The primary difference between Detroit Locker and Detroit Truetrac lies in their locking mechanism. The Detroit Locker automatically locks under load, providing maximum traction, whereas the Detroit Truetrac, a limited-slip differential, distributes torque smoothly to maintain stability and control.
Expanding on this, the Detroit Locker is ideal for extreme off-road conditions, where consistent traction is key. It’s known for ruggedness and durability but may produce noticeable driveline noise and harshness on the road. In contrast, the Detroit Truetrac offers a more refined driving experience, making it suitable for daily driving and moderate off-road use. It provides improved handling and traction without the aggressive engagement of a locker.
Detroit Locker vs Detroit TrueTrac In a Table
As they are both made by the same manufacturer, they are equally balanced and performance locker or differential. To clarify the overall thoughts between Detroit Locker and Detroit TrueTrac, here is a short table.
| Key factors | Detroit locker | Detroit Truetrac |
| Manufacturer | Detroit locker | Detroit locker |
| Weight | 9 pounds | 25 pounds |
| Working mechanism | It is a 100% automatic locking system that is locked during straight-line driving. | It works like an open and selectable differential when unlocked, an electromagnetic mechanism regardless of traction. |
| Design | To provide a quiet, automatic splitting of torque, Detroit Truetrac differentials use a patented design with parallel-axis planetary helix gears. | Pinion gear, side gears, and open-gear design for transferring power to both wheels. |
| Construction materials | Made from high-quality alloy metals to ensure durability. | Steel construction |
| Operation | Open and limited-slip differential traction system. | As it has a pure brute force traction system, it provides a pretty smooth operation |
| Overall performance | It serves pretty much greater torque to both wheels to better the off-road driving. | It serves pretty much greater torque to both wheels to better the off-road driving. |
| Pros | Ring-and-pinion design makes the installation process easier and less time-consuming. | When you step on and off the gas pedal, a clunking noise will be heard. |
| Cons | The front locker resists steering and can’t perform in snowy conditions better. | Sometimes it requires more time to install in older vehicles. |
| Costs | $500 to $650 | $550 to $750 |
Detroit Locker Vs Detroit TrueTrac: Major Differences
For your convenience, here is an overall thought of both Detroit locker and Detroit differential. To make your purchase worry-free, you will be able to experience everything related to these lockers and differentials. So read them to pick the best you need.
On-demand traction
Detroit locker is consistent and determined to provide satisfactory traction over Stoney or gravel surfaces. In this case, a limited-slip self-activating locker provides 100% torque to power both wheels for optimum traction. Whether it is a high hill or flat sludgy roads, no worries.
Design
With pinion gears, internal and side gears are designed in the Detroit locker to ensure the highest and smooth operation. It is designed to block the front and rear wheels to the rear axle together. It ensures the maximum locking operation with a satisfied torque.
Truetrac, on the other hand, is a friction-based limited-slip differential with the latest wiring harness. With this new design, it can be installed effortlessly. Furthermore, it has a selectable push button to control if there is a blockage problem.
Working mechanism
Driven clutch, spider assemblies, and center cams are its major internal components that help to transfer power on both wheels efficiently to maintain maximum traction. The positioning center cam lock works to rotate the wheels faster.
Truetrac, in contrast, features a helical gear limited slip style differential with the electromagnetic mechanism. It allows the locker to generate force on both the front and rear wheels. By doing this, the perfect traction occurs.
Installation
Detroit locker is a no-slip function that is easy to install and reassemble. With pinon design and snap ring features, installing this system is a piece of cake. It is called DIY locker installation.
On the other hand, Detroit Truetrac has a new wiring harness design for smooth and simple installation. All the installation guides and annual are attached with the manufacturer’s user manual.
Compatibility
Both Locker and Differential can be installed across multiple systems, especially Ford and GM10 Bolt. Also, TruTech is an impeccable addition to off-road vehicles and circuits. On the other hand, Detroit Locker is suitable for any racing car, light utility vehicle, pickup, or street car.
Overall performance
Both ensure quality traction on muddy or sludgy surfaces. But Detroit’s limited slip fails to serve on snowy or damp surfaces. But in this area, Detroit locker is improving horsepower consistently to serve the generous power to both wheels if it is installed with front axles.
Detroit Locker is Best for Regular Off-road Drivers
Detroit locker is a completely automatic system to provide greater traction from mild to extreme conditions. You will be amazed when looking at the Detroit locker’s design and working mechanism. It works with 100% efficiency in both straight and toughest terrain.
Locker’s internal compounds allow spinning the wheels faster or slower when necessary. Detroit, however, is known for its quality and determination to provide such lockers that provide ultimate traction when rotating equally. And you get all of these benefits within our budget.
Detroit Truetrac Locker is Best for Better Traction
It is a clutch-type and c-clip limited-slip differential with a helical gear style. It contributes equally to forward and reverse movement. The myth is Detroit Truetrac is not a locker, it is a differential that controls the shaking of the car while spinning. It delivers 100% torque on both wheels to ensure the highest traction.
It incredibly increases the traction over a challenging area. It has net-forged gears to extend strength and durability. It also provides maximum axle lock as wheels need.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this comparison article between the two best rivals Detroit Locker vs. Detroit TrueTrac helps to think out of the box. You may understand which should be your next option for your system. The differential locker is not a locker but a differential with a helical gear mechanism. Besides, the Detroit locker is called the speed sensing differential.
If you want a long-lasting, quiet operating, durable, and greater traction ability diff, you can make Truerac your companion. But when you are looking for a budget-friendly and aggressive off-roading traction locker, go for the Detroit locker.
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