2012 or newer with a detroit?
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 1
From: Madison, New Jersey
This is one of the first threads I remember seeing on it. I haven't been following the issue much lately so am not sure if there is a workaround, but think I saw something about using a programmer to change the ratio helped?
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...omatic-260152/
When turning on slick roads, front autolockers tend to push straight instead of turning. And rear autolockers try to slide/skid instead of turning. It is a matter of getting used to the handling and personal preference, but for many people, they are better off with a limited or selectable in those conditions.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...omatic-260152/
When turning on slick roads, front autolockers tend to push straight instead of turning. And rear autolockers try to slide/skid instead of turning. It is a matter of getting used to the handling and personal preference, but for many people, they are better off with a limited or selectable in those conditions.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 661
Likes: 1
From: -
I've read several issues with the ARB. I thought those things were bullet proof and trouble free overall? Seems most of the shops choose them on their rigs. What a pain though not to be able to get parts. I think sometimes companies forget about the end user when parts fail or wear out.
At least ARB is trying to fix the OP's locker, they just don't have the parts. I had ARB lockers front/rear in a 2012 GMC Canyon pickup truck. The rear locker had a problem with not engaging some of the time, and it would leak air when it didn't engage. It had been that way since day one. After a trip or two fighting with it, I took it back to the shop where it had been installed, and they trouble shot everything with ARB on the phone. Everything was thought to have been installed correctly, and the locker was assumed to be defective. ARB admitted that, but still refused to replace it under warranty. In my opinion ARB makes a trouble prone unreliable product, and they don't stand behind it.
As for the OP's question: When I called Dynatrac and priced out the axles I swapped into my Jeep I asked them about installing a Detroit Locker, at least in the front end. They said not to do it, because the ESC system would put the Jeep in limp home mode with auto lockers. They wouldn't build an axle for my 2014 JK with an auto locker. I would assume that was because they had had problems with that set up before. I posted something to that effect on a similar post on another forum, and immediately had someone post that they were running a Detroit in their JK, and had no problems at all. So for whatever that is worth, hope that it helps.
Last edited by MOPWR2U; Sep 4, 2014 at 06:09 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
ARBs most certainly are not bullet proof and trouble free, not by a long shot. I was a trail leader at the Easter Jeep Safari, in Moab, UT, for 13 years, and led a couple of their more challenging trails (Pritchett Canyon, and Behind the Rocks). I got to see lots of different vehicles, with different set up. On any given day, if someone in the group was having a problem with their locker not working, I absolutely guarantee that it was an ARB locker that wasn't working, 100% of the time. At least ARB is trying to fix the OP's locker, they just don't have the parts. I had ARB lockers front/rear in a 2012 GMC Canyon pickup truck. The rear locker had a problem with not engaging some of the time, and it would leak air when it didn't engage. It had been that way since day one. After a trip or two fighting with it, I took it back to the shop where it had been installed, and they trouble shot everything with ARB on the phone. Everything was thought to have been installed correctly, and the locker was assumed to be defective. ARB admitted that, but still refused to replace it under warranty. In my opinion ARB makes a trouble prone unreliable product, and they don't stand behind it. As for the OP's question: When I called Dynatrac and priced out the axles I swapped into my Jeep I asked them about installing a Detroit Locker, at least in the front end. They said not to do it, because the ESC system would put the Jeep in limp home mode with auto lockers. They wouldn't build an axle for my 2014 JK with an auto locker. I would assume that was because they had had problems with that set up before. I posted something to that effect on a similar post on another forum, and immediately had someone post that they were running a Detroit in their JK, and had no problems at all. So for whatever that is worth, hope that it helps.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: WA
i had a detroit in the rear of my '12 2door manual. no issues with the electronics. i just put a trutrac in its place. its not a daily driver but it does see some street driving. even though i had done some research on the detroit locker i didnt realize how much it would affect drivability on and off road. i think it was worse because of the short wheelbase and manual tranny, but based on experience i would go limited slip or selectable even for an offroad only rig.
Last edited by spinnerrx; Mar 2, 2015 at 06:02 PM.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
I had Detriots in the front and rear of my Land Rover discovery. The traction control system did cause them to not engage immediately. I finally disabled the system so they would engage sooner. Other that the timing, they would still engage, but with more wheel spin than I wanted.
I know this isn't a jk scenario but the traction control systems work similar.
I know this isn't a jk scenario but the traction control systems work similar.
