers w/RaceRunner 2.0
Rear Deaver 10 pack w/Firestone Airbags
305/70r16 Goodyear MTRs on AR Baja Wheels

TMS2U · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2006, 03:56 PM

You'd prolly be better off with a lsd unit. I'm not sure if the detroits are available yet (havent looked for awhile).

trfytoy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMS2U

You'd prolly be better off with a lsd unit. I'm not sure if the detroits are available yet (havent looked for awhile).

Is'nt the Tundra rearend the same as a t-100?

mxjeremy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 04:05 PM

T100 and Tundra axles ARE the same (see below).
Does anyone know how a Detroit Softlocker behaves on the street?
Alternatively, how about an LSD in the sand (e.g. Pismo Beach)?

from http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/
"All 2wd and 4wd T100's, Tundra's, and Sequoia's use a newer/stronger 8" 2-pinion diff. Tacoma 4x4's and Tacoma PreRunner's that don't come with the electric locker, as well as V6 Tacoma 4x2's also came with this diff. ...

In the past this diff has also been mistakenly called an 8.4" or 8.25" diff. The ring gear actually measures 8", but it is not compatible with the older 8" diffs at all. The extra strength of this diff comes from the bearing cap/truss and large diameter pinion gear shaft. ...

Update- Tractech also now makes a Detroit Softlocker and Truetrac for this diff."

drewbush · #5 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 10:30 PM

I have A Detroit Locker in my '01. 33's with 4.56s. Around town its kind of rough. Everytime you get on the gas or let off, you feel the locker. Also around every turn the inside rear tire will chirp. Since both wheels are locked together the inner tire has a short distance to travel, so it does get annoying turning. If your not going to do alot of offroading I would stick with the LSD, or pay the few hundred extra for the ARB setup. ARB is an open diff until you hit the switch and then becomes fully locked. The only problem that I have heard of is a vacuum leak from one of the lines and the compressor locking up.

trfytoy · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 04:31 PM

My detroit didnt bother me much around town. They unlock around corners if your not on the throttle.

IMO air lockers are junk. Too much crap involved and could go wrong. Save up and get an e-locker.

DevinSixtySeven · #7 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trfytoy

Save up and get an e-locker.

he's got a tundra.

unless you know a place to get an elocker for a tundra? imdone tried it, retro'ing a taco kit to a tundra...im pretty sure he eventually gave it up due to difficulty and cost.

btw looks like detroit locker (not lsd or drop-in) is part number 187SL199A, for a tundra.

mxjeremy · #8 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'm either gonna get the Detroit Locker 187SL199A or the Detroit True Trac (LSD). I don't want to pay the premium of the ARB and still not gain any performance on the street.

Devin's right, you CAN modify the tundra axle to take an e-locker (tacoma or Detroit Electrac), but it's probably not worth the effort. My $.02 at that point I'd be looking at a custom axle (http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...t_rearend.aspx) in which you could run a Detroit Electrac and have the best of both worlds.

Drewbush, do you have an auto tranny? The claim is that with an auto, the harshness of a locker is greatly reduced.

DevinSixtySeven · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2006, 08:45 AM

while i'm not completely calling BS on the source for that claim (auto tranny softening locker shock on the road), it's one that definitely deserves factual references, not hearsay or "butt dyno" proof...afaik the only part of an auto tranny that can take slop (torque converter) is well forward of the entire gear and drivetrain. i guess another way to think about it would be whether or not putting in the clutch around turns would have the same effect, or if the reduction in bad road manners is from staying off the gas in a turn (i bet an unloaded locker unlocks easier) rather than what sort of drivetrain is in front of the locker.

also you gotta stop and consider youre trying to get decent road manners from a detroit...that's like worrying about road noise from boggers.

-s

mxjeremy · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2006, 12:49 PM

Good point! I do understand what the situation is. My truck is not my daily driver, and I can probably live with the locker. I don't expect it to ride like stock, and knew it wouldn't (and gave that up) when I put in the suspension, tires, and race seats.

