Detroit locker on icy,snow covered roads

[Ned Kelly]

I forgot to mention - when real slippery or snow on the street, I drive in 4wd just like 'Loafer' mentioned. I also use 4x4 on the highway when the conditions are bad, but a also don't do over 60mph (or slower, whatever is safe given the road/ice/snow conditions) and have no problems. As I stated before, I never regretted having a Detroit locker in the rear, and would do it again.

I like the ARB, but it is pricey. If I could afford it, maybe. I know fellows here you have had trouble with ARB's in the winter - maybe they just need an air dryer or something to help keep it functioning better in the cold. The local utility company ran some ARB's on their vehicles but found them to be alittle problematic due to icing up (improper install method for cold climate - maybe air dryer would solve this?). If you can do a job on installing the ARB and knowing it won't ice up, I would prefer the ARB over the Detroit. I think the first set of rear tires that don't wear out would offset the cost of the ARB - that's if you run a big expensive tires.

 

[Leper]

Ice hell!!!! When I first drove with a Detroit I had to learn to drive in the RAIN again. There was an uphill curve to get me on the highway, a little too much or too little throttle and I was looking in my rearview to see oncoming traffic. Easy to get used to though.

 

[Blue85]

The thing most of us don't want to admit is that functionality-wise, a gov-lock is probably the best choice for driving on ice and snow. It has the ice traction of an open diff and locks automatically for you when you are digging in snow.

I've even had crazy thoughts before of putting one up front as well. It would probably be great on the icy roads, but grenade while wheeling with some traction.

 

[unclematty]

hey man! I live in UT and have lived here most of my days. I have Spools front and rear with over inches liftand more horsie than I probably should. you just have to mind your mannerswhen driving in the snow and ice, no fast turns and no jack rabbit starts you'll do just fine.

 

[destinbeachman]

Thanks for all the info,guys.I think,come springtime,I'll go ahead and go for the Detroit.Until now I didn't realize that ARB's can be tempermental in cold weather.I thought that with a knowledgeable,quality install and proper maintenance they are faultless.Well,I'm a very carefull driver in the mountains and I figure I'll be able to get it down after a little while.Seems,from all the comments from guys who have driven in slick,icy conditions,that the safest method when it's really nasty out is to keep your front hubs locked and stop and shift your tranny(trannies)if it at all looks sketchy.Looks like all I have to do now is look around and find a standard 14bff carrier.
By the way,Greg72,your rig is just about identical looking to mine.Same cool green paint,stock,restored front w/stock bumper and the perfect stance.Oh yeah,and a big block.Looks fantastic-great job.
Thanks guys...Allen

 

[Ned Kelly]

Search or do a post at http://www.akfabshop.com/forum/ and see what the consensus is on ARB's from the Alaska boys. Maybe they've got some tips on making ARB's work well in the cold. If you could get the air locker to work consistantly trouble free in the cold, I think it would be ideal for a dd/trail rig.