So what your saying is the reason people are having trouble with their steering when they have a lunchbox up front is only cause the rear is locked? So with a selectable in the rear the front lunchbox should with out a doubt run like stock in 2wd?

 

Wheres the weight going to transfer to when you are climbing up a hill or rock pile, waterfall ect....

rear locker ftw

 

Front locker is superior to a rear locker on the rocks. Maybe everything.

 

I don't think you guys read the whole thread.

 

I had my rear axle locked first on my XJ, for no other reason than I bought an axle with one already installed. Our trails out here can get super sloppy and the mud is greasy. They're typically wooded with ruts, stumps, rocks, and hill climbs tossed in. I tend to bomb around in 2wd for a lot of stuff and only switch to 4wd when needed. I find the rear locker gets me around pretty well.

My F150 is locked in the front only and the steering wheel does rip out of your hands at times. It's also a pain trying to steer it in 4wd, so I'll drop back to 2wd, which can cause some problems (I have the same issue in the XJ locked front/rear). I can't bomb around as much in 2wd as I do in the XJ, so I'm flipping between 2wd/4wd more often.

I suppose a lot depends on your terrain as to which would be better for you and driving style/experience. I don't think I'd spend my money on an OX locker though.

 

we already answered your questions. you're not listening

you're the only one who knows if you need to install a locker in the rear. the reason for a rear selectable is to disengage it for the street use + turning radius when unlocked. reason for the front selectable is easier steering, use of 4wd in snowy road conditions, + better turning radius offroad (among other reasons for getting full case/selectables).

if you install a front locker and you're still getting stuck then possibly yes you need a rear locker as well. which side should you put your one selectable if you can only afford one? you decide for yourself. both have their own argument

what you're not thinking of- do you want gears? the D30 has a carrier break. so whatever full case locker you get will come in 2 gear ratio options. so you have to decide if you want gears now or forever hold your peace if you get a front selectable. (it would be stupid to not do gears at the same time)

what were trying to tell you is that you don't need to spend a couple grand to go drive through some mud holes in florida

 

Wasnt talking about you. I was talking about the two guys who posted above me. Secondly I don't just drive around in mud holes. I plan on turning this thing into a crawler at some point. Its kinda insulting when you say that because if there is one thing I hate its mud. I like trails not running through some crappy mud hole. And you keep mentioning Florida? What does that have to do with anythin? I live in florida but right now I'm in texas. And besides florida doesn't just have mud holes.

 

I personally run an aussie in the front and a spartan in the rear, on 35 inch mt/rs. I dd it a lot. The lunchbox in the front is literally no different than stock in 2wd. And in all honesty the rear lunchbox only made a small difference in street driving. Sure, if you have $2000+ for selectable lockers and gears. Do that. But it is not at all needed. I understand the "fear" and confusion on locking. But trust me, a lunchbox in the front is a much better buy

 

First off, one the 4x4 magazine (I think Jp) just did an article on front vs rear locker. They installed one in the front axle ran a trail then uninstalled the front and installed a rear and ran the same trail. Pros and cons to both setups. Their conclusion was just run auto lockers front and rear.

Secondly, I agree with Atmos. I see no reason to put selectables in stock axles that you clearly stated you have only needed for one mud hole. What Atmos is saying, before you going dropping over 1000 on a selectable locker, put an auto locker in the front axle (Dana 30 Lokka $198) and see how it goes. 99% of people say it handles exactly the same as stock in 2wd (because its unlocked).

So you are out a couple hundred if you don't like having the front locked or when you build this into a crawler and swap the axles. Atmos is just trying to save you some money.

So in conclusion, if your money is bountiful buy selectables because its your money and you can do what you want. If you want to save some money, buy a Lokka and enjoy until you swap your axle or need to upgrade.

 

Conclusion: will be putting a ausie up front. And see if I even need one in the rear. If I feel I do I will put a selectable in the rear. The one mudhole was only on that one run. I have hd other things that I've been through and not made it because I didn't have a locker. Plus lockers were in my plans for this thing when I got it. Like I said rocks are in its future. I am listening and learning. Oh and if I do put a selectable in the rear I change to a d44 anyway.

 

Not to thread jack but is a Lokka locker actually the same as an aussie? If so, why is it cheaper?

 

you can probably assume quality. we dont know yet the lokka's are pretty new. maybe google it? I'm sure someone has found some information on it

 

http://lokka.com/site/

scroll down a little on their homepage and the info is under "Aussie Locker?"

"From 2003 to 2012 it was best known in North America under the brand name Aussie Locker™*" Aussie Locker is now a TM of Torq Masters Technology.

 

What about one of those cable-actuated lockers? They're cheaper than an e-locker or air-locker, but they are still selectable. I looked into these as I live in a snowy state and lunchbox lockers don't sound too good for using 4x4 on the road...

 

wow. they look identical to aussies. looks like they are the same