Locker Advice

If budget only allows one locker at this time, would you do the front axle or the rear?

What are the pro's and con's?

Thanks

 

Re: Locker Advise

I would also run the rear first but there's tons of variables. Might also use the search function as this has been covered with lots of debate/opinions.

 

Re: Locker Advise

Thanks Guys, that what I was thinking. My wheeling is light, sand, mud, snow and some minor hills here in Michigan.

I'm thinking about selectable locker like Ox or the Eaton Electric. I like the ARB but it's really expensive.

Any recommendations on the best selectable? I'm going with 4.88's and an overdrive on a 71 with the 225

 

IMO the Ox is the way to go. The Eaton is a clutched LS that uses an electric solenoid to apply pressure to the discs to "lock up". Still a LS and will slip after some use. The ARB is a great locker but requires accessories to work. Air compressor that can fail, hose that can be cut or melted. The Ox is just as strong as an ARB and a true locker/open setup unlike the Eaton on both accounts. Plus it is cable actuated, very little can go wrong. An extra cable is cheap insurance nothing ever will.
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Re: Locker Advise

gonna have to go with rear first, just put them in both ends of a chevy and i can tell already it is gonna be a totally different animal, may have to run one hub unlocked on sideling terrain and only lock that hub in a emergency situation.......

 

Re: Locker Advise

I would do the rear first. I read someplace something like it is 80% more effective in the rear. Don't know how they determined that but I can tell you a locker in the rear is a great addition..............

And I like a spool because it does not load and unload. It is predictable. But if money was no obect, I'd do the Ox.

 

Re: Locker Advise

Eaton has 3 choices. A limited slip, an electronic (variable limited slip) and the Elocker which is a true locker.

The Elocker is easier to put in than an ARB or OX Locker. It has no compressor or cables and handles to deal with, but still has some wires to route.

Two of my friends have them F&R in their Jeeps, no problems in 3 years.

That being said, I'd start in the rear, and power steering is almost manditory for a front locker.

 

Re: Locker Advise

So, I got up out of bed to correct this.
The limited slip and electronic limited slip probably aren't avaliable for his app. Unless he has a mod 30 front, the Elocker may not be an option either.
Been a long day, sorry.

 

Re: Locker Advise

I've got the offset flanged 44. Its currently at 3.73, but I'm changing it to 4.88 with the overdirve. Seems like a good combo from what i've read.

 

Re: Locker Advise

I agree-I've got a front limited slip diff (Power Lock) in the front of my CJ, and with the stock manual steering it can be a real workout to drive! In 4wd it just wants to go straight ahead. I use 2wd low range a lot because of this-I'll go as far as possible in 2low before I lock in the hubs. This would be even worse with a true locking diff up front.

 

Re: Locker Advise

mines locked front and rear not good if you want to drive around town, if you only have money for one get a locker in the rear that you can disengage. It depends alot on what you are goingto use you jeep for. I use mine for huntin I just want it to keep movin in the mud and it does you should see the looks on all those atv riders faces when i bail off into it then idle through without spinnin a tire.

 

Re: Locker Advise

I can't really tell you which to do 1st. That being said, my rear is still an open diff, I have a power lock, just not installed yet. My dana 30 front has an Aussie locker. That alone made an unbelievable difference in the ease of climbing stuff and I can't say it hurt the steering that bad. Any locker or LS is better than none.

 

I agree. I have an Aussie up front too(fresh Tracloc in rear). We ran in 4wd at 75 mph and had none of the issues usually reported about lunchbox lockers. Only thing we really noticed was an occasional bind and release when turning from a dead stop. Obviously everything was under torque when that happened and it was expected so except for the weird feeling no problems. I am really impressed by the Aussie. Might give it a thought, it's way cheaper.
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Re: Locker Advise

ARB makes a great locker but if you go that route you might consider upgrading the air lines.
My brother-in-law had ARB’s front and rear on his Wrangler using the plastic line with press on fittings that come in the kit and he had constant problems with brush or branches reaching up, grabbing an air line and ripping it off.
Of course, he’s kind of an idiot and I don’t know how well he had his rig assembled so maybe he’s not a good example.

 

Re: Locker Advise

I've had my ARB's for many years (around 10) and they've been flawless. I did use the heavy stainless air lines. I've run a lot of brush and mud.

I figured I wanted on board air anyway and definately wanted selectable lockers. The high cost is something you can eventually try to forget but the high quality is something you remember every trip.

There's really no doubt that the OX is a strong unit although there may be some doubt about the strength of the company.