Anyone install Detroit Truetrac

I was just wondering if anyone has personaly installed the Detroit Truetrac. How do you like it and how did the installation go?

 

well i do no detroit has been around a longggggggg time.and in the jeepen world they r used alot.we've even had a couple of plow trucks with detroits in them and they worked well.no problems.

 

Thanks thats great. I am going to attempt the installation myself. I have no differential experience but I have fixed alot of mechanical stuff. I am going to get a rebuild kit and give it a shot and hope everthing goes well. any advice.

 

yeah just pizza,no beer.i think you"ll b happy with it when its done.

 

Yeah I think I will too. Beer is never a good idea with something like that. Everything I have read about the Truetrac is great. nearly locks like a locker and drives on the street almost like a open diff. I cant wait to test it out after the install.

 

Isn't there some really technical part where you need to set up the backlash in the differential to a certain level?

I hope they've come along way since the one I had in my Land Rover (or mine was set up wrong). Every so often going around a corner it would unlock with a big bang, enough to make the car shake. And as for driving on ice/in teh snow...don't bother. Take the bus.

 

Did you have the the detroit Truetrac LSD with helical gears or the Detroit lockers? because I am not getting the locker. I have heard LSD is good on snow also.

 

I had the locker - sorry if I misled you (I thought you were talking about the locker also).

 

The Truetrac was the first thing I did on my 08 dc sr5 4x4 – (along with tires)
I had a transmission shop install it. I had a torsen type LSD in my Ranger and that little truck was great off road so I wanted something similar. The Detroit is perfect. I live in Maine and it is great in the snow. I also hunt a lot and it’s great on the logging roads etc.
You never know its back there until you are supposed to be stuck but you’re not.
JJK

 

Great thanks. the only way your post would have been better is if you installed it yourself. did you buy a rebuild kit also for the differential and bring it to the shop with the truetrac? or did they just reuse the bearings and use silicone for the seals? how much did it cost you? thanks JJK

 

All he should need is a carrier shim kit. I got two sets (one for each side, in the event that you need two of the same shim) for around 25 bucks shipped from randy's ring and pinon. Also, dont forget a oem gasket that goes between the third and the axle housing. Might as well use instead of sealant since it only cost 7 bucks.

 

I beleive I paid around 750.00 installed and I beleive they replaced carrier bearing. (2 years ago) It's not somthing I could have done myself. I don't have the tools (Physical, mental, or actual tools that is )
JJK

 

Yep, its not exactly easy unless you are fairly mechanically inclined. As far as the carrier bearing goes, you WILL need a set of carrier bearings (2) if you do not have the correct puller to remove the old bearings from the open carrier. I just went ahead and bough two new ones for peace of mind. Toyota quoted me almost 100 bucks for two new bearings, so I bough a set of Timken bearings which are every bit as good, for less than half the cost. You will also need a press to install the new bearing.

 

If you are just replacing the differential, there is really no reason to buy a whole rebuild kit. You will need to get bearings, and cups, for sure. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get new ring gear bolts, and a third member gasket. The only tricky part about changing out the differential carrier is getting the bearing preload, and ring and pinion backlash set up right. I installed a Tru-Trac in the front, and a Detroit Locker in the rear on my Jeep. I must have got it right, because both axles are still alive and happy after 4 years now.

 

I had a TruTrac installed in the rear axle when I had my lift put in. I don't have the tools or time or garage.
I've had mine for about 3 years now. I do mostly city stop and go driving. Can't tell it's even there, until I get on it going around a corner too fast and swauk a tire. Off road it's great until you lift a tire then it goes away. But if you pull a few clicks of the parking brake the LSD thinks both tires are still on the ground. It takes some pratice on how many clicks and how much gas to apply to get it to hook up.

IF you haven't set gears before (ring and pinion) I wouldn't touch it.

Good Luck.

 

How did your install go and are you satisfied with the Truetrac? i just purchased one and am gearing up for the installation. I have a shop where the truck can sit for as long as it takes me so there's no pressure to get it done quick-even if I need to order more parts during the job. I am definitly going to buy new carrier bearings