Lockers on an ECJ5?

I've been wondering, how well would a '57 CJ5's stock axles hold up to lockers front and rear, while running original sized tires?

Also, what locker brand would be good for a jeep like this? I can't imagine ARB having a locker for a Dana 25--although that'd be pretty sweet.

- Evan

 

They came available with factory powerlocks. Other than that you can use Aussie lockers, Powertak or Lock rite lockers. These last 3 should all be lunch box style lockers that simple use the original carriers.

 

I've had lockrights in both the D25 and D44 for several years now, the only problem I've had is the drivers side Bendix axle joint(D25) let loose when I was in a bind. I replaced both with the more modern Cardan style ujoints and been having a ball ever since. Consider the 2LO mod to the D18 to help out on tight trail cornering. OH yeah I run 31-1050s.

 

I have been running Lincoln lockers front and rear. Would recomend doing something else. PITA when trying to turn. Also, I had to put manual hubs on. Now to engage the 4wd I have to get out and lock the hubs. Since steering is helpful in a lot of situations, I generaly only lock one hub. This only gives me 3wd. Kinda defeats the purpose.

Oh yea, when in 4lo and both hubs locked, will crawl over near about anything. Kinda has to since I can't steer around. Tires are 33x12.50 SSRs No power steering.

One more thing, steering is also an issue in 2wd due to no effective slipping in the rear diff. Drags one tire instead of there being two different tire speeds. Made my turning rad. rediculously bad

 

Hey thanks for the quick responses (as always)!

I will be doing a bit of street driving with the CJ. Would y'all think it's a good idea to lock up the rear? Does it make it that dangerous?

If I lock up the front I will definetly install some locking hubs.

Thanks again,
Evan

 

I thought lockers were really only needed if you just do radical, technical off-roading like rockcrawling and situations where you need maximum traction? I've been told here before that for a Jeep that's street-driven and used for mild trail use that lockers aren't necessary, or even advisable?

I don't want something that's hard to steer, or will break the rear end loose on slick pavement. Also don't want any banging, snapping, or cracking noises from the axles.

 

I don't know about lockers only being for people doing radical stuff. I've run lockers in other jeeps and it's really nice to have it kick in when you find yourself in a sticky situation--and for some reason my jeeps all like to gravitate towards tricky, slippery, situations haha.

But as far as the locker is concerned, I was thinking about getting the Powertrax Lock-Right locker for the CJ. I'll start with one in the rear and see how it does. I find myself needing maximum traction in some of the back-fields of my farm, where there's quite a bit of boulders and mud, so I'm hoping this will make the jeep a bit more capable.

- Evan

 

Needed is a pretty loose term Ron

I just decided to go with a Powertrax No-Slip in my rear axle. I have read here (mainly from Glenn) and other places that the street manners are pretty good with this particular model.

Did I have to get it?, no. Did I need it?, yes

 

Comparing the Lock-right No-slip to the full Lock-right locker, would there be that much of a difference between their street manners?

With the No-Slip don't you lose a bit of control because it's not a "full" locker per say?

- Evan

 

You say this is a ’57? You still run’n the stock two-piece axle shafts in the rear Dana 44? If so, and you wanna run a locker, seriously consider upgrading to 1 piece “flanged” axle shafts. Other than that, yea stick a locker in the rear and go enjoy. Pretty soon you’ll want one for the front also.

 

Well, at my age and with my bad knees and arthritis, I don't really plan on tackling the kinds of stuff a lot of you youngun's thrive on. I have no desire to go looking for places to get in trouble, I just wanna cruise already established mild and moderate trails here in the Colorado mountains. I just want to look at the perty scenery, take pictures, go fishing, etc. That, and I want to drive it around town for running errands and such.

So, I'm guessing that lockers ain't for me. If it turns out that I need them someday, then I can add them. But for now, they're not in my plan.

 

I think it supposed to be a tiny bit stronger, better road manners, and still a 100% locker. Here is just one of the reviews I have read:

http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/powertrax_tj/index.htm

 

I've got PowerLok. Really like them. Rebuild parts are still readily available if you find a used unit; got a clutch kit for $35. They do good on the trails, and you don't even notice much on the street once the hubs are unlocked.

 

I understand Ron. You don't have Sparky around saying "Will you do it if I do it?" R)

 

Or "I did it... You should be fine. Go on up there."R)

 

Yeah baby! That's what I'M talking about!

Hey, whatever happened to 72JeepGal? She got that new job and got all uppity on us?:?