62Blazer
Senior Member
To answer the original question.....yes, you can run a Detroit locker in the front. Even without any type of locking hubs or front axle disconnect you would not notice it when in 2wd. The design of the Detroit locks together based on torque input from the driveshaft (which comes from the transfer case). With no torque input it basically freewheels, which is the same concept that it uses in operation when you coast it will unlock. Most automatic locking differentials work the same way (Detroit, "lunch box" lockers, Grizzly locker, etc...). I've personally ran one in a front axle for at least 15 years and you do not notice it all while in 2wd on a truck with drive flanges (i.e. no locking hubs or disconnect).
The only thing I will say is that it doesn't work very good if you just want to run 4wd on snowy roads at higher speeds, like if you are driving to work and it's snowing out. But otherwise it works good off-road or other times you need the traction. I think a front locker makes more of a difference than a rear locker in many conditions, especially with a heavy diesel up front.
A limited slip is not as effective as a locker in extreme situations. In wet grass or shallow and even mud a limited slip can keep both tires spinning, but get the vehicle really crossed up or one side down in a deep rut and you will find the limitations of a limited slip very quick. Also for those people saying just dragging the brakes makes an open diff work like a locker.........yeah right! It can "help" a little but get in a tough spot and you can apply all the brake pressure you want and it won't help. If you could apply brake pressure separately left or right, like cutting brakes on a buggy or tractor, it would be better but you can't on a normal vehicle. Same thing with traction control and other electronic systems. Yes, they "help" but they are not the same in extreme situations. The biggest problems is they wait until the tires are spinning and the vehicle is already basically stopped before working.
Also get a kick out of people arguing about the exact definition of limited slip, clutch packs, torsen diffs, yada, yada.... everybody knows what the original poster is talking about.
The only thing I will say is that it doesn't work very good if you just want to run 4wd on snowy roads at higher speeds, like if you are driving to work and it's snowing out. But otherwise it works good off-road or other times you need the traction. I think a front locker makes more of a difference than a rear locker in many conditions, especially with a heavy diesel up front.
A limited slip is not as effective as a locker in extreme situations. In wet grass or shallow and even mud a limited slip can keep both tires spinning, but get the vehicle really crossed up or one side down in a deep rut and you will find the limitations of a limited slip very quick. Also for those people saying just dragging the brakes makes an open diff work like a locker.........yeah right! It can "help" a little but get in a tough spot and you can apply all the brake pressure you want and it won't help. If you could apply brake pressure separately left or right, like cutting brakes on a buggy or tractor, it would be better but you can't on a normal vehicle. Same thing with traction control and other electronic systems. Yes, they "help" but they are not the same in extreme situations. The biggest problems is they wait until the tires are spinning and the vehicle is already basically stopped before working.
Also get a kick out of people arguing about the exact definition of limited slip, clutch packs, torsen diffs, yada, yada.... everybody knows what the original poster is talking about.