I'm looking for the cheapest way to do a locker aside from welding my gears. I know very little about the various types of lockers so if you could educate me that would be great.

 

Automatic, AKA lunchbox locker=EZ Locker, Lock Rite, Quick Loc, Detroit Locker, etc...:

These unit lock when power is applied to the axle, and cannot be disengaged. The Detroit is the most expensive, but is the only one of these that actually replace the carrier, and is by far the best auto locker on the market, IMHO.

Selectable= ARB, Auburn Ected, OX, etc...:

These units can be disengaged at will, and when disengaged become an open differential. This meaning that they will perform like a stock vehicle in normal 4X4 situations driving on the road. Selectable lockers are the most expensive option, but also the best, if you can afford this route!! HTH!!

 

From what I've read(No experience here lol) the best thing to do is to save up to a selectable. Because if you use it as a DD it can make highway trips terrible. Plus alot of people have said to put a detroit or aussie(I think thats its name?) in the front end if you use it as a DD

The way I look at it is if I can do this, I'm going to slowly save for a detroit for the front end and after i swap out my rear end ill put in a good selectable. I just travel way to much on the highway and with my 5 speed its already a ruff ride. I've heard with a locker in the rear and a 5 speed it can make a good day turn out pretty bad fast.. My gf hates i mean she hates my jeep.

 

The least expensive locker made for the XJ axles is the Aussie Locker. It is a lunch box style as described above. I have had Aussies front and rear in my 91 XJ for a year now. My Jeep is a daily driver and my weekend warrior. I driven it cross country and 4wheeled the **** out of it. The Aussie Locker is a good product and I would recommend it to anybody. It has excellent on road manners and is absolutely amazing off road. The only down fall is this. If you have a 91-98 XJ with the 27 spline ChryCo 8.25, you can't get an Aussie locker for that axle. You would have to get the guts out of 99-01 29 spline 8.25, then you can.

 

You could do what I did if you want to go cheap. I bought a used D30 and D44 lock right for around a 100 bucks each used. Just make sure the plates don't have wear on them and are in going shape. Then go order you a rebuild kit for them for less than 20 bucks. Then there practically brand new for less than half the cost of new.

 

Glad to hear! I'm looking at ordering the Aussie. I have the 27 spline, but just picked up a Ford 8.8 and the Aussie is available for that

Good plan! Didn't know about that.

Also, I've read putting a lunchbox or auto locker in the front of a DD is not a good idea. I looked at doing this. Aussie said not recommended either for winter driving. I guess if you have the vacuum disconnect, you can kinda of unlock it somehow?

 

Having a front aussie/auto locker will be completely invisible in 2wd.

 

Yes, that is correct, but what about when you are in 4HI and driving in snow, etc.

 

You will also read that there are some people that worry about how the auto lockers behave in the snow and ice.

What I have found, is as long as you act like you have some sense, you'll be fine.

Now as fars as having a fully locked vehicle on ice.... you have to let off the accel to get it to turn.... because it if the front wheels get to spinning/sliding you're going to keep going straight.

A little common sense goes a long way when driving a modded vehicle.

 

I agree, however being locked in the rear is do-able, but it's much different than being locked in the front. I did a ton of research as well, and read many comments and emailed manufacturers. I don't have self experience on this, and maybe you do, but I decided to do a lunch box in the rear of mine and a true trac in the front. I agree that common sense goes a long way w/a locked vehicle.

 

I totally agree with lilredxj99. Lockers front and rear are fine in snow as long as you don't get brave and drive too fast for the conditions. But, then that is the rule of thumb that will keep you out of trouble in snow and ice no matter how your rig is set up.

 

Jp Magazine just did a huge article on pros and cons of several lockers. Even covers welded gears. Check it out.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/shop4parts...ers/index.html