TruTrac, in front IFS
- Thread starter Gerdo
- Start date
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LINY4Runner
New member
I love my front Tru-Trac.
It's great on the rocks, great in mud, and perfect for those MultiMode trucks to run AWD in the snow, ice or even on dry pavement.
It's not as harsh for the CVs than a full locker would be, but still gives MUCH added benefit over the stock open carrier.
I'd definitely install one again.
It's great on the rocks, great in mud, and perfect for those MultiMode trucks to run AWD in the snow, ice or even on dry pavement.
It's not as harsh for the CVs than a full locker would be, but still gives MUCH added benefit over the stock open carrier.
I'd definitely install one again.
Gerdo
New member
I wonder how they act with a standard (non AWD) transfer case 4runner in 4wd.
Do you feel front end bind when the center diff is locked?
LINY4Runner
New member
The front end never binds because the LSD by design allows slip. Best way I can describe it is that it feels like you're on 10psi.
FoneRunner
New member
Alright, so I'm trying to get these answers on three different forums but its all the same people! Pretty funny how big this community is and how small it is at the same time!
So....next question is where do you get pricing on the trutrac?
So....next question is where do you get pricing on the trutrac?
Duhockey
Senior Member
what brands? LINY you have the Detroit trutrac right?
FoneRunner
New member
Is this the correct model? Detroit Locker 911A445?
LINY4Runner
New member
not sure of the part number...call Chase at ECGS...he's a cool guy, he has all the answers
maclean216
Member
TruTrac is great is sand and snow and pretty good in the rocks. If you are building a rock crawler get the ARB air locker.
FoneRunner
New member
Here's a link that I found very informative. Apparently this guy has been there and done that...good reading! And I'm now 99% set on the TruTrac...
Detroit TrueTrac® Differential
Detroit TrueTrac® Differential
brian2sun
Elite Member
One thing I considered when deciding between the ARB and the Trutrac was the stress they put on the components. While it's true that a an ARB fully locks the diff (becomes a spool) and that is harder on the CVs and everything, it's really only that 1% of the time, in those really sticky situations that it's in the "danger zone". The other 99% of the time, it's fully open so no different than stock.
What hasn't been mentioned and why I chose the ARB over the Trutrac is that the Trutrac doesn't fully lock so you run less of a risk of snapping a CV or other damage when your in those 1% of the time, hairy situations (like mentioned above). What wasn't mentioned was whenever you're in 4x4, the Trutrac has more resistance and puts more stress on the components. Yesterday for instance I was in 4LO for ~6 hours straight, but My front diff was open the entire time because I didn't need it locked for the wheeling I was doing. However, if I had a Trutrac up front, I would have been putting more stress on my components the entire time. Whether it's enough to break a CV in a day or 2 of off roading, I don't think so. But the stress it creates, especially in 4LO, over time can't be as good as running your diffs open.
What hasn't been mentioned and why I chose the ARB over the Trutrac is that the Trutrac doesn't fully lock so you run less of a risk of snapping a CV or other damage when your in those 1% of the time, hairy situations (like mentioned above). What wasn't mentioned was whenever you're in 4x4, the Trutrac has more resistance and puts more stress on the components. Yesterday for instance I was in 4LO for ~6 hours straight, but My front diff was open the entire time because I didn't need it locked for the wheeling I was doing. However, if I had a Trutrac up front, I would have been putting more stress on my components the entire time. Whether it's enough to break a CV in a day or 2 of off roading, I don't think so. But the stress it creates, especially in 4LO, over time can't be as good as running your diffs open.
FoneRunner
New member
Thats a good point Brian. The first question I thought of when I read that was how much does a CV axle cost? I haven't had one break yet probably due to the fact that I don't wheel that hard for that long...but the ARB solution is $800+ more than the trutrac. So how many times can you break CV's before you break even on the ARB? Of course, there's the whole inconvenience of breaking stuff on the trail...but without that consideration...
brian2sun
Elite Member
CVs are ~$85-100 so you'd have to break about 2 or 3 to match the cost difference of the ARB (without labor of course). I don't think really anyone is going to break that many just because they have a Trutrac so if you're thinking of it that way, then the Trutrac would still probably be significantly cheaper in the long run. However, in my particular case, I had other reasons for choosing the ARB which may or may not apply to someone else...
I got my front ARB installed for only $212 by 4WP (which is a whole 'nuther story... idiots!). As well as the labor being so cheap because they were having a sale, I already had the ARB compressor (for my rear locker) so all I paid for in parts was the front locker and a bearing kit (which should be used with either the ARB or the TruTrac). I also drive a lot in the snow on curvy steep mtn roads so having a fully open/fully locked diff is better for my situation.
FoneRunner
New member
Haha...well I can't count on getting such a deal on the ARB! Good for you! It's all a trade off I guess...I guess it's just sad that the only real choices if you want to be able to drive it on dry pavement is Trutrac and ARB...at least thats all I've found.
brian2sun
Elite Member
Well, you could do a lunchbox locker (aka Aussie or Lockright) in the front and they are ok to drive on pavement in 2wd. They won't lock up if there isn't any power going to the ring and pinion. But once you put it in 4wd, it will try to lock up whenever you give it gas so steering in 4x4 will suck whenever you're on the gas.
FoneRunner
New member
Thats why I ruled those out. I really have to be able to use the 4wd in the snow or ice so a lunchbox locker wouldn't work. Thats why I mean ARB or LSD are the only real choices...
AddictedOffroad
New member
Yukon should have a Zip Locker available for the 7.5 in a few more months. Its basically an ARB knockoff that is $150 cheaper. I have installed several 8" versions into customer's rigs to date with good results.
brian2sun
Elite Member
I felt the same way, snow handling was the important issue for me too. I don't think the LSD would be so bad, but I like open/open on packed snow and ice.
FoneRunner
New member
I've never heard of Yukon...are they an air locker like ARB?
maclean216
Member
One big problem I have recently noticed is climbing large ledges. The Trutrac won't lock up leading you to have to use more skinny pedal, to try and bump up. Which can lead to snapping CVs.
I don't think the Trutrac is really creating any more stress on the front drivetrain. You can drive with it on dry pavement and you won't feel any feedback from it. Unlike a locker. At least with the multi-mode transfer case you can.
