I was planning on putting a Detroit locker in the rear of my '87 4 runner. I've heard that the Detroits are really noisy on the 4 cyl toyota rear ends. I heard that they clunk and bang. I also heard that they engage inconsitantly in the rain, snow, or just on the freeway if you accelerate hard. My truck is a daily driver so I was just wondering if any of these claims are true. I know I should just get a selectable locker but I don't have the money for one right now. Plus I can get a really good deal on the Detroit. Any input is greatly appreciated.


P.S. I'm looking at the nice Detroit locker not the cheaper one. The one around $500.00ish.

I know I should just get a selectable locker but I don't have the money for one right now P.S. I'm looking at the nice Detroit locker not the cheaper one. The one around $500.00ish

then you've already got 3/4 of a selectable paid for

I'm only paying $375.00 not $500.00. The only selectable locker I'd be interested in is an ARB. They usually go for at least $700.00 if you can get a good deal on it. Plus I would need to buy the comperessor and the 4 cyl bearings for it. Before you know it your into it for $1000.00

Size tire? What about a Detroit TrueTrac? Or is this not available for your app?

Ive run a Detroit in my vehicles for about 7 years. No yota's but it doesnt matter. If you look at the design of the detroit (as seen here... http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/ProductsServices/PerformanceProducts/Products/Differentials/DetroitLocker/index.htm) you will easily discover why it makes noise. Look at the 3 center pieces and the springs. As you can see its a spring loaded ratcheting type system. Yeah, they make noise...every locker will, but its not like pop, clunk, clink every 10 seconds.

Under traction of course the locker will pop be cause your putting load to the diff causing the locker to engage. This means those springs apply pressure to those teethed plates and they then lock on that center piece you see. When they do that....whalla theres your noise. Personally though....I honestly dont think there that bad. They do pop....espcially on sharp turns (duh) and upon accelration but unless your a really picky SOB then its tolerable.

If you want more street manners keep looking around. Im sure you can find a suitable choice for cheaper.

The newer detroits are softer and queiter

they make occasional bang sounds, nothing constant
the ones claiming its bad are the ones that never had them.

I only notice it occasionally when going around corners in a parking lot. Its a loud "bang" and the truck shakes, I laugh every time it happens, no big deal.

they make occasional bang sounds, nothing constant
the ones claiming its bad are the ones that never had them.

X2, I went with a spool, next time; Detroit for sure.

What about accelerating hard in traffic? I drive pretty aggresive. Is it going to bang a lot? Also, does it bang a lot off-road? Does it lock and unlock a lot?

Under any load the locker will engage. So pretty much anytime you hit the gas it will engage. Under hard accelartion yes it will bang....off road yes it will bang....turning will bang. Its tollerable though. If your picky like it sounds like your are....then wait till you can afford a selectable.

I drive a big block powered, 7000 pound truck with a detroit and I don't even know its there. Until I romp on it and leave dual 15 inch wide Bogger tracks on the blacktop.

Supposedly, from what I have heard, the older Detroits were noisy, but I have em in both axles and they are quiet motherfuckers.

What about accelerating hard in traffic? I drive pretty aggresive. Is it going to bang a lot? Also, does it bang a lot off-road? Does it lock and unlock a lot?

I drive pretty aggresive too, just turn the radio up and you will never notice the noise :laughing:

Had a Detroit for 4 years loved it, went with an arb and had replace the compressor twice and I don’t remember how many fuses.

I would't run an ARB if you gave it to me.

My buddy has em in both axles on his Jeep, and has been plagued with blown fuses, bad grounds, smashed copper line in the front diff when the new Ruffstuff diff cover he had smashed the line upon installation. (which required ordering that whole piece new from ARB.

Not to mention the price....holy shit...:evil:

What about accelerating hard in traffic? I drive pretty aggresive. Is it going to bang a lot? Also, does it bang a lot off-road? Does it lock and unlock a lot?

you will not notice it when you are aggressive, its default mode is locked, it doesnt "lock up when you hit the gas".
when you will notice it is when you are barely into the throttle while turning, the outside tire will over speed the ring gear, which you will not feel, but when it reengages the ring gear you will get a clunk.

the drop in lockers are always banging and crashing as they act like the above poster claims
when under throttle the ramps force out on the side gears. they are annoying as hell, dont buy them.

i have only run detroits and have never had a problem what so ever.. i have an 86 toy... the loud bang is more like a muffled thump to me... its really not that noticable.. plus detroits are known for the strength.. so if your an aggressive driver you probably go for the detroit... the real one to... not the truetrac stuff..IMO. plus you learn how to drive the locker. if your coming around a corner and accelerate then you will feel it kick in but you will soon learn how it engages and how to apply gas... go for the detroit... you wont regret it... p.s. i have had the same detroit in my truck for like 10 years... doesnt make hardly any noise.

I drive a big block powered, 7000 pound truck with a detroit and I don't even know its there. Until I romp on it and leave dual 15 inch wide Bogger tracks on the blacktop.

Supposedly, from what I have heard, the older Detroits were noisy, but I have em in both axles and they are quiet motherfuckers.

Nahhh, You just can't hear them over the screaming tires
anf giggling girls!

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

Thanks a bunch guys! That was really helpfull. Looks like I will be buying the detroit on friday.

Nahhh, You just can't hear them over the screaming tires
anf giggling girls!

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

Could be that too. Or I'm deaf. One or the other.:p