Front Truetrac...benefits vs drawbacks

[Rod Knee]

I am in the process of regearing my differentials, so I need to make a decision as to what to do with my front diff. I am deciding between leaving it open and installing a Detroit truetrac. My rear C8.25 has a Powertrax no-slip. The front axle is a non-disco Dana 30, currently open. I do not have manual locking hubs on the dana 30. I have the NP242 t-case and want to keep the fulltime fully functional since I do winter traveling in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Wheeling trips once or twice per year in places like the Black Hills and SE Utah are my other relevant application. I may encounter mud, rocks, slickrock, or sand on these trips, depending of course where I am. Auto transmission/4.0 L engine. For a couple of reasons I am not considering a selectable locker for the front.

On to my questions:

1. In researching I get conflicting opinions on using a front TT on packed snow and ice. I have read differing opinions..some state that they help pull the vehicle out of any tail wiggle arising from having a locked rear (again, I have the no-slip in back) and some state that on a slick surface the TT acts like a locker and is prone to steering/handling quirks such as understeer. So, would a front TT be a benefit or detriment in these conditions? I am not asking about deep/drifting snow, just slick surfaces.

2. Is the TT of significant benefit offroading (keep in mind again that my rear is already locked)?

Any comments on either of both of these situations based on real experience will be appreciated.

 

[sunburned]

I'd leave the front open if you aren't putting a selectable up there. I had a no-slip in the rear of my XJ for years with an open front. Drove on every type of surface imaginable: wet/dry road, wet/dry rocks, deep beach sand, loose and packed snow, etc. Never had an issue with handling or steering. If need be, you can throw it into 2wd and steer with the throttle.

I have an ARB in the front end now, but only use it on hard rock trails, super slippery stuff, and pulling people in the deep sand. I'd just stay open until you can afford an ARB or e-locker.

 

[jonzer12]

If you can afford a trutrac you can afford a selectable. Until the trutrac gets down to lunchbox pricing I don't really see any reason to put one in a front axle.

 

[Prosonic]

If you can afford a trutrac you can afford a selectable. Until the trutrac gets down to lunchbox pricing I don't really see any reason to put one in a front axle.

A Trutrac for a Dana 30 is are under $400. Try and find a select-able locker that's that cheap.

Dana 30 trutrac

 

[jonzer12]

Bought an Eaton E-locker for $699 just have to look hard enough. I have owned a trutrac for a brief time. For wheeling purposes it is poor value in a front axle. You are 2/3 the price of a selectable and it is outperformed by a $230 lunchbox.

 

[Prosonic]

For wheeling purposes it is poor value in a front axle.

Since you live in the great white north and have experience with the unit, any input on this:

1. In researching I get conflicting opinions on using a front TT on packed snow and ice. I have read differing opinions..some state that they help pull the vehicle out of any tail wiggle arising from having a locked rear (again, I have the no-slip in back) and some state that on a slick surface the TT acts like a locker and is prone to steering/handling quirks such as understeer. So, would a front TT be a benefit or detriment in these conditions? I am not asking about deep/drifting snow, just slick surfaces.

 

[morerpmfred]

Yes to both of your questions. It would be a benifit on slick surfaces. Some steering wiggle if you call it that in on and off the gas situations. It will do 95% of what a selectable will do except handling and steering on slippery sections are way better than a full front diff locked or open diff in front.
Only drawback would be when wheeling would be if you lift a front tire of the ground and then no power to the other side. If you have tires with no traction like super slickers on ice then does not matter what combination you have it is going to drive like crap.
However you have an auto transmission and if you are going over terrain where you lift your front tire then chances are you are brake modulating and then the front truetrac would be locked up anyways. The newer three pinion truetracs are stonger and work better then the older two pinion versions.
My xj has the 242 transfer case behind a five speed with a lunch box in back and a tt in front.

 

[2stix]

I do not have an answer to the question, but i do have a tid bit to say about it. it has been brought up that you can save a little more and get a used full case selectable locker. well i bought my TT for $75. i doubt a little more saved would get me a full case selectable locker. if you are comparing a new TT to a used full case selectable. then sure maybe. i was regearing and instead of buying a stock open carrier to fit the new ring gear, i picked up a TT which is a much stronger unit, and for about the same price. benefit over the open? oh hell yes.

 

[themauler]

If you have any doubts then leave the front open. My experience has always been the if it is snowing and I have to be in np231 4wd (auto lockers front and rear) I shouldn't be driving fast enough to experience an unstable turning characteristic. Drive like a hooligan and you will probably not make the turn safely. I believe the tires and speed make a bigger difference in that equation than an autolocker vs selectable IMO. If I were you I would just go ahead and throw the TrueTrac in there and let us know how it goes! :cheers:

 

[Mach2nh]

My experience has always been the if it is snowing and I have to be in np231 4wd (auto lockers front and rear) I shouldn't be driving fast enough to experience an unstable turning characteristic. Drive like a hooligan and you will probably not make the turn safely.

I live in NH and we get some super snow storms and this statement is very true. Now i have yet to drive my XJ in the snow but i have taken my YJ locked front and rear on 35s out in many storms. And as long as you use your head and drive per road conditions then you will have little problems if any.

