Lockers in front or rear?

rivercrazy · 11-23-2009, 05:37 PM

While wheeling yesterday on some nice slick rock, I couldn't help but think how much a set of lockers would help hook up. Obviously installing lockers in both axles would be the best thing to do, but being on a limited budget, that's not gonna happen for a while.

So, if you could put a locking dif in the front or rear axle, which one would you do?

Abovetimberline · 11-23-2009, 05:52 PM

Rear,my reason is because I use mine for getting around to my hunting and fishing spots,not serious off roading. My truck has a locker in the front and the rear went out,I wish it was the other way around,even if I did use it for off roading.
I do not like lockers in the front because of the steering issues in snow and ice,I just lock one hub in on my truck when I am on the pavement.

NewXJaddict · 11-23-2009, 05:55 PM

If I could afford lockers I would go for the rear first. Sand is my source of off road so I think the rear would be more beneficial.

itsanxjthing · 11-23-2009, 05:59 PM

I would do front, because the whole point of a locker is you can unlock it. front has most weight so most potential for traction. And timberline, what are you doing in 4x4 on pavement? and in snow you nedd feel for the road so keep it in 2 till you stuck, and then only use 4 to gain momentum. so front.

jonnyb78 · 11-23-2009, 06:02 PM

nice poll. i am debating the same thing. i am leaning towards front. i feel tha the front being locked will help get me up obstacles as well as help pull on hillclimbs and big rocks. mines a daily driver and we get a decent amount of snow so i am getting a selectable locker for sure. my friend is locked just in the rear and he hates it.

itsanxjthing · 11-23-2009, 06:03 PM

I think people need education on the difference between a locker and a spool. A spool is always locked. Period. A locker can be turned off and makes your diff open again.

jonnyb78 · 11-23-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanxjthing

I would do front, because the whole point of a locker is you can unlock it. front has most weight so most potential for traction. And timberline, what are you doing in 4x4 on pavement? and in snow you nedd feel for the road so keep it in 2 till you stuck, and then only use 4 to gain momentum. so front.

the front does have more weight... till u accelerate then it transfers to the rear wheels

itsanxjthing · 11-23-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyb78

the front does have more weight... till u accelerate then it transfers to the rear wheels

and once at cruising speed the wieght goes where? I'm not trying to be a dick i really dont know

NewXJaddict · 11-23-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanxjthing

and once at cruising speed the wieght goes where? I'm not trying to be a dick i really dont know

Good question I think it evaporates and returns only when you hit the breaks.

Abovetimberline · 11-23-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanxjthing

I would do front, because the whole point of a locker is you can unlock it. front has most weight so most potential for traction. And timberline, what are you doing in 4x4 on pavement? and in snow you nedd feel for the road so keep it in 2 till you stuck, and then only use 4 to gain momentum. so front.

I do drive in 2 wheel drive unless I need it then I use the 4 hi in my jeep,either part or full time,i do not have an issue with it,but my truck I only lock in one hub,it works good like that,but I take it out of 4wheel as soon as it is not needed.
I only use it going through the passes when it is clear two wheel will not handle it.

itsanxjthing · 11-23-2009, 06:12 PM

I am not a fan of mountain driving in the winter. And did not really realize you were a mountain man. If mountain driving must be done and there is snow on the road i just stay behind the slow big truck in front of me. Gives me an excuse to drive like im 150

Abovetimberline · 11-23-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanxjthing

I am not a fan of mountain driving in the winter. And did not really realize you were a mountain man. If mountain driving must be done and there is snow on the road i just stay behind the slow big truck in front of me. Gives me an excuse to drive like im 150

Living in canada I think you drive in the snow much more than i do,I do not live in the mountains where it snows all the time,but at times i do and just sharing my exsperiences in it. If it snowed here they would have a national disaster.

itsanxjthing · 11-23-2009, 06:22 PM

It is a national disaster here, i tell you my winch works in the winter time here. People just get used to being in the ditch or up trees here.

Abovetimberline · 11-23-2009, 06:47 PM

I live right at the bottom of the sierras,about 15 miles from here we have a little town called Paradise,when it snows there they call it parallyzed,it is like a snow circus,round and round they go and where they stop know one knows,but the ones that do know how to drive in it help the others out.

