How Does a Detroit Locker Operate?
Open Carrier Many people believe the myth that power from the engine will be directed to both drive wheels, and all four on a four-wheel drive vehicle. While to some extent there is truth to this, the power is never there when it is needed. Under normal driving circumstances, power can indeed go to both rear wheels and all four wheels on a four-wheel drive. However, if things get slippery or traction is not present, only the wheel with the least amount of traction will continue to spin. Obviously, trail drivers or race car operators do not like this scenario. This behavior is the reason they are sometimes referred to as “differentials,” because they split the power or can operate independently. For this reason, especially in race car or trail truck applications, folks will install a locker into the differential(s). Detroit Locked Carrier Now that we understand how factory differentials work, let’s see how the addition of a locker will change things. Both the right and left axles connec
