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Detroit Locker vs Detroit Soft Locker

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Old 01-27-2005, 02:40 AM
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Detroit Locker vs Detroit Soft Locker

Hello all,

I'm having trouble trying to decide what to do.

I want to lock my rear with a Detroit as money is not enought to buy an ARB.

I need a new-carrier-type locker (My 4Runner is factory LSD)

My 4Runner is my daily driver so I want a smooth and quiet operation. So I thought about Detroit Soft Locker.

Wich is the difference between Detroit Locker and Detroit Soft Locker?

I think the difference is a smoother and quieter ride with Soft Locker... Are both 100% locker aren't they?

Thanks and excuse me for my questions,

David

Last edited by Blizzard; 01-27-2005 at 03:28 AM.
Old 01-27-2005, 04:41 AM
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The soft locker has different springs or something. It may be the only one available for your truck. When I bought mine a couple years ago, there was only 1 choice.
Old 01-27-2005, 05:50 AM
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Thanks Marc,

Is it 100% locker right?

David
Old 01-27-2005, 08:24 AM
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Blizzard, I think that the soft locker is more like your LSD then you may want. I have their full Detroit locker in the rear in and 8” dif and it works great. No rough or hopping while cornering. There is also no weird noises that come from it either. The full Detroit would be my recommendation. I did a few quick searches and came up with this. http://www.accuautoparts.com/list1.jsp has a few different choices. And here is a link to tracktecks page makers of Detroit. http://www.tractech.com/Products.htm
Old 01-27-2005, 08:33 AM
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Really? Wow then I'll buy the "normal" Detroit.

Noise was my worse fear... Furthermore it's cheaper than the Soft Locker.

I dont' want an LSD, I want a 100% Diff Lock.

Thanks Neil!

David
Old 01-27-2005, 11:18 AM
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The noise can be cured with a good stereo system
Honestly, when I had my Lockrite in (same as detroit) the noise isn't bad and you get used to it real quick. Plus, once you go offroading with it, you won't regret it.
Old 01-27-2005, 11:52 AM
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http://www.tractech.com/Products.htm

http://www.4wheelonline.com/Products...ProductId=1900

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/produ...TL&expand=sub3

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN STRENGTH OR TRACTION BETWEEN A SOFT LOCKER AND A STANDARD DETROIT LOCKER.

They are virually identical with the exception of the force required to unlock them in a turn. It operates slightly differently, but is still a true locker, not a limited slip in any sence of the term.

later
Old 01-27-2005, 12:25 PM
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Thank you for your comments

I understand quite well English but I'm still learning the technical vocabulary, this is why I have so many questions furthermore here there are a few 4Runners and you in the States have lots more of things for your trucks hehehe.

Tomorrow I'll buy the Detroit and the gears.

David
Old 01-27-2005, 06:53 PM
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Like Crawler said the soft locker and normal "Detroit" are both true "lockers"
Old 01-27-2005, 06:55 PM
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Blizzard did you get to check out the start of the Dakkar rally? It started in your town.
Old 01-27-2005, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Pretacopower
The noise can be cured with a good stereo system
Honestly, when I had my Lockrite in (same as detroit) the noise isn't bad and you get used to it real quick. Plus, once you go offroading with it, you won't regret it.
Lock-Rights are "lunchbox" lockers. Detroits are "carrier" lockers.
Old 01-27-2005, 11:39 PM
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hay crawler thanks for the corection. i love my full detroit
Old 01-29-2005, 05:00 AM
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Blizzard----is your Yota an automatic?
Old 01-29-2005, 06:07 AM
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Noops, my 4Runner is 3.0 Turbo Diesel 5 speed.

I couldn't go to the start of the Dakar (Too much drinking the 31th December...) but I went to the closed park and watched the trucks and the big trailers.

There were a lot of Toyota Land Cruiser 100's very very beautiful.

I ordered and payed the Detroit yesterday, finally a Soft Locker.

4RunnerKid, I've you webpage in my bookmarks! One day I'll have my Toy like yours... But if I win the lotto I'd do a SAS hahahaha

David

Last edited by Blizzard; 01-29-2005 at 06:09 AM.
Old 02-01-2005, 11:02 PM
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I want a diesel 4Runner....no fair.
Old 02-02-2005, 09:22 AM
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Ahahaha deathrunner, what if I sell mine to you, you make it a SAS and later I buy it to you another time and for the same amount? What do you say? Ahahahaha

You dream with diesel 4Runners, I dream with my diesel 4Runner being SASed!

David
Old 02-02-2005, 08:44 PM
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Solid Axle Diesel 4Runner.........How much better can it get?
Old 02-03-2005, 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by deathrunner
Solid Axle Diesel 4Runner.........How much better can it get?
Answer: it can't.
Old 02-04-2005, 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Blizzard
Hello all,

I'm having trouble trying to decide what to do.

I want to lock my rear with a Detroit as money is not enought to buy an ARB.

I need a new-carrier-type locker (My 4Runner is factory LSD)

My 4Runner is my daily driver so I want a smooth and quiet operation. So I thought about Detroit Soft Locker.

Wich is the difference between Detroit Locker and Detroit Soft Locker?

I think the difference is a smoother and quieter ride with Soft Locker... Are both 100% locker aren't they?

Thanks and excuse me for my questions,

David
yes David....they both are 100% Locker. The only real diff between the older Locker and the new 'soft-locker' is a couple of washer-like do-jiggers on each side of the locker internal case. The soft-locker was made to reduce many of the loud clunks and BANGS that are so typical of the Detroit. I remember the change-over in about 1995. Of course, if you have an auto tranny then the clunks and such go away 99%. Either Detroit is much more behaved than any Lunchbox locker also.

I just happen to have a gear job to do with 2 thirds that have detroit lockers already in them....and one of them appears to be an older "hard-locker" so it's time to do a write-up with lotsa pics showing the guts of both. I will update this thread in the future. ZUK
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