Detroit Locker

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'Detroit Locker' (along with 'posi-trac') have become SEMI-generic terms for locking/anti-slip differentials. However, they are two different systems & technically registered trademarks of their respective companies.

The Detroit Locker is an automatic locking differential that is designed to lock both wheels of the rear axle together when torque is applied. It acts much like a spool that solidly connects both wheels together. In a turn, the unequal speed of the wheels forces the Detroit Locker to disengage.

Subject ID: 56909

The Detroit Locker was initially called a “Thornton NoSPIN Differential.” Ray Thornton patented it in 1941 as device for use in six wheel (tandem drive) truck applications. The NoSPIN was manufactured by the Detroit Automotive Product Corporation and was used on American military vehicles during World War II.

After the war and into the 1960s, the Thornton NoSPIN was original equipment on light and medium duty trucks. That’s right about when it got the Detroit Locker nickname—and when racers and high performance enthusiasts started to take an interest in it. They used the Detroit Locker on everything from road racers to NASCAR roundy-rounders and land speed record cars. In the late 1960s, some Ford performance cars had the Detroit Locker as a factory option. And to no one’s surprise, the Detroit Locker was found in cars at virtually every drag strip in the nation.

In 2005, powertrain giant Eaton Corp. purchased Detroit Locker’s parent company and greatly expanded the offerings. Today, you can get a Detroit Locker for Ford 9- and 8.8-inch, Dana 60, Dana 44, & Chrysler 8 3/4-inch.

Subject ID: 56909

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Subject ID: 56909