locker identification hepl please

[CJim7]

One question: I wonder why they call it a gearless locker.
Except for selectable lockers, I think all lockers are gearless. No spider or axle gears.
Of course all diffs have ring and pinion gears.

That's a good question Dave. Technically, it operates the same way and has couplers and drivers...only they are internal on the Tractech. The only difference I can possibly see is the Tractech uses actual splines and i guess Lockrights, Ausies, etc use what could be considered "geared" couplers and drivers.

It looks to me like the tractech, when engaged, is a more positive locking unit. less slippage to cause 'pop' and no ratcheting around corners. But this thing is either locked or unlocked....auto locking gears look more forgiving

 

[booneman]

Nice call, I think you are right it's a gearless detroit. Ever since that was mentioned I have been looking for whatever I could find on the subject. Apparently they are not made any more since I can't find anything recent. It got really good reviews from several mags. I can't find any rebuild parts for it. I have some numbers off of it but can't seem to find any that coincide. I guess I'll pull it out and put a more recent type lunchbox in it. I need to go to 4.56's anyway . Thank you to all who have replied to this. It is much appreciated. I can see I have joined the right website.

Thanks again
Booneman

 

[BusaDave9]

I guess I'll pull it out and put a more recent type lunchbox in it. I need to go to 4.56's anyway .

If you are going to regear your axle. I would not put in another Lunchbox locker. The advantage to a lunch box locker is you don't need to remove the differential. If you remove the differential put in a Detroit locker or anything else besides a lunchbox locker. Anything else would come with a stronger carrier rather than reusing the OEM carrier. That's the weak link.

I did some checking on the Tractech locker and all I can find is ATV applications so I agree that they probably don't make them for jeeps anymore.

 

[BusaDave9]

Here's a lunch box locker that fits inside your carier. Easy to install.

Here is a Detroit Locker. It comes with a very strong carrier.

The issue is an OEM carrier doesn't expect to experience the forces of a locker. The carrier becomes the weakest link.

 

[booneman]

I know what you mean but cost right now is the deciding factor. I don't have another700 lying around right now. Thanks for all your help.

 

[BusaDave9]

Is the Detroit Tractech gearless locker bad? If it still works keep it.
Otherwise here's a Lunchbox locker for $410
Powertrax 2415-LR - Powertrax Lock-Right Lockers - Overview - SummitRacing.com
And if you find the money here's a Detroit Locker for $550. Only $140 more.
187Sl16C Detroit Locker Dana 44 3.92 Up Jeep Ford F/R
Both of these prices are small compared to what you will spend to have your axles regeared. About $700 per axle.
If your jeep drives I would keep it as is until you can do it right.

EDIT: It may be hard to find a used Detroit Locker but I sold one here on Jeep-cj.com for $AMC 150 and it was never used. The PO gave it to me when I bought my jeep but I decided to get a selectable locker instead.

If you are short on cash keep your eyes open for a good deal. The Dana 44 is a common axle.

 

[CJim7]

I would run this until it doesnt run anymore....it could be the entire life of that axle. You just dont know.