Locker question

Do aftermarket lockers have some kind of identifying marks ?? I have 2 that I can find no identifying marks.....Any help appreciated...........

What are they out of? Or is that what you are trying to figure out, or the brand they are?

Got 2 in a trade but the guy didn't know who made them..............He said a friend said they were Detroit lockers...They look like 31 spline but I can't find and id markings on them..... Can't get them to post but I can email pictures............Thx

https://www.google.com/search?q=9%22+ford+detroit+locker+images&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCAQsARqFQoTCIeqrLuZ5scCFYIJkgodyU4JMQ Most of the ones on the top two rows are 9" Ford Detroit Locker's. Eaton bought them out at some point, and they make many 9" versions from Nascar to the new Soft lockers. They also have at least two bearing sizes. I have never been able to uncode the numbers on them. The factory should be able to. The racing lockers are sprung very tight and you will feel and hear them. The soft lockers are almost unoticeable from the two that I have run.

Look at the pictures of a 9" Posi and open carrier, they are not that hard to confuse with a Detroit, if you don't know what to look for. Notice the four holes by the ring gear for the pinion gear shafts.  http://www.durasolid.com/ford9-inch-trac-loc-posi-hat-and-gear-case

http://www.durasolid.com/ford9-inch-trac-loc-posi-hat-and-gear-case Other link did not work.

https://s1203.photobucket.com/user/inthegarge/media/Locker%201_1.jpg.html
https://s1203.photobucket.com/user/inthegarge/media/Locker2.jpg.html

Here is a couple of links to photos of the lockers............

The Orange one is likely a Nascar (most are painted with rectangle shaped windows), big bearing (3.25") for 31 or larger spline axles. They have multiable spring choices available. The other appears to be a standard bearing size, and no way to tell from picture if it is a soft locker, regular locker, or racing locker. I believe the new Soft Lockers do have SL stamped on them with a part number though. If you can find a 31 spline axle, and slip them on it you can get an idea of the spline count, if it fits, or is loose, or won't fit at all. I think they only came in 28, 31, and 35 spline counts. Going price for a used one is around $300.00, and the big bearing Nascar one will be hard to sell.

How can you tell the difference between a locker and a trac loc? Or are these the same thing? I have something that I need to rebuild. Haven't taken it out of the case yet...

Look at the pictures in the links I posted. The Trac Loc will have 4 holes for the pinion support shafts on the them. All Trac Loc's are not 4 pinion but most 31 spline units are. You can get them cheap on EBay. I sold my last two that where in good condition for $150.00. They do not compare to a Detroit Locker for offroad use, and 9" Lockers are much cheaper than they are for other axles and are plentiful used. Hint if you are serious about it get the Detroit, and don't get stuck, with one tire spinning with a Posi no matter how tight it is built.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/ford-9-inch-identification-175920-2.html Some good stuff here. Note the ring gear socket size is different between an Open and a Traction Loc. Also watch out for the Equa Loc, but I doubt you have one.

jbozzelle wrote:How can you tell the difference between a locker and a trac loc?  Or are these the same thing?  I have something that I need to rebuild.  Haven't taken it out of the case yet...

The Locker should have a machined case and the Trac Loc's are cast, is another give away.

Thanks. Headed to the shop to look and see what I have.

Keep an eye open for any ribbed cases with a N cast in them if you have complete 3rd members.

supervel45 wrote:Keep an eye open for any ribbed cases with a N cast in them if you have complete 3rd members.

why? That's exactly what I have...

They are supposed to be stronger, they are usually have 4 pinoin 31 spline Tration Loc, and if you are lucky it's a Drag Pak with a Factory Detroit Locker, and maybe a Daytona pinion support. N=Nodular Iron