S197 Torsen choices

[Tim.ocon]

Note that the 2013-14 Torsen-equipped cars used a diffferent axle housing than all other S197 8.8-axle cars, internally machined to accommodate a larger bearing. They use rear pinion bearing 6L2Z-4625-AB instead of 9L3Z-4630-A. That's why many of the differential / R&P overhaul kits say "does not fit 2013-14 GT500." But in fact it's actually the 2013-14 GT500, 2013-only Torsen-only Boss 302, and 2013-14 Track Pkg. cars (I think all Track Pkg. came with Torsen). You can use those kits, but you have to buy the 6L2Z-4625-AB separately and toss the bearing in the kit. I've also read that axle is no longer available from Ford parts, partly due to Factory Five buying a bunch of them for use in their kits and Ford switching the production line over for the S550 IRS.

I’m leaning toward buying an entire axel assembly from a 13 gt500 so that part shouldn’t be an issue where the Oem diff is staying in the Oem housing. However very helpful if I ever decide to rebuild the diff!

 

[navseng]

The eaton true trac and Detroit lockers are both great pieces. Both are more drag race friendly as ALL torsens are NOT!!! They will break. The torsen 2r is as I said race unit only . Ford/multimatic only installed it in fr500c then fr500s and boss 302 s/r.
I have t2r in my fr500c and a new eaton Detroit locker. The locker I have not used it yet. The t2r in a full race car I like it.
I soured on torsen units when I called them . They DO NOT service or repair there equipment nor do they sell replacement parts. So for 1100$ + it breaks its boat anchor! They are located in Rochester NY
Eaton on the other hand will repair and sells replacement parts.
Picture below is Detroit locker 4.30 gears cortex watts link 18mm rear sway bar roush bearing top link and aluminum heim jointed lower c/arms

View attachment 100091View attachment 100091

Curious what you think about the locker.. Surely not a popular choice among this forum but that's what I am using.

 

[navseng]

The eaton true trac and Detroit lockers are both great pieces. Both are more drag race friendly as ALL torsens are NOT!!! They will break. The torsen 2r is as I said race unit only . Ford/multimatic only installed it in fr500c then fr500s and boss 302 s/r.
I have t2r in my fr500c and a new eaton Detroit locker. The locker I have not used it yet. The t2r in a full race car I like it.
I soured on torsen units when I called them . They DO NOT service or repair there equipment nor do they sell replacement parts. So for 1100$ + it breaks its boat anchor! They are located in Rochester NY
Eaton on the other hand will repair and sells replacement parts.
Picture below is Detroit locker 4.30 gears cortex watts link 18mm rear sway bar roush bearing top link and aluminum heim jointed lower c/arms

View attachment 100091View attachment 100091

Curious what you think about the locker.. Surely not a popular choice among this forum but that's what I am using.

 

[TA28]

I've been running Detroit lockers for 40+ years both road racing in original boss 302 t/a car a 70 mach 1 428 scj drag car and on the street. Never a problem. Yes they make snapping or clanking noise in tight turns on the street.
1 imsa team ran only lockers in there fr500c and boss R cars. I also know of quite few torsen 2r failures in both fr500c and boss 302r cars.
I do like both but it's economics 1100$ t2r not repairable or 700$ Detroit locker and fully repairable???
Jmo

 

[Dave_W]

@TA28 how's your experience with power-on push with the locker - I always hear that's the biggest downside. Probably more prevalent on tight corners (and autocross over road course). Do you maybe set up the car a little looser on entry to get the rotation done earlier? And/or drive a very late apex line?

 

[TA28]

Only place I felt rear get loose or push with locker and watts link rear set up in 69/70 boss 302 ex gregson t/a car was at vir. My home track is glen. And I never felt loose there or lime rock
Can't speak for autocross. Never did it.
The old car I could feel power to both wheels under full throttle at Glen.
New car torsen I couldn't feel it. Also I hated the pan hard bar.went to cortex watts link and made a he'll of a difference for me.
Also 69/70 boss to 2005 fr500c these are 2 VERY DIFFERENT cars in every aspect.

 

[blacksheep-1]

Detroit lockers were run in all the original Boss 302 race cars as I recall, they are pretty bulletproof, yes they pop and snap. The dragster guys used to do a chirpy before staging to make sure they were lined up straight and the DL was engaged. I've never heard of a DL ever breaking.
If I was going to build some kind of insane road course car with a 510 cubic inch engine, it would have a Doug Nash 5 speed and a Detroit Locker, in a 9inch.
That being said, I'd still run a Torsen in an 8.8

 

[PatrickStapler]

I have four years on my Eaton TrueTrac. Not one issue to date. Having said that, I would have no issue running a DL.