Want to upgrade my 9 inch open Ford rear ends in my cars with posi type units, but which center sections word best? I drag raced years ago with a Detroit Locker but never drove it on the street with one. Now the choices of center sections have really grown, EZ LOcker, Detroit Locker, Quiet Locker, True Trac, Traction loc, Gold Trac, Diamond Trac, etc. What are the pro's an con's of each and what would work best on the street with 450 to 550 RWHP? anyone have experience with any of these? Thanks
I run a Detroit Locker in my 55 on the street, it works fine for me, I've put lotsa miles on it (over 50k). It does take a little bit of getting used to, you will notice it when you are on a sweeping curve and get on or off the throttle.
How does it react in a corner? I've been advised that they are noisy and can get the car out of control on the street in a turn. I really don't remember mine in the race car being very noisy.
I never hear mine...but I guess some lockers are louder than others, and some cars are louder than others. They are a little bit more sensitive to throttle in a turn because it will spin the inside tire a bit when it locks up--that is, it will act like a spool when you give it enough throttle to break the inside tire loose. The TruTrac doesn't do this, and it might be better if you want the best possible street manners. I've heard good things about them lately...and the design has been around for decades.
I'm with squirrel, I run one on the street and haven't have any problems with it. The only time I hear any noise from it is pushing the car in the staging lanes. You'll get used to it.
I run a Detroit Locker on a street car - like the others have said - it does take a bit getting used to - they have a tendancy to understeer until they ratchet - not fun in a turn if you're not prepared for it. Mine makes enough noise when it ratchets that people who are unfamiliar with them have mentioned to me that my rear end has "issues". If I really pay attention I can hear it, but it never bothered me - I suppose some are more sensitive than others. YMMV
I have a 1969 Detroit Locker that I removed from a wrecked 1969 Boss 302 in 1971. It is noisy ... but you get used to it. In a 32 Ford roadster ... it is noisier ( more noticable ) than a closed car. I bought a new traction lock for my 32 3W ... have not drove it enough to give a informed report but it is QUIET
I've also been told that the Detroit Lockers being made in the last couple of years are much quieter than the older ones
Strange engineering has a decent 'aside' on this subject. Verbage is one of the biggest differances, i believe that there are basically 2 types of posi's and another 2 or 3 lockers. Even LENCO makes a locker (stone beautiful too), i use a locker on the street cars that we tub out and they can be noisy, esp when backing up. Bit of a clunk there. If you don't have big rear tires then i'd go with a 'clutch-type' posi (the high end of the posi units) and your personal rear end won't pucker up when getting on it on an entrance ramp with a long sweep to it.
Only downside to a clutch type posi in a 9" is that the stock one is kind of weak...which is only a problem if you get traction. I would not run one in my car, which I figure has about 700 ponies at the flywheel and occasionally gets sticky tires on it.
what would be the best in a car that is 50/50 strip and street? would wieght make a diffrence? i dont know if i should go with a spool or a posi.
I have a Gold Trak in my quickie. (they make em for a 9in also) The Gold Trak is in the True Track, Winters Track, Diamond Track catagory. These differentials use a series of spiral gears that live inside and do some shit that I don't full understand... Mine never makes noise or does anything goofy and always makes long dark equal length black marks. I love it. Way more friendly than a locker in my opinion. Not that lockers suck or anything.. Good luck, -Abone.
