Very familiar with the linked posts. Here is my 2 cents re-posted:
"I have SMB's 4x4 package on my '09. My rear diff has 4.10 gears with the Ford OEM LSD. My front has the Detroit Truetrac LSD.
I have a fair amount of experience with lockers on my '06 Jeep Rubicon which is extensively modified and has seen duty across the Rubicon Trail in most conditions from some snow left in the spring to very dry in the fall and everything in between.
When deciding what to go with for my van, I was looking for the 99% solution with an emphasis on simplicity and reliability. I consulted many "experts" to include the folks at Dynatrac. The Detroit Truetrac came highly recommended for my front axle application.
I ordered my van with the Truetrac for both front and rear. During the build, I got a call from Heber informing me that the Truetrac was not compatible with my rear axle. I don't know if that is for all of the E-350 rear axles, or if there was something particular about my van's axle. Heber apologized for the confusion and offered to put a Ford OEM LSD in free of charge as it is a "throw-away part" for those of you that go with ARB lockers in the rear (by the way, thanks to the anonymous donor).
The advantage of the Truetrac vice a "normal" LSD is that it does not require any special oil or additives. Additionally, it does not have any parts that "wear" like the OEM does.
My experience driving with it: It works exactly as advertised. In other words, you cannot tell that it is there until the wheels start to slip. Even then, if I didn't know what to expect from an open diff, I wouldn't have noticed it was doing anything. I just didn't get stuck.
Obviously, driving with the front hubs unlocked, there is no impact as it is disconnected from the wheels.
I have done a fair amount of driving with the hubs locked while in 2wd to see if I could detect any handling anomalies. Again, I cannot detect anything up to and including highway speeds.
As far as driving with 4wd engaged at highway speeds. I personally would not do that. Period. From my perspective growing up in Minnesota winters, if the highway is slippery enough that you feel you need 4wd to make it, then slow speed is required. Again I have to emphasize - Period.
I do acknowledge that there are extreme situations where a locker would get you through and the LSD diffs might come up short. However, my Jeep experience tells me that they are EXTREMELY few and far between (and highly unlikely I will risk the van to get there). But hey, I spent a bunch of money to put winches in front and on the back - What's the point if I had lockers and never needed the winches???
Bottom line is this: It is working so well on the van that I am considering putting one in the front axle of my Jeep as my front locker is currently not working. For those that are familiar, it quit going up $1,000 hill the hard way on the Rubicon. I suspect the air hose simply came disconnected inside of the diff. However, it was that experience that got me heading in the direction I went with on the van. I couldn't be happier with it and would recommend it to anyone."
I have considerable experience driving in snow and ice (just not in my van) and am of the opinion that snowy/icey conditions are unpredictable by their very nature regardless of the traction control devices installed. More to follow in a month or so...