I get questions about these ALL the time. Since I've used these units quite a bit, I decided to write a thorough review instead of answering the same question a few times every month. Here's how it goes:
[Member] I've been thinking about installing a Lock Right or No-Slip differential. Do they work well?
[Me] They both work extremely well. The No-Slip version locks and unlocks more smoothly and quickly than the Lock Right version, but is a little more expensive. Both give excellent traction on and off road.
[Member] How do they handle on the street?
[Me] It depends on what kind of transmission you have and which unit you select. Both units are pretty much transparent when installed in a truck with an automatic transmission. When installed in a truck with a manual transmission, the No-Slip unit is 90% transparent while the Lock Right is only about 70%. These lockers are most apparent when you are taking sharp turn at slow speeds. When you do so without pushing the throttle, the unit can make your truck "buck" kinda like when you first learned how to drive a manual. I love the added traction you get from either unit when you're on the street. It gives the illusion of having more power since none is wasted on turning a wheel that has no traction.
[Member] Are they noisy?
[Me] The Lock Right unit can make noise when it lock and unlocks. It wasn't enough to bother me, but everyone has their own tolerances. The No-Slip unit is much quieter and the only time I hear it lock or unlock is when I'm driving in a parking garage with my windows down. With either unit, you can get alot more tire noise (chirping) because of your new found traction, but you'll get used to it and be able to minimize after just a few days of driving.
[Member] I've heard they are dangerous on ice. Is that true?
[Me] Well, they can be. In SUPER low traction situations there isn't enough resistance from the wheel that is slipping to un-lock the unit, which translates into rear end drifting. If you're aware of this tendency, you can avoid situations where it could be dangerous (taking turns on iced roads, especially going uphill). I live in south Texas, so my only experience with this behavior was a road trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico I took last winter. If you intend to drive iced streets I recommend you get a switchable locker instead. Ice when off pavement isn't nearly as big of a deal.
[Member] I've heard they make your truck spin out easier making your truck hard to control. Is that true?
[Me] Yes and No. Normally, when you loose traction only one wheel is spinning. You'll experience a little rear end drift, but not much. If you loose traction with a locker, both wheels will be spinning making it drift quicker. I find it easier to control, because it's always the same amount of drift. If only one tire is spinning, the truck will drift quicker to one side than the other. If both are spinning it will drift the same speed in both directions.
[Member] Would you recommend installing one in a daily driver?
[Me] I'd recommend either unit in a DD truck with an auto transmission, but only the No-Slip unit for DD trucks with manual transmissions.
Synopsis - If you're installing this in your trail rig or your truck has an automatic transmission, you can go with the cheaper Lock Right unit and all will be good. If you've got a manual transmission truck and it is your daily driver, spend a little extra and get the No-Slip. If you live in a state that gets alot of snowfall and you'll be driving your truck on iced roadways, I would recommend against buying an Automatic locker.
[Member] I've been thinking about installing a Lock Right or No-Slip differential. Do they work well?
[Me] They both work extremely well. The No-Slip version locks and unlocks more smoothly and quickly than the Lock Right version, but is a little more expensive. Both give excellent traction on and off road.
[Member] How do they handle on the street?
[Me] It depends on what kind of transmission you have and which unit you select. Both units are pretty much transparent when installed in a truck with an automatic transmission. When installed in a truck with a manual transmission, the No-Slip unit is 90% transparent while the Lock Right is only about 70%. These lockers are most apparent when you are taking sharp turn at slow speeds. When you do so without pushing the throttle, the unit can make your truck "buck" kinda like when you first learned how to drive a manual. I love the added traction you get from either unit when you're on the street. It gives the illusion of having more power since none is wasted on turning a wheel that has no traction.
[Member] Are they noisy?
[Me] The Lock Right unit can make noise when it lock and unlocks. It wasn't enough to bother me, but everyone has their own tolerances. The No-Slip unit is much quieter and the only time I hear it lock or unlock is when I'm driving in a parking garage with my windows down. With either unit, you can get alot more tire noise (chirping) because of your new found traction, but you'll get used to it and be able to minimize after just a few days of driving.
[Member] I've heard they are dangerous on ice. Is that true?
[Me] Well, they can be. In SUPER low traction situations there isn't enough resistance from the wheel that is slipping to un-lock the unit, which translates into rear end drifting. If you're aware of this tendency, you can avoid situations where it could be dangerous (taking turns on iced roads, especially going uphill). I live in south Texas, so my only experience with this behavior was a road trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico I took last winter. If you intend to drive iced streets I recommend you get a switchable locker instead. Ice when off pavement isn't nearly as big of a deal.
[Member] I've heard they make your truck spin out easier making your truck hard to control. Is that true?
[Me] Yes and No. Normally, when you loose traction only one wheel is spinning. You'll experience a little rear end drift, but not much. If you loose traction with a locker, both wheels will be spinning making it drift quicker. I find it easier to control, because it's always the same amount of drift. If only one tire is spinning, the truck will drift quicker to one side than the other. If both are spinning it will drift the same speed in both directions.
[Member] Would you recommend installing one in a daily driver?
[Me] I'd recommend either unit in a DD truck with an auto transmission, but only the No-Slip unit for DD trucks with manual transmissions.
Synopsis - If you're installing this in your trail rig or your truck has an automatic transmission, you can go with the cheaper Lock Right unit and all will be good. If you've got a manual transmission truck and it is your daily driver, spend a little extra and get the No-Slip. If you live in a state that gets alot of snowfall and you'll be driving your truck on iced roadways, I would recommend against buying an Automatic locker.