Posted by Dan Shockley on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 9:04AM :
In Reply to: Re: So who wants an air locker for their Power Wagon?? posted by Clint Dixon on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 8:00AM :
Clint,
I don't disagree with you. Depending on use a lot of people get great service out of the auto-locking differentials. In fact, I have one of only a few detroit lockers in my W300M.
I would suggest that for off-roading, everyone that I have talked with indicated that of the open differential, auto locking or selectable locker - an auto locker can cause premature axle failure. In rough terrain, under the load of a heavy truck and the load of the engine, sharp engagement can cause failure. Of course, this is made a little easier for Power Wagons because if we are running the stock engines we are a little short on axle-snapping torque.
And finally, maybe your most important comment involved slippery roads. It is true that most locker related adverse handling is seen on slick roads. In my opinion this is where the selectable locker really shines!
Have a great day, and thanks for your input!
Dan