Detroit Lockers

[86chev]

So i'm fairly positive i will be locking my FF14B soon with a detroit but i have came across a used detroit locker for my D44 front axle. My questions are...Is it worth it? The used locker is $300...will it pay off in the long run or is it just a waste of time? the truck is mostly a mud truck that will see some trail and some road time. also, what do i look for to tell the conidition of a used locker? thanks

 

[crazy4offroad]

Lockers are not a waste of time. Is it a full carrier locker or a slip-in unit like a Lock-Right?

 

[86chev]

im not really sure of the difference..im pretty new to this stuff. this is the picture

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[crazy4offroad]

That's the complete carrier type. You will have to remove your ring gear from your current carrier and put it on that, then set up your gears all over again. The slip-in lockers go inside the open diff with not much fuss. I've never been in one before but more than likely it will have a cross, 2 couplers and a pair of springs. It is a much heavier duty unit over the slip-in style with the small pins and springs. The insides should look essentially like this one...
http://completeoffroad.com/i-123009-detroit-locker-14-bolt-corp-det225s-10.html

 

[nvrenuf]

If it's in good condition it's well worth getting.

That said, those "wipe" marks on the side under the bolts look like the pinion hit it at some point so I'd assume it's been through a catastrophic failure. Like I said, if it's good it's worth getting but I'd only buy it after taking it apart and inspecting the internals. If you're not sure or comfortable doing that find a friend that will.

 

[HotRodPC]

That does not appear to be in good shape IMO. If it were me, I'd pass on that for sure, and go for the one Grease Dog has for sale here. And I'll shoot myself for it later cuz I wanted it, but who the hell knows when I'd come up with the funds. And it's BRAND NEW, so it's well worth the $350. His is the type you split your current carrier, and replace the spiders with the Detroit Locker.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2944

 

[HotRodPC]

Also, here is a link with some detailed help how to install it.

http://4x4mecca.com/tech-article/detroit-locker-install-gm-14-bolt-full-floater

 

[86chev]

yes i am very interested in his but i have to wait until im back from college before I buy anything. The one i posted the picture of is for my front axle. what other types/styles of lockers should i look into for my front axle?

 

[crazy4offroad]

The one you posted a picture of looks like it is for a 14 bolt full floater rear, from the 2 crosspins and split-carrier design.

 

[86chev]

well from the sounds of it i should just avoid that one. any suggestions on a budget friendly front locker?

 

[crazy4offroad]

A slip-in style is the cheapest, easiest alternative. You just take out the crosspin, spider gears and side gears (after you pull the axleshafts out a little from the side gears first) and put this in, no need to re-set up your ring & pinion, no need to press on new carrier bearings (I noticed the one above didnt have bearings on it). Main thing is to try to keep it under 350 HP or you might shear the pins, which aint a big deal, you can order new pins/springs for cheap, the front will just work like an open diff till you get it fixed. This Spartan locker is budget-priced...
http://completeoffroad.com/i-1401004-spartan-locker-30-spline-sl-d44-30.html
EDIT hell you may not even need to pull the axleshafts out any, check that video out.

 

[GreaseDog]

The 14ff Detroit is not a full carrier locker, it replaces the spider gears and cross shaft.

Absolutely not a waste of time, the one I have just doesn't fit my use for the truck, so it is for sale. Not a used locker at all. Never even been in gear oil. Since my truck will be used as a plow truck, the Detroit its a bit too aggressive. I'll be using a factory g80 in mine.