I should have said in the original post that the snow has been heavy the past couple years but really is not super snowy for more than a month or two at most. 2 years ago I believe it was record breaking since 1979! I do like the idea of being able to turn it on and off with the flip of a switch with a selectable. The reason I have considered a truetrac is because of the ease of installment and maintenance it requires over a selectable locker. The truetrac really is making me want to choose it with its price and what it offers. About half the price of lets say a ZIP locker not including the compressor. If someone could explain to me the difference between 27 pinion and 30 splines and which applies to the locker/LSD I would appreciate it. And maybe some info on what I would need to do if I would want to install a truetrac on a stock rig. Do I need to replace my axles? My diff gears?
The main issue with a mechanical locker and winter driving is ice, as it can make for sketchy driving. With standard 4wd you have opposing wheels driving the vehicle, this balances out traction and keeps the rear from wanting to switch places with the front. With a mechanical locker in the rear, this balance is upset, and you have to account for it when driving. For some this isn't an issue, and say it is easy to compensate, others I know have swapped out their mechanical or spool, after the first time the rear end tried to come around them on ice.
Yes, mechanical lockers are cheaper and easier to install, but an ARB locker should only cost you an hour of bench labor for a shop to install it in your 3rd member. Also, you do recoup the additional costs overtime with less tire wear, especially with a rig that is driven daily as a commuter vehicle.
Something else to consider is, do you really need a locker at this time, or for the type of trails you run, would a winch be more beneficial?
