Wheel traction is one of the most important features a vehicle can have, especially heading into the winter months with slippery roads across America. That’s why Eaton is debuting its latest innovation to the Detroit Truetrac helical-gear style family.

Eaton just released the Detroit Truetrac for 2011 and newer Ram 1500s as part of SEMA 360. This gear is designed to have a lesser slip differential, maximizing your Ram’s wheel traction on the road and enhancing its driving characteristics. The Truetrac for the Ram 1500 is available for vehicles dating back to 2011. It’s designed to be maintenance free and it will also improve traction while driving off-road.

The helical-shaped gears increase force when a wheel endures a traction loss or if terrain changes. This transfers the torque to the wheel, which is optimizing traction, until the wheel spin is slowed or fully stopped.

“It never requires adjustment or re-build due to age or wear because of how the internal gear set interacts with the differential housing to create bias and manage axle shaft torque,” said Jeff Saxton, Eaton’s Automotive Aftermarket Product Manager. “It is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Of course, maintenance of the axle assembly itself is still recommended regarding inspection of fluid levels, checking for leaks, fluid contamination, etc.”

Eaton tested the Truetrac at its 750-acre proving grounds, based in Marshall, Michigan. The organization utilized a 3-D computer with in-vehicle testing to maximize the gear’s durability.

“As the pioneer of using helical gear-type limited slip differentials in the industry, the Eaton Truetrac was originally developed in the late 1960s for use in commercial truck applications,” Saxton said. “For off-road use, this same dynamic torque biasing allows the vehicle to negotiate lower traction environments by enabling both drive wheels to work in unison efficiently, thereby dramatically enhancing overall vehicle mobility.”

Saxton emphasized how the gear will also enhance towing on the Ram 1500. Its 31 teeth mesh perfectly together, making this the ultimate helical gear upgrade for your Ram. For more information, be sure to visit Eaton’s website.