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3A Locker

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by flyingtim, Jan 5, 2007.

  1. Jan 5, 2007
    flyingtim

    flyingtim Member

    Branford, CT
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
    Messages:
    69
    So let's say you have a 3A that you're building to eventually be back on the road and trail at some point in the future. Due to financial constraints, however, at the time of the build you can really only afford to put one locker in. Should that initial locker go in the rear, or the front?
     
    flyingtim, Jan 5, 2007
    #1
  2. Jan 5, 2007
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,379
    You're going to get varying opinions, some saying front some saying rear. It depends on your driving conditions when on the road, and on the trail. For the best on road manners don't put one in the rear, therefore the front would be the way to go.
     
    Glenn, Jan 5, 2007
    #2
  3. Jan 5, 2007
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    816
    Yep, you are going to get different opinions. Definately put it in the rear. The road manners aren't that big of a deal to most people, and you get better off-road benefit. Lockers are also much harder on front axle parts than rear axle parts.
     
    CJ-X, Jan 5, 2007
    #3
  4. Jan 5, 2007
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,524
    the lockers aren't, it's the driver ;)

    I say put it in the rear
    it'll help when you're not in 4WD
     
    jpflat2a, Jan 5, 2007
    #4
  5. Jan 5, 2007
    Billy Goat 51 CJ3A

    Billy Goat 51 CJ3A New Member

    Charlotte
    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2005
    Messages:
    7
    I have one in both and would put in the rear if I had to only have one (have thought about taking out the front)...No issues driving my 32's around town on the road just a little clicking on the turns and the worst part of having one in the front is the workout trying to wrangle the steering wheel in 4wheel which is why I have thought about taking out the front.:beer:
     
    Billy Goat 51 CJ3A, Jan 5, 2007
    #5
  6. Jan 5, 2007
    chasm

    chasm New Member

    Pennsylvania
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2006
    Messages:
    43
    I'm not running lockers in my 3A, but everyone I know who wheels a lot says the rear is the best place if you're only installing one.
     
    chasm, Jan 5, 2007
    #6
  7. Jan 5, 2007
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    Best explanation I've heard on this subject was this:

    "When do you need the benefits of the locker most? When climbing. When you are climbing, which axle has the most weight on it? The rear. Next subject."

    I can tell you from my own limited experience that the rear Lock-Right in my street-driven '2A WILL affect your on-road handling somewhat, but it is not objectionable IMHO. If the rear tires are low on air, it will throw the jeep around a bit on with accel/decel and you will get the occasional *thud* on a sharp turn at low speed. If the tires are aired up to where they should be for road use you will notice very little, as long as the rest of the rear axle is up to snuff. Off-road, the rear locker was the second-best thing I ever did to my Jeep, second only to a good set of on/off-road tires. (Swampers)

    HTH, FWIW, YMMV, etc. etc. :beer:
     
    w3srl, Jan 5, 2007
    #7
  8. Jan 5, 2007
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,379
    I'm surprised no one said anything about snow and ice conditions. That's why I mentioned road manners. If on road driving conditions don't involve those then I would definitely do the rear.
     
    Glenn, Jan 5, 2007
    #8
  9. Jan 5, 2007
    flyingtim

    flyingtim Member

    Branford, CT
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
    Messages:
    69
    Thanks a lot for the help guys. Any suggestions on which one to go with? Lock-Rite, Detroit...etc?
     
    flyingtim, Jan 5, 2007
    #9
  10. Jan 5, 2007
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,379
    The Lock-Rite ratchets when turning, as mentioned. The No-Slip doesn't make that noise but is more expensive. Those are both made by Power-Trax, or whatever the company name is now. I don't know if you can get the No-Slip for the front, but it is available for the rear. Another issue is axle splines, what do you have? And what are you choosing, front or rear?
     
    Glenn, Jan 5, 2007
    #10
  11. Jan 5, 2007
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    If you are going with a Lunchbox locker then Aussie or Lock-rite is the way to go. I've seen too many of the Detroit brand bite the dust. If a full case locker then the Detroit softlocker is the way to go. If you can go selectable (read lots of money) then ARB, Detroit Electrac, or any of them are pretty darn good. The Electrac has the advantage of acting as a limited slip when not engaged. I've got Lock-rites f&r in my CJ-5 and like them. I put ARB's f&r in the CJ-6. Gotta spool in the Race Jeep but don't recommend that for a street driven vehicle. Haven't decided what to put in the '68, might go with the Electrac in the rear. Nickmil
     
    nickmil, Jan 5, 2007
    #11
  12. Jan 5, 2007
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,470
    I went with selectable OX lockers based on the recomendation of my Diff guy. The original plan was ARB. I was able to do both at one time, but if I were to pick I would do the rear first. My main reason for the selectable is we get too much ice and snow that I enjoy playing in to be locked on it.
     
    Warloch, Jan 5, 2007
    #12
  13. Jan 5, 2007
    trickpatrick

    trickpatrick Done? LOL

    North Idaho USA
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2006
    Messages:
    838
    I was thinking a front aussie locker and no locker in back.
    When in 2 wheel drive good manners.
    when I hit the dirt put in 4 wheel have front locked.

    climbing causes front to lift and wieght shifts back.
    If one front would come up without locker then you have 2 wheel drive in back, but if front was locked even with lifting, one front on ground whould still give you 3 wheel drive.

    I am about to buy locker too so I am also interested in everybody thoughts.:)
     
    trickpatrick, Jan 5, 2007
    #13
  14. Jan 5, 2007
    godevil

    godevil My Humor isnt appreciated

    Mt Pleasant SC
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2005
    Messages:
    329
    Weld the rear.
    Lock rite in the front.
     
    godevil, Jan 5, 2007
    #14
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