 

[Rod Knee]

Thanks everyone...some good input provided. My reasons for not going to a selectable locker are that I have been with too many people that have had to stop and track down air leaks or adjust cables in the boonies as well as the fact that for my style of wheeling a rear locker and a limited slip in front will probably provide plenty of traction enhancement. With that setup the limiting factor in my jeep's capability in most cases will not be traction, but smallish tires and modest ground clearance. I am on 31's now but going to 32's or 33's and leaving my 2 inch lift as is. I just wanted to be more assured that a front truetrac would result in a net benefit.

 

[Boost_Retard]

I run dual true tracs on my jeep, if u have an auto and good rubber TT,s will get you places. I felt A slight bit of extra steering resistance on my first drive with them installed, that's about it, I am a true track believer. Full case strength is a bonus, and my jeep is 100% better in the winter than it was with track lock LSD and open front

 

[sunburned]

Thanks everyone...some good input provided. My reasons for not going to a selectable locker are that I have been with too many people that have had to stop and track down air leaks or adjust cables in the boonies as well as the fact that for my style of wheeling a rear locker and a limited slip in front will probably provide plenty of traction enhancement. With that setup the limiting factor in my jeep's capability in most cases will not be traction, but smallish tires and modest ground clearance. I am on 31's now but going to 32's or 33's and leaving my 2 inch lift as is. I just wanted to be more assured that a front truetrac would result in a net benefit.

1. Look into the Eaton e-locker (not ECTED). Simple two wire hookup just like the JK rubicon lockers. Available for the D30.

2. I loved wheeling my XJ on 32's with a no-slip in the rear. With good tires and good driving, you'll still be very capable off road and in adverse conditions on the street.

 

[Rod Knee]

1. Look into the Eaton e-locker (not ECTED). Simple two wire hookup just like the JK rubicon lockers. Available for the D30.

2. I loved wheeling my XJ on 32's with a no-slip in the rear. With good tires and good driving, you'll still be very capable off road and in adverse conditions on the street.

I totally agree that an open front/ptrax no-slip rear makes for a capable rig. Been driving that way for a couple years now. Its just that the time is now to consider changing out the innards of my front diff since I am ordering new R&P's. Since the TT is reportedly of substantial improvement over both locked and open conditions on icy roads as well as helpful offroad, I am leaning toward going with one.

 

[Rod Knee]

...handling and steering on slippery sections are way better than a full front diff locked or open diff in front.
.

Regarding this comment, is having the front TT substantially better on ice than an open front EVEN IF the open front axle is receiving torque through the use of fulltime 4x4/NP242 ?

THis is really the critical question for me regarding winter onroad driving.

 

[Rod Knee]

Disregard above post. Did not have brain gears engaged.

 

[lazyxj]

1. Look into the Eaton e-locker (not ECTED). Simple two wire hookup just like the JK rubicon lockers. Available for the D30.

Save your money for an E-locker, or ARB, and stay far away from the ECTED.
I have a worn out ECTED on the bench that would cost almost as much to rebuild as a new one. At best, they are just a heavy-duty limited slip.
I would have been much better off installing a TT, instead of the ECTED.
I have had a TT in the rear for 7 years and like it a lot, no drama in snow or slippery conditions. When things get too loose, the front E-locker (which replaced the ECTED) will usually cure the problem but make it difficult to steer, with the front wanting to go straight.
Friend's Jeep with front TTs do not have the same difficulty steering.

 

[90XJay]

I had picked up a set of axles both with limted slips (dana 30 with TruTrac, 8.8 with factory LSD, 8.8 not installed yet). I had put the front in to match my 4.10 8.25 for now till I get mounts on the 8.8. First snowstorm out with it I was driving up a steep narrow street on a hill. Usually I have to keep momentum to get up this hill or else I will have to back down and try again. My jeep is a 90, 4.0, aw4, 35s. As I'm going up the hill an asshole blows through his red flashing light and I had to dead stop 1/2 way up the hill. I figured well might as well try out the TT and if I started sliding sideways I would just back down. I was able to walk right up the hill, no tire spin with my so so bfg mts in about 4 inches of powder snow (the worst IMO for traction, cakes up the tire). (google maps this is the street view, photos never do it justice but you see where that car is the cross street has a red light https://maps.google.com/maps?q=41+m...n&ved=0CAoQ2wU&sa=X&ei=nGozUqvaHcGPxQH44oHgAQ ) I also was messing around/seeing how it does in skids on an unplowed dirt road and normally when you loose control you let go of the gas and it straightens out. Well instead it doesn't when you let off the gas but when you hit the gas it pulls you where ever you were pointed. Acts like my mom's old subaru wagon. Just took a bit getting used to since before that I was 2 wheel drive for a year waiting on a 4.10 front axle to come my way. I was very happy with it. As far as trouble steering I mean if you are going that fast in 4x4 where that is an issue you porlly didn't nee dit in 4x4. I rarely use it on the street. Deep unplowed snow and steep hills are when I use it here in New England.

 

[Rod Knee]

Update: I went with the truetrac front and replaced my rear ptrax no-slip with a Detroit locker. I could not be happier with the outcome. I have tested this setup on slick packed snow patches and on a steep muddy uphill section of unmaintained road. The traction is great and I don't get tail wiggle even when I try..the TT just keeps on keepin' on pulling me ahead. Best of all..no freakin' cables or air lines to complicate my life in the boonies. I am a Detroit fanboy.

 

[dktool]

I also ran my 8.25 with Powertrax and front open for some time before installing a E-Locker (700.00) in the front.
I also feel this is the best way to go, (or ARB but you won't that for 700.00) I personally would not spend any $ on a Truetrac for this application.

My 2 Cents