Auburn/Trac-Loc vs. Detroit/TruTrac

[Scott B.]

Bill,

How do you like your Auburn/Trac-Loc combination? I assume you have great manners on the street, but how well does it work off-road?

I'm leaning towards Detroit in the rear, and either a TruTrac or an Auburn in the front, and since we have similar wheelbases and vehicle weights, I'd like to hear your opinions.

BTW, glad to hear your truck is fixed. '93 was a great year to build trucks!

Thanks,

 

[RangerX]

Hey Scott,
Whenever I talk about wanting a real locker, my friends tell me I'm crazy cuz I do so well already. Maybe wheelbase and driving skill help, but I've made it up several things that a D-90 with 2 ARB's couldn't. I also got up Double Whammy at Moab. So I do well offroad.
BUT, I've always wanted the combo you're thinking of. I didn't know there's an Auburn for the Dana 35, though. I've always liked my Auburn, but have read that the TruTrac is the 'closest' LSD to a locker. I'd love a Detoit in the rear, but I'll keep the Auburn there till it wears out. Also, I'm hesitant to screw up the streetability of my truck, although I really don't know how a locker handles onroad.

93 IS a great year. I have 117,000 miles, and don't ever have to add oil between changes. I've never broken anything offroading either, not counting the two rollovers!

 

[Scott B.]

Bill,

That's part of my dilemma - I've done well with the factory TracLoc in the rear (OK, not in the mud, but that's not my thing anyway.) I think driver skill makes a big difference, and there are times when wheelbase helps immensely.

But, since I'm installing a new rear end, and I have to change gears anyway, I thought I might go for it. What the hell, if I don't like it (yeah, right!) I can always pull it out.

Are you going on the Colors run in Colorado?

 

[RangerX]

Scott,

No, I'm not doing the Colors Run. Are you? I forgot where you live since we lost the locations on our posts.

Sounds like you're going to get a Detroit! I'm sure you'll love it. Let me know how it handles different.

Why are you putting in a new rear end, and what gears are you changing to?

 

[Scott B.]

Hey Bill,

Yes, I am planning on going on the Fall Colors run. I currently live in Georgia, and need to make a trip to my folk's house this fall - they live in SoCal. I am thinking about wheeling in Colorado for a couple of days, then heading west, and wheeling with my dad in the Mojave for a couple of days. Lots of driving, but should be lots of fun.

I am putting in a new rear end because I want to upgrade to rear disk brakes. For a few dollars more than a conversion kit, I get a heavier rear end housing, and 31-spline axles. I also pick up an inch of width, but that is not an issue (unless a tire hits the fender when it gets stuffed!)

I am thinking about switching from 3.73 to 4.10 gears. Of course, that means I need to swap front gears, so, since I'm in there, I just have to add a traction aid.

 

[RangerX]

The Mohave is not that far. If you are interested, post before you're out this way, and some of us local board dwellers can hook up with you.