Blew the front Detroit locker...

cewtwo · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 04:58 PM

Somehow, someway, I have blown out my front Detroit soft locker. I was casually going up Redcone Peak and at an uncomfortable place that required front axle traction I realized that I did not have any!
Well, troubleshooting it was fun but eventually As I examined the locker out of the differential I found that it was indeed the problem. 3 pieces had broken 'teeth.'
Detroit was not very helpful. After 4 contacts with customer service, I was led to beleive that 1. Noone in Colorado services Detroits, 2. There are no Detroit locker parts in the USA, 3. It would take 6 - 8 weeks to receive the parts from Ireland (of all places), 4. The three parts would cost $390, & 5. a new replacement would be $430. Now to be honest, the Detroit parent company does not sell retail. Most of the information above came from between Detroit and DTS (Drive Train Specialists).

So, with my back against the wall, I had a decision to make. Fix the old one? (I would like to drive the back country again this season though). Buy a direct replacement? Change the setup completely?
I called several places. This is the deal that I went with.
Northridge - $1150 - Includes ARB front locker, Dana 30 Moly alloy axles (30 splines from my current 27), installation kit, & free delivery.
It comes tomorrow. I will take pictures of the install as I go through it.

What you all think?

Charlie

Sparky-Watts · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cewtwo

What you all think?

Charlie

I think I long for the day when I have to make decisions like that....and can make them and afford them!

Sounds like a decent deal! Hope you get it all back together for a few more trips this season. Let us know how it all works out, Charlie.

Bounty__Hunter · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 11:00 PM

I think you should have stuck with the detroit, or gone electric.

Can you post up some pics of where the detroit broke? What size tires you runnin?

currupt4130 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 12:06 AM

Here's my advice.

Aussie Locker.

$240, never had a problem and I drive HARD

redrooster · #5 (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 09:20 AM

I think $1150 is a lot of money for an axle that is probably only worth $250 alone.
I re-read your post...is that the price without install? I hope you know how to set up gears.