So, today some friends and I went out for a trail ride at the local state forest consisting of mostly just unimproved dirt roads. After taking a wrong turn I had my friend turn my jeep around (3 point turn) while I spotted for her. ( there were muddy ditches on both sides and we didn't have a tow rope, so I decided to play it safe). So as she was turning I noticed the inside tire was scrubbing and kicking up dirt and appeared to be rotating at exactly the same speed as the other tire. I have the upcountry suspension group with the factory trac lok, however, I didn't think an lsd had enough strength to fully lock the tires together. For reference I run a set of almost new 31 inch bfg all terrains. So does this mean my cherokee has a locked rear axle, or does the factory lsd have enough strength to lock the rear tires together?

 

The factory trac-lock is a clutch type limited slip, not a locker. Both wheels are always engaged. Eventually one side or the other will begin to slip slightly as the torque being applied exceeds the grip of the left or right clutch pack. Apparently your clutch packs r in good enough shape to not allow slipping under the scenario u described so it appeared as though it had a locker.

 

I've noticed while I'm in reverse that mine likes to stay locked more than it does forwards

 

That's because the clutches have a different wear pattern in reverse vs forward due to +/-99% of driving is forward.

 

Sounds legit