NewXJaddict · 11-23-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abovetimberline

I live right at the bottom of the sierras,about 15 miles from here we have a little town called Paradise,when it snows there they call it parallyzed,it is like a snow circus,round and round they go and where they stop know one knows,but the ones that do know how to drive in it help the others out.

Being on the East coast of North Carolina we don't get much snow. Every once in a while we will get a little bit. Not enough to measure for the most part.

If we get flurries school shuts down.

If we get any more than 1/4th inch on the ground roads turn to nothing but mess and people turn even more reckless and have NO idea how to drive in the snow. Its pretty scary.

One year we got about 6 -8 inches of snow and you would have thought the world came to an end.

View Poll Results: Would you put a locker in front or rear axle?
Front	13	31.71%
Rear	28	68.29%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

11-23-2009, 05:37 PM	#1
rivercrazy Seasoned Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Utah (land of the magic underwear) Posts: 420 My Photos 1992 Cherokee Year: 1992 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: C8.25 Tires: 30" A/T Lift Specifications: 4.5" Misc Accessories: Rear Shims and lots of Lucas Oil!	Lockers in front or rear? While wheeling yesterday on some nice slick rock, I couldn't help but think how much a set of lockers would help hook up. Obviously installing lockers in both axles would be the best thing to do, but being on a limited budget, that's not gonna happen for a while. So, if you could put a locking dif in the front or rear axle, which one would you do? Last edited by rivercrazy; 11-23-2009 at 05:40 PM..

11-23-2009, 05:52 PM	#2
Abovetimberline CF Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chico,ca Posts: 2,156 My Photos 89 Cherokee Year: 89 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 242 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: D44 Tires: Junk at this point	Rear,my reason is because I use mine for getting around to my hunting and fishing spots,not serious off roading. My truck has a locker in the front and the rear went out,I wish it was the other way around,even if I did use it for off roading. I do not like lockers in the front because of the steering issues in snow and ice,I just lock one hub in on my truck when I am on the pavement. __________________ Marry the right person it will determine 95 percent of your happiness or misery. Remember that old saying,you can be right or you can be happy,I choose happy. 89 xj in progress D44,4"x 2" lift 72 Restored chevy truck 4x4,lockers,built 350,approx 400 hp.

11-23-2009, 05:55 PM	#3
NewXJaddict The Working Hermit Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NC Posts: 4,152 My Photos 1987 Cherokee Year: 1987 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: The crappy one 10/5 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: D35 Lift Specifications: stock	If I could afford lockers I would go for the rear first. Sand is my source of off road so I think the rear would be more beneficial. __________________ He who laughs last doesn't get joke. May the Schwartz be with you Foamy Cinemassacre (AVGN) mc chris

11-23-2009, 06:02 PM	#5
jonnyb78 cowboy casanova Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: providence RI Posts: 4,476 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transfer Case: np 231 Front Axle: d 30 Rear Axle: chrysler 8.25 Tires: 33"x 12.5 15 bfg mt Lift Specifications: RE 4.5" superflex kit Misc Accessories: cb, yakima rack, jcr bumpers, jcr sliders	nice poll. i am debating the same thing. i am leaning towards front. i feel tha the front being locked will help get me up obstacles as well as help pull on hillclimbs and big rocks. mines a daily driver and we get a decent amount of snow so i am getting a selectable locker for sure. my friend is locked just in the rear and he hates it. __________________ CBW member #3 live well, love much, off road often www.oceanstatejeepsters.com my build thread http://www.cherokeeforum.com/showthr...923#post213923

11-23-2009, 06:47 PM	#14
Abovetimberline CF Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chico,ca Posts: 2,156 My Photos 89 Cherokee Year: 89 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 242 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: D44 Tires: Junk at this point	I live right at the bottom of the sierras,about 15 miles from here we have a little town called Paradise,when it snows there they call it parallyzed,it is like a snow circus,round and round they go and where they stop know one knows,but the ones that do know how to drive in it help the others out. __________________ Marry the right person it will determine 95 percent of your happiness or misery. Remember that old saying,you can be right or you can be happy,I choose happy. 89 xj in progress D44,4"x 2" lift 72 Restored chevy truck 4x4,lockers,built 350,approx 400 hp.

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