I've been debating on whether or not to lock the front end or not. A lot of people say your steering goes to sh**, or you get sucked into rutts, or you get poor performance on ice... So what's the deal?

I've also heard that if you are in the snow with a locked front end, you can just lock one hub and everything seems normal? Is that true? Does it f*** anything up?

I want to run a Detroit in the rear, I just don't understand why you wouldn't run a spool instead of a full locker? Does a Detroit differentiate at all? On or off the gas?

Is anyone running a lock-right front with detroit rear? If so, how do you like it?

Thanks for any input.

Not sure about the spools question, but from my experience Detroit in the rear is absoluly the way to go!. I am on my secong 89 4runner both having detroits in the rear and I have never had a problem. As to the snow question a locker in the front is scary to say the least, especially when driving on snowy roads such as driving to the local ski resorts here in UT. Steering is quite squirly. I never really tried unlocking one hub, but I've heard it works and should not cause any binding. I just uped the ante and went to ARB inthe front so I'll see the difference this winter, but I did notice a change in my checking account.

The spool doesn't ratchet like the full detriot does.

I've got a lockright up front, open rear as of yet. I'm planning on another lunchbox locker in the rear, though. The truck it's in is a 2nd vehicle. I would DEF not drive it in the snow in 4wd. I don't like the way it drives on pavement in 4high, let alone bad road conditions. I'd only be willing to drive it in the snow with the open rear and in 2high.

On the trail it does have a tendancy to slide side-to-side a bit more and the steering is different, but I get over that real quick for having 3-wheel drive instead of 2 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've got an open front and detroit in the rear. I used to have a welded rear (like a spool) and it is ALOT different that the detroit. The welded left a patch of rubber around every corner and made lots of tire chirping noises. The detroit isn't really noticable. Depending on your tires, it might pull to the left or right a little when you let off/get on the gas. I'd say for something on the street go with detroit over spool for sure.

I've driven a toy with a welded front. Theres no snow where I'm at, but in the mud with a welded front you can just lock one hub and it steers ok.

Being in AZ there are lots of hills to go prove to others how big your stones are. I have been told that if you are into going up steep hills to prove your stuff and are locked in the front your rig will have a tendency to slide to one side or the other if you become 'stuck'. Meaning, with a locker up front you will force the front of the vehicle, the 50% of your truck with the most weight, to begin pulling and going sideways as you try and go. Both front wheels turning is not good in this I have heard, not first hand knowledge myself. Just some food for thought!

John

I have Detroits front & rear on my 4runner and drive it daily. The detroit has really nice road manners. Only time I notice it is when I accelerate around a corner hard. Ex- taking off from a stop sign going right. In that situation I'll roast the inside tire, but if i drive it normal i'm good. I love my detroits:) Not sure about snow etc... but unlocking 1 hub is a great idea. If it ever snows in FL (wish it did!) I'll try that technique out. I didn't opt for ARB's b/c of A-price, B- to complicated. the detroits are very simple and reliable.

A spool physically locks the two axle shafts together so they HAVE to turn exactly the same speed. They are inexpensive, light, and work great off road (in most situations), but they also eat up tires on the road any time you have to turn and they can cause you to slide off of your line in slippery or off camber situations off road.

A Detroit will allow a tire to turn FASTER than the carrier (such as the outside tire in a turn) but never slower. Some people complain that they are harsh, but with light Toyotas with relatively long wheelbases (compared to Jeeps) and reasonable driving I find that Detroits work just fine, though a selectable locker like an Air Locker or factory Toyota electric locker would be my choice for snow or ice.