I feel like I am held back by not having locking diffs, I am locked front to back on my disco, but not right to left. I don't trust myself to install the arb or detroits myself, but saw that some people had bought third members that were pre-assembled with lockers, where do you find these? Thank you for your time.
Locking Diffs, Who has them?
- Thread starter DiscoGeek
- Start date
Semi-hijack here, but my question is whether or not lockers are worthwhile on a D2 if you add a CDL shift kit to it. I would think that this combined with the ETC would do pretty much the same thing for a lot less money and aggravation.
ETC is no substitute for a locker even with a CDL. not even close. then again i am bias and not a huge fan of ETC. it works good for folks that are not really comfortable or are novices at wheeling.
I guess the answer is add the CDL shifter, and go out and try it for a while. If I get advanced enough where the ETC isn't cutting it, then I'll add lockers. Problem solved! 
The way I found out that I needed lockers was by trying to climb a hill that had water flowint down it in heavy rain. The mud was not yet thick, just slippery. I felt like I needed all four wheels of traction to do it. Theres not a lot of room to gain speed at the bottom of the hill, so I was stuck. Had to turn around and come back. But what is a CDL shift kit? Mine engages when the t-case control is moved left.
jsonova99 said:I guess the answer is add the CDL shifter, and go out and try it for a while. If I get advanced enough where the ETC isn't cutting it, then I'll add lockers. Problem solved!
yep. ETC does work well at times, but when you get use to it and then switch to lockers you will have to drive differently. then you have to decide whether you want to go with a full locker (detroit) or true trac. again the best thing is to really talk to someone like Bill at GBR. in a 10 min discussion he can tell you what is best for you and your truck.
lots of D2 folks (and D1) go with a TT up front and Detroit in the rear.
DiscoGeek said:
he is referring to his D2. not many years came with and some don't even have the lever on the t-case. he wants to add the CDL lever kit to his truck so he can lock the t-case. all D1s came that way from the factory.
ROFL. Could be. I have seen guys like SCSL take obstacles with CDL/ETC that D1 dudes that were locked up in the rear (arb) couldn't take. Clearence/suspension and driving skill can go a long way with CDL/ETC and no lockers. That being said, I am not saying that just to kick you in the nuts - lockers on top of those things are a great boon - but ETC with no CDL is not good for a novice wheeler. Look at what happens when you try to back down (or for that matter) climb a slippery steep grade with ETC - the brakes lock automatically and try to make the truck go sideways (ie, roll down the hill). Not great for the novice, and scary for the experienced 4 wheeler.
You have CDL then. Your lever wouldn't do that if you didn't.
Like I said, things have to get pretty nuts for this to happen (providing your truck is lifted enough). 2" of lift and lockers simply doesn't cut it. As I've said, you can put lockers on a subaru justy, and it still won't do $hit. Make sure you are tall enough and have enough flex before you lock. People say you can "winch over things" if you get stuck, but at least here in Colorado, the only product of this is body damage and all sorts of broken components underneath. After CDL and ETC, think about more lift and perhaps working on driving skill (ie, bill burke course and going every weekend with your group, like Solihull does) before you blow the big coin on some lockers.
we can debate this all day i suppose. i equate ETC like a point and shoot camera. it's easy to use and there is not as much finese involved in the same trail you drive with a D1.
you can compare locked D1s to ETC D2s all day long. so much of that has to do with the driver. but put me in one and then the other and i will get alot further in the D1.
EDIT next you are going to tell me a Freelander will walk all over a D1.
you can compare locked D1s to ETC D2s all day long. so much of that has to do with the driver. but put me in one and then the other and i will get alot further in the D1.
EDIT next you are going to tell me a Freelander will walk all over a D1.
D
D Chapman
Guest
No, only Steve Young says that.....garrett said:EDIT next you are going to tell me a Freelander will walk all over a D1.
Garrett
you said it your self you are bias
and bias ratio is a product of a LSD so deep down you really arent a locker guy
Thom
you said it your self you are bias
and bias ratio is a product of a LSD so deep down you really arent a locker guy
Thom
MUSKYMAN said:Garrett
you said it your self you are bias
and bias ratio is a product of a LSD so deep down you really arent a locker guy
Thom
LSD? i am more of a black tar herion guy.
but really i am tepid with lockers. that is why i run TTs. a puss deep down. haha
S
syoung
Guest
D Chapman said:No, only Steve Young says that.....
Yeah- unlocked DI vs. Freelander.... Freelander wins
Freelander vs. Mike Ditka... Ditka wins
The ETC really works well if you use it properly. Better than a DI. I am considering regearing and putting in tru tracs front and rear though. Don't want a Detroit Locker because of lots of snow driving and don't want air lines and crap for an ARB. ETC has brought me through things that stopped a RRC with rear locker and way bigger lift.
syoung said:
no, no.......make it stop. shit......so in this order right?
1) Freelander
2) D2
3)Chevy Vega on 36's
4) D1
????
i guess i am just an amazing driver to rarely see a D2 get threw things i can't.
A
AlanB
Guest
syoung said:
Adding fuel to the fire, I'll put up my RRC with rear detriot up against ETC anyday. I've seen ETC failures that have left DII's without CDL stuck in places a Subura could have easily handled. ETC works great when working, but if you have any faults and no CDL, you are SOL
