Posted by Clint Dixon on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 8:00AM :
In Reply to: Re: So who wants an air locker for their Power Wagon?? posted by Dan Shockley on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 11:17PM :
I think your efforts should be applauded. It sounds like just what some people may be looking for. I do have a few concerns/questions/comments.
I have been running an All-Trac (predecessor to the Lock Right and developed exclusively for the POWER-WAGON) since 1987. Most of the miles I have put on it have been road miles of course. I have experienced none of the problems you have mentioned either on or off road. However, it does have a couple of inherent drawbacks as far as I am concerned: 1) It can not be turned "off", so you have to get used to its characteristics. 2) Because it can not be turned off, it can be downright dangerous on slick crowned roads when traveling in two wheel drive only.
I have regularly carried heavy loads and have never broken an axle shaft while running the All-Trac. In fact, I believe it may actually help prevent axle failure because, unlike an open differential, it prevents the transfer of torque entirely to one axle while a wheel is spinning, which can then suddenly find traction and grab causing an axle to snap. I found that once I learned how to drive with the All-Trac, differential engagement is actually quite smooth and I have experienced no noticeable increase in axle spline wear.
In time, I may be interested in an ARB type locker for the front axle of one of my trucks. This would be the best application for me. I would be interested only if the unit could be controlled from 6-volts. With this in mind, I believe to satisfy everyone, 6, 12, and 24-volt models would all have to be produced. I would tend to think that people would be more open to a manually controlled differential operated via cable rather than an electrically controlled unit. Kind of a "one version fits all". This would also cure the potential problems with an electrical unit failing just when you need it most. It also fits in more with the simple utilitarian aspects of the Dodge all wheel drive trucks.
Thanks for allow our input.
Junior
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