Open, Locker and Posi- What's the Diff?
Conventional "open" differentials tend to equalize the power delivered through both wheels. Thus if one wheel loses traction - "spins out" on snow, mud, sand, or gravel - it delivers very little power to the ground. The other wheel will deliver only the same very little power. Often this is not enough to keep the vehicle moving on - it's stuck.

Traction control differentials allow the wheel with traction to deliver more power than the wheel without traction. Often this is enough to keep the vehicle moving. There are two types of traction control differentials:

Locking & Limited Slip  

Each type has advantages for specific types of vehicles and driving conditions.

Tech Tips...

These questions relate to our Detroit Locker®, Detroit C-Locker™, Detroit SofLocker™, NoSPIN® brands of positive locking differentials:

Driving Characteristics

A first time driver of this differential will notice some differences compared to driving with a conventional differential.

Turning: An occasional snapping/metallic sound may be heard due to component dis-engagement and re-engagement; transfer of torque from both wheels to one wheel (and back to both wheels) may be noticeable in the feel of steering.

Drive-to-Coast: A metallic sound may be heard due to the normal backlash built into the unit.

Slippery Roads: Vehicles equipped with traction differentials are inherently more sensitive to side slip. Use caution when changing speed on slippery or unstable surfaces; decelerate, but DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKE.

Backlash - How Much? At the tire tread, 1" to 2" (at the driveshaft, 30o to 90o) depending on tire diameter and ring gear ratio.

"Locker" In Front Axle? Yes, if front drive can be disconnected - either from inside or outside the vehicle - while driving on hard surface roads.

Tire Pressure? Mismatched pressures mean different tire diameters and different wheel speeds. Recommendation: Keep tire rolling radius (by air pressure) matched within 1/4" for highway vehicles and 1/2" for off-road vehicles.

Remove Holdout Rings For Racing To Assure Rapid Engagement? Yes, but operation will be harsher and the unit's life may be shortened.

Trutech Detroit Locker Info