need expert locker guidance
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 286
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 HO
Ok now thanks to my birthday/graduation funds, I now have enough dough to put a locker in my ZJ. Since I'm going to be upgrading my d35 in the rear after it gives out Ive decided on going with a front locker and I dont know which one to choose. Ive narrowed it down to either the Detroit Softlock or a regular Aussie Locker. I know alot of people on here run aussies and so far I havent herd anything bad on them. I originally wanted the detroit softlock because it seemed it was the only locker that locks up 100% of the time, and since my rig is a trailer queen it doesnt matter for street driving. I have $240 in 4wheeldrive hardware giftcards so I would be only putting about $260 cash which is only a tad bit more than what I would be paying for an Aussie because they dont sell Aussie lockers at 4wheeldrive hardware. But on the 4wd website it says that I need a front hub conversion and I have no idea what that is. It also doesnt say how hard it is to install it and neither my dad nor me know anything about axle gearing. On the other hand the Aussie locker is more streetable but again, that doesnt matter to me. It also says that if I can change brake pads I can install and aussie locker, but it also says I need to install it in an open carrier and I think I have a limited slip in the front since the jeep has the np249 transfercase (all wheel drive, 4lo). Also would installing a front locker Twisted Lazer Kitty up my transfercase since it is all wheel drive? do I need to use a certain gear oil with a locker? How could I tell if it has a limited slip in the front? Right now the jeep is on all four jack stands and when I put it in all wheel drive all four tires spin, when I put it in 4lo, the front driver side tire spins extreamly slow and the rear passenger tire spins extreamly slow weither it's in drive or reverse. No other tires spin so I'm guessing it does have a limited slip.
Josh
Josh
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
Likes: 100
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
here's what i would do.
swap out that 249 for a 242 (although i prefer a 231), then get a selectable locker, like an ARB or an OX.
having the lockable hubs allow you to unlock one wheel so it can still have front traction, but allows you to drive and steer somewhat as opposed to being fully locked and have absolutely no steering capabilities.
having a selectable locker allows you to unlock the locker and it gives you an open diff up front.
swap out that 249 for a 242 (although i prefer a 231), then get a selectable locker, like an ARB or an OX.
having the lockable hubs allow you to unlock one wheel so it can still have front traction, but allows you to drive and steer somewhat as opposed to being fully locked and have absolutely no steering capabilities.
having a selectable locker allows you to unlock the locker and it gives you an open diff up front.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: Telford PA
Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
here's what i would do.
swap out that 249 for a 242 (although i prefer a 231), then get a selectable locker, like an ARB or an OX.
having the lockable hubs allow you to unlock one wheel so it can still have front traction, but allows you to drive and steer somewhat as opposed to being fully locked and have absolutely no steering capabilities.
having a selectable locker allows you to unlock the locker and it gives you an open diff up front.
swap out that 249 for a 242 (although i prefer a 231), then get a selectable locker, like an ARB or an OX.
having the lockable hubs allow you to unlock one wheel so it can still have front traction, but allows you to drive and steer somewhat as opposed to being fully locked and have absolutely no steering capabilities.
having a selectable locker allows you to unlock the locker and it gives you an open diff up front.
CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 3
From: Salem Virginia
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=54602
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