front locker advice?

So...I'm thinkin bout puttin a locker in the front. It's a d30. Any suggestions. Is the d30 able to handle a locker? I'm only running 32's w/ stock gears. what can I expect when not in 4 wheel drive? What happens when the front's locked but I'm only in 2wd. I'm thinkin the answer is air lockers...right? I've heard of alot of guys using the Lockrite lockers. Thanx in advance.:?

 

With the hubs in...a front locker will feel a little odd (even when in 2wd). As you said...an air locker or cable type is your best bet. I have just a regular Detroit locker in my front...I have been threatening to go with an air locker for a long time...but I guess it does not bother me bad enough to do it...Of course...the things you can get used to is amazing.

 

With the hubs unlocked you won't feel anything at all. If you drive it in the snow, I have been told that a selectable locker would be best. That way when you are on the road you can unlock the locker for better road manners in the snow. I have also read somewhere that you can just unlock one hub and run a locker and it's better. Not sure on the truth of that.

If and when I lock, I think I'll go with Aussie lockers. They seem inexpensive and I have read good things about them.

Good luck,

High5

 

I just installed an aussie locker in the front 44 of my 79 CJ-5 it was an easy install other than having to remove the carrier to get the ring gear off to remove the spider shaft.Looked and felt well built great instructions(Yes,I read the instructions,first time!).I ran a Dana 30 with 33 swampers for a while and never broke it,I am running a 400 hp sbc an have a heavy right footR)

 

I am going to install an OX locker in the front of mine. I like having the selectable locker. I already have an OX in the rear.. I think there are times when you really wanna be unlocked in the frone, yet still in 4WD

 

I have an earlier CJ with a power-lock but would run a selectable locker in the front. I am considering finding a D30 just for that reason.

 

I run a lock-rite in my 30. I drive around all the time with the hubs engaged in 2WD. Never had a problem with it feeling even a little funny on the road. You have a bit more drag and there-for slightly less milage but being able to just reach down and slap it into 4wd is nice.

 

Now that you mention that...I have heard that the lock-rite has pretty decent street manners, So that just might be something to look into.

 

Having run several different lockers for several years, I'd say definitely go selectable if you can afford it. My last setup was an ARB with non-selectable hubs (full time slugs) and it worked great both on pavement and on the toughest trails (BIG rocks). I always ran into significant steering issues with auto lockers, but generally only when the whole driveline was bound up. They were generally pretty well behaved on snow and ice once I learned their quirks.

 

If you can afford it I would go with a seletcable locker up front, I run a welded front locker in a dana 30 with manual steering. Putting the part together for power steering. When on the trails with alot of turns I just unlock one of my hubs. Works really nice when I have one of my kids with me. On road I can't tell a difference

 

Welded != automatic locker. Welded=spool. That would cause binding in almost any situation.

 

What about the Detroit trutrac? I know its an LSD but Ive been told good things about it.

 

When you need a locker, an LSD won't cut it. The TruTrac is good and I know a lot of people who do fine with one, but they won't substitute for the real thing.

 

awesome responses!!! Thanks a bunch guys. Pending money issues I think I'm going t go with a selectable for the front. I don't even know if I will lock the rear. We'll see. I'll probably be eating those words later. I often do. Kind of like when I used to say..." I'll never buy a Jeep, I'm a full-size Chevy guy!" well...nuff said. Thanks again guys:AMC:

 

If you aren't locked in the back I wouldn't bother with doing the front yet. You'll get much better traction increase by locking the rear than you will with the front. I'm not a big fan of lockers in the front anyway. I can effectively lock up the Powerlok I have in the front by massaging the brake pedal. And with a Detroit in the back I haven't found a trail in Northern Cal. that I can't run (Rubicon, Fordyce, Dusy Ershim, Barrett Lake). As a plus, I can turn on a dime, in 4wd, which gives me a lot more options on lines I can take. If you want the most bang for the buck, put a locker in the rear first. When do you need a locker? When you are climbing. Where is all the weight? On the rear. All your front wheels are doing is trying to get out of the way.

 

I would think you would want a locker up front first. It's got to be a ton easier on your rig to "pull" your jeep up an obstacle rather than "pushing" it up...right? Also your front is the first thing to come in contact with that obstacle, in most cases. Having a selectable locker you can unlock with a pull of a cable or flip of a switch for tight turns on the trail. am I correct on this? These are only things I've read on other threads and have no experience myself on lockers so all input is great.

 

I have an Aussie locker in my dana 30 front. There very tough, cheaper than a Lock right and easy to install. I have a power lock for the rear but nave not installed it yet. If you want the front locker, go ahead, its not like its a waste of money and it will increase your traction for climbing and pulling tremendously, mine made a huge difference.

 

i installed the ected by auburn in mine.this thing is great.posi when not engaged and fully locked when engaged.i had the powertrax locker before which also worked great but always being locked has its controll issues.go selectable