Detroit EZ Locker - Lockers Lockers, Limited Slips, Differentials and the sport  of Offroading. An Overview of Standard Carriers, Positraction & Limited Slips, Locking Differentials, Spools and Mini-Spools

Detroit EZ Locker - The Detroit EZ Locker is designed as a or drop-in locker that fits into the existing stock differential carrier replacing the spider gear set offering a lower cost alternative to full-carrier lockers.  The EZ Locker is built the same as a Lock-Right Locker with all of the same advertised features, benefits, characteristics, and shortcomings.

The Detroit EZ Locker comes with advantages and disadvantages.  A few advantages of the drop-in type lockers are the fact that they are generally simple devices and are designed to fit into a stock open carrier or in some cases limited slip carrier, reusing stock parts.  Since the ring gear is connected to the carrier and the carrier is reused, the ring and pinion gears generally do not need to be setup again.  This makes it much easier for a backyard mechanic to install a drop-in "lunchbox" locker.  It also allows the locker to be removed and the stock carrier parts be re-installed putting it back to an open carrier (or Limited Slip).  Disadvantages of these types of lockers include the fact that their strength is limited to the carrier they are installed in, which can vary greatly.  Their strength is moderate to less than moderate and for the most part support what seems to be up to a 33" tires and a mild amount of abuse before encountering problems and damage.  Another disadvantage to a drop-in locker is that some have a more severe locking and unlocking feel over a full carrier locker.  For this reason some drop-in locker manufacturers incorporate dampening mechanisms to reduce the backlash and harsh engagement / disengagement creating a smoother operating locker.  For many people they are a good candidate for a first "economy" locker on vehicles that are mildly modified with slightly oversized tires.  These units are not recommended for applications with high horsepower or large tires that can put increased stress on the locker and stock carrier.

Detroit EZ Lockers operate in much the same manner as full carrier automatic lockers.  These locker are automatic locking differentials designed to lock both wheels of the axle automatically with power input, when forward or reverse torque is applied, so that both wheels are providing 100% power to the wheels and creating essentially a "spool" that solidly connects the axle shafts together.  When torque is not being applied, the locker is allowed to unlock, permitting a differentiation variance in wheel speed while negotiating turns.  As an automatic locking differential, the primary drawback is their characteristics when they engage such as accelerating out of a turn or going from torque to no to torque to torque again such as when a manual transmission vehicle is shifting gears.  In these situations, the driver must be aware of the characteristics that will affect the handling of the vehicle.  For example during a turn the inside axle will spin slower than the outside axle, which is the basic purpose of the differential.  If torque is applied to an automatic locker during the turn it will engage due to the torque engaging the locker gears.  When the locker engages, it will cause the vehicle to push towards straight ahead or possibly to the inside of the turn.  The net effect is somewhat un-predicable handling characteristics when compared to open differentials.  These effects are much more noticeable in shorter wheelbase vehicles and smaller lighter vehicles. The odd handling characteristics will also be more apparent if road traction is compromised such as in rain or when the road surface is ice or snow covered.  Further noticeable characteristics of automatic lockers can be a banging or clunking noise during engagement of disengagement, delayed engagement, and added significant backlash, also known as slop, in the driveline.  Disengagement can be abrupt and sometimes a ratcheting noise can be heard when cornering.  Most people who use automatic lockers become accustom to these handling characteristics and adjust their driving style accordingly to accommodate it or just simply just get used to it.

Manufacturer Description of the Detroit EZ Locker

Detroit E-Z Locker

• EZ on the Budget
• EZ to Install
• EZ on the Trails

It doesn’t get any easier than this! Eaton’s Detroit E-Z Locker delivers automatic positive locking action at a price designed to fit any budget. This quality differential from Eaton was created to supply the occasional off-roader with low cost traction without sacrificing the security that superior parts provide.

The Detroit E-Z Locker lets your vehicle drive when one wheel loses traction - even if one wheel gets hung up in the air. Fully automatic, this unit compensates for wheel travel and speed when turning. By eliminating individual wheel spin you’ll greatly reduce your chances of getting stuck in mud, snow and ice.

ARB Air Locker Installation

Teralow Installation in a Dana 20 Transfercase
Installing Tera-Low gears for better crawling

Detroit EZ Locker and Other Lunchbox Locker Resources:

Corporate Headquarters
Eaton Corporation
Eaton Center
1111 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114-2584
Telephone: (216) 523-5000
http://www.eaton.com
Eaton Differentials
1-800-328-3850
differentials@eaton.com

E-Z Locker Owners Manual (PDF, 511K)

E-Z Locker Installation Instructions A (PDF, 525K)

E-Z Locker Installation Instructions B (PDF, 512K)

E-Z Locker Installation Instructions C (PDF, 492K)

Detroit EZ Locker installation

Detroit EZ-locker installation into a CJ-7, Lock Right

How to install a ‘lunchbox’ locker

Lock Right vs EZ Locker Questions - JeepForum.com

Lock Right Installation Instructions

PowerTrax LockRight Install

Powertrax No Slip Install - Lock and Rock

Lockright Locker install

Aussie Locker - Dana 30 Front Axle Installation

Lunchbox locker on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aussie Locker: First Impression

Aussie Locker Reviews

The Difference between Lockers, LSD's and open Diffs

Jeep Horizons on the Lunchbox Locker

POWERTRAX® LOCK-RIGHT LOCKER - INSTALLATION