35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

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Dec 20, 2002 | 01:23 PM

Dave95Formula

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From: Choctaw, OK

35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

Anybody have any experience with a full blown locker and not a soft-locker? Comments or suggestions? Would you do it again? Are they as bad as some people make them out to be...that noisy, that unpredictable?

This is going in a 95 Formula (M6 with Street Twin) with a solid roller 392 LT1 that is built for a 400 shot and will definitely see a 300 shot. Looking at 700+RWHP on the 300shot. Will be using ET Streets.

I know I don't want to run a spool...and not sure an Auburn or Eaton could handle the torque and horsepower....but wanted to know how people felt about the locker before making final decision.

Thanks,

Dave

Dec 20, 2002 | 01:29 PM

Fireball

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From: Cecil County Raceway!!!

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

I run one, sure it clanks and bangs, but you get used to it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Dec 20, 2002 | 02:09 PM

BRacing

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From: NorCal

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

I had a true Detroit Locker in my 9" that was in my '57 chevy. It would stay locked most of the time except during sharp corners without acceleration. Whenever your foot is on the gas pedal, your tires are locked like a spool.

I ran bias-ply tires in the rear because they are more forgiving with traction than radials. Bias ply's would "float" over the pavement rather than "grab" it. I know this sounds wierd, but that's the best way i can describe it.

Even though I had a 9", I still broke an axle at the track in the 1-2 shift (4 speed). Detroit lockers are unforgiving and harsh, and with big power you can always shock the driveline and break something.

Looking back, i wouldn't have run anything else. I really liked it, even though it was loud and harsh.

-Brad

Dec 20, 2002 | 06:44 PM

joghotrod

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From: Baton Rouge, La.

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

I had one in a 68 Camaro and it was unbreakable. With the exhaust and ladder bars I had on the car, I never heard any noise from the locker. The engine dynoed 693 fwhp. The car ran a 9.96 @ 135+ mph in a 3500 lb car. If I ever use a 9 inch rear again, I will have a Locker in it. Jimmy

Dec 20, 2002 | 08:52 PM

Dave95Formula

Thread Starter

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From: Choctaw, OK

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

Thanks for the input. Pretty certain that is the setup I am ordering on Monday.

Does the car track funny or feel unstable when the locker is ratcheting during a turn?

Thanks,

Dave

Dec 20, 2002 | 09:19 PM

joghotrod

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From: Baton Rouge, La.

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

Mine felt ok. It can be noisy if your car is quiet. If your are going around a curve at the speed limit it is like a regular diff. Jimmy

Dec 20, 2002 | 10:30 PM

JeepBuilderJohn

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From: annapolis md

Re: 35 Spline Locker? Yeah or nay?

you all should check out the new DETROIT ELECTRAC.

its a limited slip until you push the button, then it acts like a spool.they just released them for dana axles, not sure what the eta on the 9inchers are...pretty sure they have chev. corp axle apps as well.

i love lockers so much, i bought two!
hehe
~JOhn