Thornton-Welles locking differential

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

As previously stated in my earlier email where I cited "Grandad". Thornton made the "Nospin" diff. Later Thornton were brought out by the Detroit Locker people. Accessed August 4th 2016 from, http://www.hcvc.com.au/forum/OldTruc...n-names#104467

This has been verified by another author who states that ...

Detroit Locker
After being used as a compensator between the two axles of the Thornton Tandem Drive (a dual rear axle conversion for single-axle trucks), it appeared as the Thornton NoSpin differential in 1939, and was eventually used in a large number of WWII military trucks. At points in the 1950s and 1960s, it was an OE option in OE light trucks. It began hitting the light truck aftermarket in 1969 as the Detroit Locker. Major improvements came in 1994 with the incorporation of a dampening device that civilized the Detroit without changing its basic operation. Accessed August 5th from,
http://www.offroadadventures.com/articles/view/id/432

Here is the link to a third source that provides the History of the Detroit Locker. Accessed August 5th from, http://www.onallcylinders.com/2013/1...ferential-town It states that... "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."


Kind Regards
Lionel