SG Mason

I am pretty sure that my XJ has open diffs, I just haven't pulled the covers yet to make sure that they aren't something else and broken Hey some times you never know what the previous owner has done to you rip into it

I have a 98 Sport auto with a D30HP and a Chrysler 8.25. I live in an area that gets wet heavy snow that often gets packed to near ice like conditions. We also get a lot of ice rain just to make things interesting. I have been contemplating LSDs and lockers for a bit now and am still on the fence, but my feet are on the side of auto lockers because I know that if I get something like a TrueTrac the minute I get stuck I will be wishing I had got a locker My biggest concern is noise and driveablity in slick conditions, hence still sitting on the fence.

It a perfect word I would be able to afford an air locker and just forget about the cheaper options, but truth be told I will probably never need the strength of something like an ARB and don't have the funds to drop 3+k on lockers and supporting parts.

So I am just looking for opinions right now to help me make up my mind for when the time comes.

My XJ is my winter DD and summer fishing and exploring vehicle. I doubt I will ever take my XJ onto any hardcore trails or need to do any rock crawling with it, but you never know what you will run into when exploring. Most of its offroad use will be on double track trails with slick mud, fairly steep loose climbs and big slabs of granite with smaller 1-2 foot ledges. I am currently running LT235s and a 3" lift and will probably move up to 31s in the near future with an out side chance of 33s. If I do go to 33s I will be regearing the diffs. I am very much a hands on DIY type and would be doing the install myself if that makes a difference, and yes I do have the skills and tools to do the work

If you are going to suggest I bite the bullit and just go with air lockers, and you want me to pay attention to your suggestion, you better be ready to pony up the difference in price between the air lockers and auto lockers

JPXJMOAB

Personally I like Spartan lockers

Rockhead

I lived in Upstate NY for over 20 years and have owned 4 Cherokees. The best combination of differentials that I have used on snow and ice is open front and limited slip rear. Unstoppable in 4 wheel drive with a good set of snow and ice tires.

RoyalXJ

Check out Lokka

JPXJMOAB

I've had a 2wd Cherokee I drive daily in Minnesota with constant ice and snow on the ground.. Open diff... Just have to know how to drive.

JPXJMOAB

agreed! Great lockers

metaldemon7

I install a lunchbox locker in my 98 XJ, and had all manner of issues. Torque steer was bad, and locking & unlocking at the worse times. Richmond gear kept saying that my carrier was bad. I finally put an Auburn LSD in, and never looked back. The Powertrax No Slip went right to the landfill. A waste of $400.

bobthecatkiller

I would of taken that power trax no slip off your hands.

SG Mason

Just for the record I have no problems driving in the snow and ice with the open diffs. I grew up with it and learned how to drive in it over my 34 years as a licensed driver. The only time I have used 4wd was to get moving before I replaced the tires that came with the Jeep. I am more looking to improve the offroad performance without hurting the winter/street driving too much.

I had never heard of Lokka before. Talk about inexpensive. Just over $400 USD for both That is cheap enough that I may just buy them to try them out and if I don't like them I can always put the open diff guts back in. Add in the free shipping to Canada it almost makes it a lock (pun intended)

XJmike0122

If you don't use 4wd in the snow then throw a lokka in the front and see if the noise is exceptable. The front is best place for it if you only have one.

R6BLUE03

I ordered up some aussie lockers for mine. Great price and shipping is very reasonable. I have read a lot of great reviews on them and the cust service so far has been great. Also they are made in the usa.

aka"dude"

Lokka's for my second winter. No complaints.

SG Mason

But the price, with shipping for both front and back is so cheap I might as well do them both at the same time

Aussie and Lokka locker are the same thing, or so they were till 2012. The ones made on Rochester are about $50 more each. I am guessing the price difference is for licensing/patent fees. Even though Rochester NY is only about 230 mile from me I would rather have that extra $100 in my pocket

From the Lokka web site:

timamybrown

I Just put a lokka in the front of mine works great. Little load at first but i'm happy with it.

XJmike0122

I just said that because you mentioned driveabilty. One in the front in 2wd wouldn't really change much. Guess a locked rear wouldn't with that much snow driving experience.