Every locker is different, the way they react is different, operate differently, and the design is different. Today you are going to meet the two greatest rivals Truetrac and Limited slip. Every ins and outs will be arranged and help you to come to a decision about which should be your next companion.
Detroit Truetrac is designed for you if you are in a crazy off-road, towing, and street racing world. With the latest and improved helical-gear design, it can operate as an open differential while driving in the local differential. The main difference is the price. The price difference between them is $150 to $700. Limited slip is a rebuildable and long-lasting locking differential.
The similarity between them is rigid traction. They are the same in improving traction and can perform under pressure. In this article, lots of differences and similarities will be discussed. So keep reading from top to bottom and pick the best one.
Truetrac Vs Limited Slip Locker In a Table
| Main concept | It works as an open differential while riding unsurfaced roads, riverbeds, sludge, and snow, rocky trails (off-roading conditions). | Limited-slip |
| Manufacturer | Detroit Trutrac | Eaton |
| Weight | 25 Pounds | 23 pounds (approx.) |
| Locker type | Both front and rear axle, friction-based differential | It works as an open differential while riding unsurfaced roads, riverbeds, sludge, and snow, rocky trails (off-roading conditions). |
| Design | Pinion gear, helical-gear style, and C-clip design help to go forward and reverse. | State-of-the-art software design ensures greater traction and viability. |
| Working mechanism | It works like an open and selectable differential when unlocked, and an electromagnetic mechanism ensures higher traction. | Work by using the clutch and transmitting power and torque to both wheels. |
| Made from | Constructed with high-quality alloy metals and updated with 9310 forged case gears to ensure durability. | It is made of 4320 chrome spider gears and a high-strength nodular case to ensure ultimate durability. |
| Operation | By transferring power from the spinning wheel to the most traction-oriented wheel, Truetrac operates. By transferring the lost traction to the higher traction wheel, the amount of rotation (or spin) is controlled. | It features a gear train and a more complicated torque split that allows an output shaft while rotating at different speeds. |
| Pros | Simultaneously work both forward and reverse to ensure higher performance. | It works as an open differential while riding unsurfaced roads, riverbeds, sludge, and snow, rocky trail (off-roading conditions). |
| Costs | $400-$500 | $600-$1200 |
What Is Truetrac Locker?
The Truetrac Locker is a type of limited-slip differential. It uses helical gears instead of clutches for traction enhancement. This design ensures smooth power distribution between wheels. It’s particularly useful in slippery conditions or off-road terrains.
The Truetrac Locker’s key advantage is its maintenance-free operation. Unlike traditional differentials, it doesn’t require periodic clutch replacements. This characteristic makes it a cost-effective solution for long-term use. It’s ideally suited for both light trucks and performance vehicles.
In terms of performance, the Truetrac provides consistent and reliable traction. It automatically transfers torque to the wheel with more grip. This feature is crucial for maintaining stability and control in challenging driving conditions. It’s particularly beneficial for vehicles used in snowy, muddy, or uneven terrains.
Moreover, the Truetrac Locker is known for its quiet operation. Unlike other lockers or limited-slip differentials, it operates without the typical noise and harshness. This aspect makes it a preferred choice for daily drivers who value a smooth driving experience.
Another significant benefit is the reduction in tire wear. Balancing torque between wheels, it minimizes unnecessary tire stress. This leads to longer tire life, reducing the frequency of tire replacements.
Installation of the Truetrac Locker is straightforward. It can be fitted into the existing differential housing without major modifications. This ease of installation appeals to vehicle owners who prefer DIY upgrades.
Its versatility extends to various vehicle types, including rear-wheel and four-wheel drives. The Truetrac’s adaptability makes it a popular choice among a wide range of drivers. From off-road enthusiasts to regular commuters, it caters to diverse driving needs.
In terms of cost, Truetrac offers a balance between performance and affordability. While it might be pricier than some alternatives, its durability and efficiency justify the investment. Over time, the savings on maintenance and tire replacements can be significant.
In conclusion, the Truetrac Locker stands out for its unique helical gear design, maintenance-free operation, and versatility. Its ability to provide smooth, consistent traction in various conditions, coupled with a reduction in tire wear and noise, makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and driving needs. Its ease of installation and long-term cost-effectiveness further add to its appeal among vehicle owners.
Pros
- Maintenance-free operation
- Smooth power distribution
- Reliable traction in challenging conditions
- Quiet operation
- Reduces tire wear
- Easy installation
- Versatile for different vehicle types
- Cost-effective in the long run
Cons
- Pricier than some alternatives
- Does not fully lock wheels like a traditional locker
- Less effective in extremely low-traction situations (e.g., one wheel completely off the ground)
What Is a Limited Slip Locker?
A limited-slip locker is a type of automotive differential. It improves traction by limiting wheel spin. This locker distributes power evenly between both wheels. It’s ideal for slippery or uneven road conditions.
Limited-slip lockers use various mechanisms like clutches or gears. They detect when a wheel loses traction automatically. Then, they transfer torque to the wheel with more grip. This process enhances vehicle stability and control.
