Any front wheel drive is safer than rear wheel drive. With fwd, the rears just follow along. With rwd, the rears are constantly trying to pass the fronts. With some drivers, the rear wheel drive scenario rapidly gets worse with any type of moisture on the pavement, something to do with the SFB syndrome.

 

If you are going to be using the Jeep as a DD only you don't need lockers. If you will be wheeling your Jeep you should install some sort of Traction Enhancing rear diff. The no-slip is in my opinion the best of the lunch box type lockers, a full locker ( Detroit type ) is stronger, the TruTrac is good, I think one of the selectable lockers are best just really expensive.
As for front the diff I've ran Detroit lockers in the front and in some instances they work great but I'll never run a automatic locker in a front diff again because of the difficulty turning in some situations.
As far as driving on snow as stated by 383 you got to learn to drive in snow, and some have more of a problem learning

 

.....but one locker in a DD XJ eliminates the "one tire fire".....no if's, and's, or but's, and is so easy to install (automatic lunchbox that is).

 

If plan to do any real off roading a selectable locker would be ideal, but expensive. Most of the pro's and con's have already discussed, and this isn't the first thread covering it. We won't be able to decide for you, just give you ideas on what you'll experience.

Whats wrong with using the go-pedal with a locker in the snow? What? You don't like going in circles til all the beer you just drank tries to make its way back up?

 

Thanks everyone. How can I tell if my 8.25 is a 27 or 29 spline also.

 

The Richnond Gear link shows '96 is 27 spline.

http://www.richmondgear.com/powertrax/jeep1ns.pdf

 

I've got a Detroit...and they rock. I don't have any of the problems that people talk about...pulling, racheting noise, etc. Mine just works.

They are sensitive to tire pressure. If your back tires are off by enough pressure to change diameter, a locker will push you a bit. Keep air even, tire size even...all is well.

BTW, they are bombproof. Mine has over 100k on it.

 

Does the Detroit require carrier removal, ring & pinion set-up?

 

I ordered a Powertrax no slip for mine yesterday. I hope to install it this week end. I'll post my opinion of it after I try it.

 

Not always true, depends on when in 96 it was made. My old one had 29 spline. Sure you could check the tag but the easiest way would be to pull a shaft and count. Might be able to jack a tire and spin it while counting the splines in the diff if you mark a starting point.

 

I don't even notice when driving with a locker in the rear anymore, snow or not. I personally would just weld the rear diff and call it a day... But thats just my two cents, use the money you save from not buying a locker for more mods and your still locked in the rear..

 

Yes. That's what makes it stronger than lunchbox type lockers. ARB's are the same, they replace the stock carrier.

I have ARB's F&R and absolutely love how they engage/disengage instantly. Many times offroad I need the front locked to climb over something, then unlock it to steer better. Works great.

 

That's what the OP needs to consider, he's already said his XJ is a DD and no hardcore stuff. I've made numerous 11 second passes using No-Slip lockers (no, not in the XJ), never had an issue. There will always be something out there stronger, more expensive and way more difficult to install but with a "lunchbox" locker, the OP can be be having fun, he knows that the diff is still set-up correctly ('cause he didn't have to mess with it) and u can bet he's wearing a $h_t eatin' grin, all in about 2 hours time. A lunchbox is just one of many traction enhanced diff options available to him.

 

Geeez, I bet the OP never orders anything for his XJ now.....'cause he's asking himself do I have a late '95, a true '96 or an early '97. LOL

 

I have a Yukon spartan locker up front.. best $200 & 2 Hours work I've ever put into the jeep..