I just wanted some opinions on the tundra w/the detroit, as all I can really find are wheelers w/jeeps who usually love them, but admit they make all kinds of clanking and chirping noises. I don't mind the posts I've found on the Powertrax no-slip, but I can't tell if the detroit and the no-slip behave similarly. They ARE both designed to reduce lockup/unlock harshness, but the detroit has a much better reputation, AND it replaces the stock carrier.

No one seems to be sticking up for LSD as far as really improving the offroad capability either. Does 1 wheel in the air still = stuck? Can you use the brake/gas trick to get going?

BTW - I've had my experience w/road noise. I used to have the OLD MT's.
http://geocities.com/mxjeremy/tundra/

DevinSixtySeven · #11 (**permalink**) 06-23-2006, 06:53 PM

couldnt tell ya about the lsd myself but i remember reading some older posts about people spinning wheels...hunt around, it's either in offroad or this forum.

i use the gas/brakes trick myself, since the diffs are all still open...works pretty well actually. the ebrake is handy that way too, it is possible to set the pedal partway down like it was a hydraulic "traction assist" or whatever it's called. was doing a little of both this past weekend in fact, set the brakes and then give a little gas, then let off the brakes until you start to move. truck went from spinning opposite tires to crawling up the hill.

drewbush · #12 (**permalink**) 06-23-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxjeremy

Thanks for the responses. I'm either gonna get the Detroit Locker 187SL199A or the Detroit True Trac (LSD). I don't want to pay the premium of the ARB and still not gain any performance on the street.

Devin's right, you CAN modify the tundra axle to take an e-locker (tacoma or Detroit Electrac), but it's probably not worth the effort. My $.02 at that point I'd be looking at a custom axle (http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...t_rearend.aspx) in which you could run a Detroit Electrac and have the best of both worlds.

Drewbush, do you have an auto tranny? The claim is that with an auto, the harshness of a locker is greatly reduced.

Mine is an automatic. Its not really softened up at all. You feel it throughout the truck sometimes. What are your plans for the truck? You said race seats? Are you planning on going to the desert or just do some 4x4? I am building mine specifically for desert prerunning and that sort. Since mine is a 2wd. Anyways if its not your daily driver go with the locker. I have had zero problems with the locker and Detroit is known for being bullet proof. You will probably break everything else in your driveline before the locker.

mxjeremy · #13 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 02:13 PM

Thanks for the advice. The plan is for some light prerunning. I got reclining sparcos instead of fully suspended seats because I am not planning on caging this truck and thus will keep the speed "safe" offroad. I aranged them in the 3-seater fashion (2 buckets up front, and the back one in the center). I'll throw up some pics when I'm finished mounting them all.

My daily driver is actually a rider, a CBR600F4i.
http://myspace-214.vo.llnwd.net/0074...40298214_l.jpg

I'm pretty stoked today because I just finished helping my buddy put the 2.5 Camburg SAWs in his Taco prerunner v6 w/TRD locker. NOW I have someone with about the same capabilities to run with.

4cloud9 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxjeremy

Thanks for the advice. The plan is for some light prerunning. I got reclining sparcos instead of fully suspended seats because I am not planning on caging this truck and thus will keep the speed "safe" offroad. I aranged them in the 3-seater fashion (2 buckets up front, and the back one in the center). I'll throw up some pics when I'm finished mounting them all.

My daily driver is actually a rider, a CBR600F4i.
http://myspace-214.vo.llnwd.net/0074...40298214_l.jpg

I'm pretty stoked today because I just finished helping my buddy put the 2.5 Camburg SAWs in his Taco prerunner v6 w/TRD locker. NOW I have someone with about the same capabilities to run with.

Have you check out SoCalTundras yet alot of good people hang out and talk there and all love to go to the desert and offroad. Check it out everyone is friendly over there, just introduce yourself when you get there and share the joy of offroading with us.SoCalTundras