Detroit lockers

might get some more informed replies here;

http://www.newfordranger.net/

There are different products for example "Lokka" "Lockright" that are the same Carlo - I presume you specifically mean "Detriot Lockers" , the Detriot version is the best and most expensive type and has finer resolution in its action - good choice if thats what you want.

I had cheaper ones fitted to front of the Patrol and got rid of them in favour of ARB lockers , because they affect steering to much under load.

Under load they do not unlock.

Note all these type devices are normally locked and actually unlock temporailly to do their job.

First choice in add on traction aids is low cost chains - or things like maxtrax if always in the sand. Both of these are a lot cheaper , and backed with good tyre pressure control can see one thru most situations.

G'Day Mudda
As far as I'm aware no-one makes a locker for the front
diff in the Rangers.
Norm

I love Detroit Lockers. Had one on the back of my F150 4X4 460 cuin V8, never a problem with nearly 500 horsepower. One in the back of my 351 LTD, no problem, and now one in the back of my 69 Fairlane with 550 horses, no problem.
I love the heavy duty "clunk" as you drop into gear. Some bloke dont like them because if your in a slide and back off the throttle (wimp) they can "snap" you back into line, you have to keep your foot into it and use the power for a smooth ride. There are a lot of internal mods that can be done to suit the application and driver. Look up True Trak diff centres, they are a bit tamer for those who do not leave the foot into it.
DO NOT pass on the Detroit if you have one for a small amount, probably 11-1200 dollars worth of diff assembly there, petrol heads love them.
I dont know why you would ever need one in a Ford Ranger Supercab though.
Well over engineered for that car needs if we are actually talking the same thing.

I had a Detroit No Spin diff lock installed in the front diff of a 75 series Landcruiser that I had for 13 years. There was nothing that had to penertrate the diff housing to make it work or create any problems. It just never gave or created any problems. But what it did do was make it a very capable vehicle. It cost around $1,400 supplied and installed back in 1998.

If they are available, i would suggest a Detroit Tru trac rather than a locker in the front.
Google and you will see how they operate . The Tru trac is pretty transparent in how they operate and they operate all of the time, transfering traction to the wheel with it. They do not effect the steering much if at all even when working.
The ideal to me would be a switchable locker in the back (eg ARB)and a Tru Trac in the front.
I have this setup in My Range Rover and am very happy.
Regards Philip A

I had a detroit locker in my ford courier and it was great no problems for the 150 thousand k's I had it for.
I now have a Patrol that has a lockrite in it since new and it has clocked up 225 thousand K's again with no problems at all.
Both vehicles had them in the front. And both vehicles are part time 4wd vehicles. Not constant 4wd vehicles.

I have the same concept (Lokka) in my Nissan Patrol. I think they're great.

It has changed our style in the way we drive. We can go up and down terrain with no aggression what so ever in the trust that we have in that extra grip etc.

Probably to best mod you can do to an IFS ute is a front locker.
They make a world of difference.
Yes the 'return to centre' pull is a bit stronger when in 4wd, and your turning circle in 4wd will be bigger - usually this occurs when you don't really need to be in 4wd.
The upshot is that the vehicle will now climb and descend much safer, slower and controlled with the extra traction.
If the cheaper 'lokka' version is available for your model, I'd get that one. I had one in a hilux for 6 years with no issue.
Just get it installed by a diff specialist who can set it up correctly. Most of the horror stories you hear are from weekend warriors who installed their own lockers then whinge when they don't disengage, or make deafening clicks etc etc.

Thanks to all the wonderful folk that replied to my husband Carlo's question about Detroit Lockers for our Ford Ranger. He was beginning to think there were only bad reviews written about them. Norm is quite right saying there possibly isn't a locker of that sort out yet for the Ford Ranger as we had contacted the "Lokka" people and said none yet but stay tuned. Being of a certain age and back in the days when he could stand upright properly, he remembers working on Ford GT's with Detroit rear diffs. We are hoping something will be available soon as he is not keen on air lockers. Not because he doesn't think they are any good but because it is one more blasted thing in the truck to take up room and will need fixing.

Cheers all, hope to see you out there.
Carlo and Georgie