I have a 98 Jeep Cherokee RHD that I use to deliver the mail. I have got stuck a few times and feel that I should have been able to get out. But when one wheel loses traction, the other sits still and that is my problem. What are your recommendations for a locker for the rear end. I know a Detroit is probably the best choice but I dont have $700 to throw at the Jeep at this time. Are there other options that any of you would recommend and have some history with the product? Let me know what you all think. Thanks

 

Im a big advocate for grizzly lockers. However that realms the same price range as your mentioned Detroit.

Look at a lunchbox locker (lock rite, powertrax etc) essentially a limited slip setup that replaces your spider gears. This can be installed simply in one day depending on your tools and abilities. They are also maybe half the cost compared to a full mechanical locker.

 

+one...powertrax...

 

Cheep lunch-box lockers click around corners and if you accelerate out of a corner they will lock and produce wheel scrub. I went with a switchable OX locker (short cable to an electric solenoid)- one of the few that fit a Chrysler 8.25 diff. Do you have a Dayna 35 or an 8.25. Do you have 4WD? What tires do have?

 

Its is a Dana 35. It is 4WD. I believe the tires are 245/65/17.

 

A lunchbox locker does not function like an LSD. It locks both axle shafts together solidly. When going around corners off the throttle or with only light throttle, it unlocks and allows for wheel speed differential. Perhaps that's what you meant by limited slip setup in that it doesn't stay locked.

 

When you were asked about tires I suspect the question was if you were using good snow tires, not what size they are .
Good snow tires make a huge difference.

 

AT of Mud tires should suffice as well as "snow tires" I believe an Eton electric switchable locker is available for your Dana 35. 245/65/17 ( 29.5") is close to the heaviest tire one can run on Dana 35. I run 145/75/r16's (30.5") with a 3.25" lift and a Chrysler 8.25 axle Chains are VERY effective on ICE:


South Pass in Death Valley

 

Potato potato, mashed or in tot form they are still designed to replace the spider gears and should not be confused with a full mechanical or selectable locker

 

The OP was looking for something to use with his mail vehicle, which qualifies as a DD. When I suggested snow tires, I was thinking of something like Bridgestqone Blizzak light truck tires. I use them on both the XJ and my 4 runner which has an e locker and they're much better where I live with it's ~180" of snow/ winter. Picture is how I " shoveled my road this morning. But WTF do I know about snow

 

Spartan locker is an easy choice that works great. However I would not put a locker in a Dana 35.