There are two main types: clutch-type and gear-type. Clutch-type uses friction plates to distribute torque. Gear-type uses gears for smoother, quieter operation.
Limited-slip lockers are commonly used in performance and off-road vehicles. They provide better traction than open differentials. This makes them preferred for racing or off-roading.
These lockers also benefit daily driving in adverse conditions. They improve safety by preventing wheel slips on ice or wet roads. This is crucial for maintaining control in challenging environments.
Moreover, limited-slip lockers cause less tire wear than lockers. They allow wheels to rotate at different speeds when needed. This reduces unnecessary stress on tires.
Installation of limited-slip lockers varies by vehicle and type. Some vehicles come with them as standard equipment. Others may require professional installation.
In terms of cost, they can be more expensive than open differentials. However, they offer significant performance advantages. This makes them a worthwhile investment for many drivers.
In summary, limited-slip lockers are differential upgrades. They provide enhanced traction in various driving conditions. Using clutches or gears, they distribute power to the wheel with more grip. Ideal for both off-road and daily driving, they offer stability, control, and reduced tire wear. Their value in improving vehicle performance justifies the investment for many.
Pros
- Improves traction on slippery or uneven surfaces
- Distributes power evenly between wheels
- Enhances vehicle stability and control
- Suitable for performance and off-road vehicles
- Benefits of daily driving in adverse conditions
- Causes less tire wear than traditional lockers
- Available for a wide range of vehicles
Cons
- More expensive than open differentials
- May require professional installation
- Not as effective as full lockers in extreme off-road conditions
- Can wear out over time, especially clutch-type models
Truetrac Vs limited Slip Locker
Overview
Detroit Truetrack is a fiction-based locking unit without any repairable parts. It is the latest edition of the exclusive clutch-type differential. It can operate both forward and reverse because it has a biased torque function. Under the light work session, it works as an open differential and allows the backside wheels to turn smoothly for satisfactory cornering.
LSD (Limited-slip differential) provides some slipperiness to both wheels operating smoothly. The purpose of the LS differential is it limit the rotating of wheels when driven wheels lose their grip.
Performance
Both have superior design and power to perform to their level best. Automatic engagement, pinion, and ring design with helical-gear style unleash and disclose the real performance even driving off-road. It comes with zero maintenance hassle and costs which is a plus point.
Inversely, LSD is a composite clutches and rebuild option. With its rigorous building, it can deliver the highest performance on the toughest terrain. So the performance is equally excellent on both differentials.
Design
The parallel access pinion gear and locking ring design make Truetrac unique in the market. It ensures on-demand balanced power while needed. The diff is capable of working a 3-½ bias ratio which means it sends more than 3-½ times the power on the low traction wheels.
When we look at the limited slip, we can see there is a state-of-the-art design with pinion and ring design. This new and premium design ensures performance, removes installation hassle, and improves traction.
Durability
Craig Creager, an important person of Eaton told in an interview that their Truetrac is a robust unit as it is made with 9310 forged gears. He added that it is efficient for handling severe off-roading tasks and vice versa. A rigorous metal finish with a steel carrier cage ensures its ultimate durability.
In contrast, LSD is made of an unbreakable and rust-free unit made for handling tough tasks. The carrier cage is made of nodular iron to save the internal components. Built for the most rugged terrain and worst conditions.
Traction
With helical-gear style and robustness, it provides sufficient power to both wheels to ensure the most traction. A significant consideration is when one of the two tires breaks or loses its traction ability, the other wheel continuously provides higher traction by transmitting the lost traction.
On the contrary, LSD offers the utmost traction as it features pre-load springs spider gears, and clutches. Also, spider gears allow different power to both the front and rear axles at different motions when cornering.
Lifespan
Creager says, “Our TrueTrac is a very robust unit.” so that can be said, that Truetrac is made for the last. It is a clutchless type differential and has less chance of wearing or tearing out early. Also, a high-quality carrier cage outside, and steel-based materials inside ensure the lifespan. Basil, it works excellent till 20k-30k miles without wear and tear. It can last forever, depending on you and your vehicle.
On the other hand, LSD has a chrome finish in a carrier cage and the whole body is made of steel. However, with a rigorous test off-road and other unsurfaced areas, many people share their experiences. Until rebuilt, it provides 100k miles of running benefits without breaking.
Compatibility
Truetrac is compatible with all off-roading vehicles like Toyota, Jeep Wrangler, GMC Sierra, Ford, Nissan, and street racing cars. On the other hand, a Limited slip differential with compatible with all GM bolts, GMC Sierra,
Final Words
A locking differential is the most crucial and mandatory part of any vehicle for improving traction, increasing torque and power, and balancing front and rear wheels spinning. When it comes to choosing between Truerac and Limited Slip, the hassle arises.
If you are looking for a differential in budget and efficiency, Truetrac is the best. But enjoying blissful and higher traction in mud and snowy conditions, Limited slip has no substitute.
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