an auto locker up front is only engaged when in 4wd, when in 2wd you will only notice it there when you make tight turns and the locker will make a racheting sound.

 

The detroit or auto locker in the front will only engage or lock up when there is ample torque applied through the drive shaft to the diff. In saying this that is why you won't feel the locking in 2wd because there is no torque applied to the front diff. through the driveshaft. I always went Detroits in previous 4x4's, that is until I got this fancy pants Rubicon with it Electric lockers,, But to tell you the truth,, I really kinda like my old detroits better than this hitting the switch on and off to lock up the front or rear and making sure I'm not in a bind when actuating it,, all just a PITA for me while wheeling. Ask me what I wish my new JK had, I would say detroits front and rear.

 

I want to install a Detroit in the rear, but with the snow and ice we have I don't think it would be safe to drive sometimes. It is my opinion the Trutrac is the best limited slip, but what do you guys think?

 

I've ran a lot of detroits in toyota trucks (light in the a$$ end, and blazers) In fact I would not ever waste my time and money on a limited slip. I owned the toyotas in AZ and PA and Southern IL. through many snow storms and plenty of ice, it's not bad and you learn how to drive it in short order. Do yourself a favor and if your gonna do gears in the future do the detroit locker and gears at the same time. My $.02

 

I've been gone but I'm still not sure how I missed this...

Correct- The Factory Rubi locker is from GKN not Eaton.
Correct- The factory Rubi locker is stronger than the Eaton D44 version. However, it may not be more reliable.

The Dana 3O Eaton ELocker is a great piece and probably the the best selactable option for a 30.