This might seem like a really dumb question but why are lockers a good thing? From my understanding they essentially lock up the diff, ergo making both wheels go at the same speed regardless of turning. Am I right or wrong? If I am right why is this a good thing when wheeling?

 

It's a good thing being that off road you are in teran that can be and is loose.

 

One word. Traction.

A locker just allows you to put the power down to both wheels instead of spinning one like you would with an open diff. Giving you better traction off road, plus many lockers are selectable in one form or another, giving you the option of returning your diff to an open position on the street. certainly a good thing in my book!

 

in 4 wd with an open diff you are really only getting power to 2 wheels, one on each axle. and if one wheel gets in very loose traction, it will just spin, leaving the other wheel that could have traction getting no power. a locker makes that other wheel get power no matter what. the difference is night and day in wheeling.

 

So it is like a limited slip diff and then it isn't, correct?

 

sort of....

as with an open diff, limited slip can still leave you sitting when one wheel is in the air, or on loose traction. limited slip is a bit better than an open diff, but it will still send power to the wheel that needs the power, ie the one with less grip.
limited slip will send the power to the other wheel when it spins long enough.

a locker will send power to both rear wheels evenly even when one wheel is off the ground, thus giving you power to get over the obstacle.

 

More like a no slip at all. It's a good upgrade for any wheeler, only thing is if your sees a lot of highway time getting lockers can come back and bite you in the *** because of the extra fuel it consumes turning another wheel full time on the road.

 

that makes 0 sense. well, maybe a tiny bit. but lockers dont kill your gas mileage.

 

Never said killed it, I've just heard plenty of my buddies say it knocked them down about 2-3 MPG's and it kinda adds up quickly if you drive it everyday...

 

If your going to spend anytime trying to run the more difficult trails it would be a wise investment. I think a selectable lock is the best way to go. It gives you the option to be locked or not. Especially if you drive your rig on pavement. Just my 2cents

 

theyre lying.

 

i think i gained mileage when i put my detroit in...

 

There is NO frickin way lockers effect your mileage to any degree a cars gauge or a human could determine LOL

My sweet baby jesus

 

lockers give it less street manners, mainly in turns since wheels need to turn at different speeds in turns, never heard anything about mileage.

don't forget lockers are gonna make most people 10 times more likely to break parts, especailly in the d35.

 

well i apologize then, i guess i was misinformed