FAQ

Detroit Locker

What kind of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil? Do I need a friction additive/modifier?

Quality petroleum/mineral-based oil works best in the Detroit Locker units. Eaton does not recommend synthetic oil. A friction additive/modifier is not required.

Can I use factory bearings?

In most cases the Detroit Lockers work with factory bearings. The exceptions are: 10 bolt 8.5\8.6 GM axles, the "Performance" Dana 35 & 44 and GM12 bolt with 35 spline axles. No other "special" setup is required.

What kind of break-in is required?

The Detroit Lockers do not require any break-in.

When does a Detroit Locker lock?

The Detroit Locker is locked up 100% in a straight line or if you are spinning. The unit unlocks in a turn for the fastest turning wheel.

When I step on and off the gas pedal, I hear the unit make a "clunking" noise. Why?

Because Detroit Lockers have "backlash" or "slack" between the drive and driven teeth and you will hear this in everyday use going through corners and when going from a drive mode to a coast mode. Also with the vehicle on the ground and the transmission in neutral you will have 1\4 to 1\3rd of a turn of lash in the driveshaft (this is completely normal).

Can I run a Detroit Locker on the street?

Many people do use the Detroit Locker during everyday street use. The Detroit Locker is a very aggressive differential, so you will hear it and feel it everyday on the street. Eaton makes many applications for trucks that spend most of their lives on the road. (In the late 60's, some Ford cars had the Detroit Locker as a factory option.)

How much horsepower and torque will the Detroit Locker take?

There are many factors to consider when determining if a specific differential will last in your vehicle. Horsepower and torque are important factors. However, the weight of the vehicle, tire height/width, the terrain and suspension are also critical things to take into consideration. For example, a setup that uses street tires will live longer because both tires will break loose and spin before any real strain is put on the unit. But as the tire gets wider, the stress on the unit increases because the traction is greater. But also keep in mind that the Detroit Locker is the strongest unit sold today and has been for many years.

Can the Detroit Lockers be used in the front axles?

Yes they can, but you must have lockout hubs and they must be unlocked for on-road driving because of steering issues.

Can the Detroit Lockers be repaired?

Yes they can.

ELocker

How do I activate my ELocker?

ELockers are activated by a dash or a council mounted switch.

Are ELockers rebuildable?

Yes. Depending upon your needs, several types of service kits are available - the gear service kit, locking mechanism kit, stator/armature kit, and the universal wiring kit.

What OE vehicles are equipped with the ELocker?

The GM H2 and H3 Hummers have factory Eaton ELocker options.

What locking modes does an ELocker have?

The ELocker operates as a standard (or open) differential. When the Elocker is engaged, the ball ramps or pins are energized, causing full lock.

Can I just purchase the wiring harness?

Yes, the wiring harness is universal to fit any vehicle, and can be purchased separately.

Is a relay necessary for ELocker operation?

That switch cannot handle the current that the ELocker needs. Therefore the relay is needed to run both the ELocker and the switch.

Can the ELocker be engaged "on the fly"?

Yes. You can engage it on the fly up to a certain point, probably around 15 - 20 mph. However, you must be careful that the wheel speed difference (between the right and left wheel) remains low, under a 50 rpm difference. Therefore Eaton specifies that the vehicle speed should be below 3 or 5 mph when engaging the ELocker.

Does ELocker have any special installation requirements?

Yes. All Dana 30 and 35 model Elocker differentials require LM102949 bearings and LM102911 races.

Posi

What kind of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil? Do I need a friction additive/modifier?

Eaton Posi units perform best when using GL4 (or better) mineral/petroleum based gear oil. A four ounce bottle of friction additive/modifier is also necessary for optimum performance.

Is the Eaton Posi rebuildable?

Yes. There are three main types of service kits available - internal spider and axle gear kits, clutch kits, and preload spring and plate kits.

Can I upgrade my Eaton Posi?

Yes. Both the clutch disks and the preload springs can be upgraded for extreme off-road and drag racing applications. Posi units come equipped with 400lb of preload. They can be upgraded to 800lb, or even downgraded to 300 or 200lbs options. There are several types of clutch service kits. They range from the OE, 18 disc (standard), the 24 disc (high performance), and the modern day, high-tech 14 disc carbon fiber design.

Detroit Truetrac

What kind of oil should I use? Can I use synthetic oil? Do I need a friction additive/modifier?

Quality petroleum/mineral based oil works best in the Truetrac units. Eaton does not recommend synthetic oil. A friction additive/modifier is not required.

Can I use factory bearings?

In most cases the Truetrac units work with factory bearings. The exceptions are: 10 bolt 8.5\8.6 GM axles, the "Performance" Dana 35 & 44 and GM12 bolt with 35 spline axles. No other "special" setup is required.

What kind of break-in is required?

The Truetrac units do not require a break-in. The unit's internals will take a little time (depending on driving conditions) to "seat." Afterwards there will be a slight improvement in its performance.

When does the Truetrac lock up?

The Truetrac is a helical gear limited slip differential that never "locks up." The Truetrac operates by transferring power from the spinning wheel to the wheel with the most traction. If one tire breaks traction, the amount of rotation (or spin) is controlled. The torque is then sent to the other tire that still has traction.

I use my vehicle on the street and on the strip, will the Truetrac hold up?

On the street, the operation of the Truetrac will be transparent. You will not know it is there until you need it. In racing situations the unit will apply torque to both tires and launch straight as an arrow, time after time.

How much horsepower and torque will the Truetrac take?

There are many factors to consider when determining if a specific differential will last in your vehicle. Horsepower and torque are important factors. However, the weight of the vehicle, tire height/width, the terrain and suspension are also critical things to take into consideration. For example, a setup that uses street tires will live longer because both tires will break loose and spin before any real strain is put on the unit. But as the tire gets wider, the stress on the unit increases because the traction is greater.

Can Truetrac be used in the front axles of full time 4 wheel drive jeeps and trucks?

Yes, it can. You will find Truetrac differentials to be very smooth yet effective in either end of your vehicle.

Can I repair the Truetrac if I need to?

The worm gears inside a Trutrac are maintenance free, and do not require regular service. Internal failure usually results in the damage of the worm gear pockets. Therefore, they are not rebuildable.