I have a torsion Dif in my DIVCO,4000 lbs. I had Reider Racing install one in my all new 9 inch Nodular iron dif. I do wheel stands all the time, it has never missed a beat. Here ia some info on it. Has no spider gear's in it, Planetary gear set's instead. <TABLE height=1218 width="57%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" height=30><BIG><BIG>Torsen® Traction Differential - T-2R (Racemaster)</BIG></BIG> </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=553>Torsen's T2-R RaceMaster Traction Differentials are ideally suited for rear wheel drive, truck, SUV, C-Clip, and high performance applications. The patented EQUVEX parallel axis gear configuration provides better management of gear separation forces resulting in low backlash and quiet operation. Unlike conventional speed-sensing, limited slip differentials, TORSEN T2-R 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. TORSEN T2-R's patented parallel gearing system is designed to perform for the life of the vehicle. The TORSEN T2-R takes the T-2's performance to the next level. By combining the patented Equvex gearing from the Torsen T-2 with a coil spring pre-load and/or friction enhancing plates, the Torsen T-2R can remain locked, providing torque to both wheels, under low torque inputs. The addition of the friction plates allows the Torque Bias Ratio (TBR) to be tailored to differential design needs. These features allow improved mobility and traction under extreme conditions. In addition, it is compatible with electronic traction control, providing the ultimate in traction management systems. </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21>MULTIFUNCTION CAPABILITIES The TORSEN T-2R is an advanced multifunction traction differential providing continuous, uninterrupted torque output, torque biasing, and differentiation in one integral unit. Since it can be preloaded, it is capable of remaining locked with low torque inputs, enhancing traction and mobility under extreme split µ conditions. It is always active, responding instantly to torque feedback from variable driving conditions. </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21>ENHANCED AND COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE The TORSEN T-2R's capability to immediately respond to variable driving conditions not only provides better traction, it also enhances the general performance of a vehicle. There is a marked improvement in total tractive effort as compared to open or conventional limited-slip differential equipped vehicles. In addition, the exceptional efficiency of the T-2R allows the engine's torque output to be used more effectively, delivering more horsepower to the road. The combined improvement in traction and the augmented power results in a nimble yet sure-footed vehicle that provides better handling, increased acceleration and an improved margin of safety.</TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=106> Note - Preload is NOT available on all models and is design specific! </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21>T-2R APPLICATIONS By adding preload springs (this is design specific), the TORSEN T-2R will stay locked with low torque inputs. This allows the vehicle to maintain drive, and thus momentum and mobility, during extreme conditions such as inside wheel spin or lift in a corner, or starting from a complete stop on split µ grade. When the ring gear torque overcomes the preload, the unit will differentiate and bias normally, behaving like a conventional Torsen T-2. This is particularly useful to drivers who compete in road racing and autocrossing, as well as drivers of unladed pickup trucks, or SUVs who have to deal with poor weather conditions, or an occasional off-road trail, or for anyone who wants the best traction possible for their street car. The current applications for the TORSEN T-2R include the Ford 8.8 inch axle, the GM 8.5 inch axle, and the GM 7.6 inch axle. </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=78></TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21> A PROVEN WINNER The TORSEN T-2R is a proven winner on the track. In its first season, a T-2R equipped Ford Mustang Cobra driven by John Ames finished first in the E Street Prepared Class at the SCCA Solo 2 Nationals in Topeka, Kansas. Steve Eguina, driving a T-2R equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS finished third in the same class. These two will be the ones to beat in the ESP class for next season! </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21></TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21>Page was last updated 01/25/2006. </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" height=21><FORM> This webpage does not constitute an offer to sell. Specifications and other data subject to change without notice. </FORM><SMALL>TORSEN® is a registered trademark of JTEKT Torsen North America Inc. Copyright © 1999 - 2006. <SMALL>JTEKT Torsen North America, Inc. </SMALL>All Rights Reserved.</SMALL> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I have run a Detroit Locker in my 56 for the past 28 years. Occasionally, at slow speed and after cornering, you can hear it 'unlock', like a really load CLICK and slight pull. I was told that it would be a butt puckering experiance in the rain but if you are aware of what you are driving it is not a problem. P.
PS. The Torsen like Divco13 has is in teh same class as what is normaly called a triple track. They are a torque sensing differential and are very bad ass and VERY expensive. Particularly the Torsen... Good luck, -Abone.
I 've got a Detroit Locker in my 5 speed roadster and though I don't hate it enough to take it out, I won't have another one. On a curve, the car takes a set, it feels squirrely as you straighten out. As I make a sharpe turn at slow speed it occasionaly will squeak the tires on asphalt, drag one in the gravel or make a loud clunk.
If I have a 9" from a 1960 F100 that is currently open (wheels spin opposite each other when off the ground) it sounds like the EZ Locker will work in the third member that I have. Will the True Track work in the existing third member or do I need to use a different center section? Does anything need to be changed?
i love the detroit....there manners arent as bad with an automatic.other than barking the tires on tight turns you may not even notice it.with a stick shift you will notice the "slack"as you go on and off the clutch.it may "pop' as the gears get back into mesh...the auto keeps slight pressure on the gears so you hardly hear/feel it. slick roads can also be fun...but you cant beat there strength and the fact that you will have both tires pulling.
A detroit will make a little racket but they are indestructible and you don't have to worry about one wheel spinning.
The Jalopy Journal
