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Yukon has tried-and-proven traction devices designed to handle all types of tough terrain. Choose from the Yukon Dura Grip limited slip differential, Yukon Zip Locker, or the Yukon Grizzly Locker. In order to make a more informed choice here are some factors to consider when looking at traction adders.
Differences Between LSDs & Lockers
In their static state limited slip differentials are pre-loaded and provide traction to both wheels. When the LSD is further loaded… under acceleration, in a fast corner, or when wheel slippage occurs off-road, the clutch packs limit wheelspin across the drive axle by permitting the axle shafts to spin at different speeds while continuously trying to balance the application of torque between the two axles. This results in transferring more power to the wheel with the best traction.
Lockers produce 100% lock-up where all the power is directed to both tires all the time when the unit is engaged. Lockers are tougher than limited slips. Limited slip differentials do not generate 100% lock-up. They do not require activation from the driver. Their engagement is mechanical, a reaction to driving conditions, namely load and wheel slippage as mentioned above.
Yukon Dura Grip LSD
The Yukon Dura Grip is a great choice for transforming an open, one-legged differential into a highly capable diff that can provide two-wheel grip when needed. Engineered for long life and completely rebuildable, Dura Grips feature a high-strength nodular case, forged 4320 chromoly spider gears, and composite clutches.
In clutch-type LSDs like the Dura Grip, the spring array applies pressure to the side gears which puts pressure on the clutch packs in the outer part of the carrier. Both axles get equal pressure and both tires get equal traction. When a tire starts slipping, the clutch packs are engaged with different resistance and they work to maintain synchronization between the tires, transferring more torque to the tire that has the best grip while reducing torque transfer to the tire that has less grip.
Rebuilding a Dura Grip involves replacing the clutches in the unit. The clutches can be replaced to bring the unit back to its original performance level, or non-stock clutches with different friction characteristics and springs with custom compression rates can be used to fine tune the Dura Grip’s performance to better match the style of driving/racing you are doing.
Differences Between Yukon Zip & Grizzly Lockers
The big difference between these two lockers is actuation. The Yukon Zip Locker is an air-actuated locker and the Grizzly is a mechanical locker.
An advantage of an air-type like the Zip Locker is choosing when to engage the unit and its superior on-road performance. A con is the need to purchase and plumb an air system in order to engage the locker.
Mechanical lockers like the Grizzly (pictured at left) are always activated which means they are providing 100% lock up all the time, including on the road to and from your favorite trail or on your daily commute. On-throttle driving conditions, where load is applied to the differential, induces locking. Off-throttle situations, where the diff is unloaded, leads to a partially unlocked unit. When the vehicle turns and the two wheels on the axle turn at different speeds, the unit makes a clicking sound as the square-cut side gears move over and past one another. This ratcheting sound can be loud and is why mechanical units may not be best suited for vehicles that spend a lot of time on the street… it all depends on how sensitive your ears are.
The bottom line is Yukon is your one-stop traction destination because we have products for all levels of performance from commuter/weekend warriors looking for a moderate upgrade to dedicated rock crawlers or drag racers that demand bear claw traction.
