Detroit Lockers

Questions about all other brand differentials.
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My1979chevy
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Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:28 pm
Location: Winchester, Virginia

Detroit Lockers

Post by My1979chevy »

I bought a used one on ebay. Can they be 'bench tested'? Rebuilt?
1979 malibu wagon
ZZ383/th350/8.5
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monzaz
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Posts: 984
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 7:56 pm
Location: RICHFIELD, OH

Re: Detroit Lockers

Post by monzaz »

Should be able to be bench tested. If you have a axle shaft in a vise with spline up then drop the Detroit locker on the axle spine then take another axle and shove it in the other side now find a pipe wrench and spin the axle to see the amount of torque needed to break the unit loose ... a bar in between the wheel studs will work too. BE careful not to smash your threads.

This is the back yard version ... we have axle stubs we use with 1/2" drive ends on them to use a torque wrench ...BUT at least this will give you some Idea of the workings of the unit. This test can be used at swap meets also to see if the unit is welded or the posi unit is totally damaged and or weak.

Remember oiled posi unit will take MUCH less torque to break loose than a fresh rebuild - Some guys like to pre brake in the clutches by bench working them... Just depends on your performance needs. and how crazy you want to get with lock-up.
J D Race
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