I just bought my 1999 cherokee xj a couple months ago and I'm just starting my build. I put a 4.5 " re lift on it plus 1.75" Spacers and a Sye so far , with 285/70/17 bfg mud terrains. I'm currently building a winch bumper which hopefully will turn out successful! I'm wanting to put lockers or a Lsd in next possibly with 4:56 gears, I have a 30 up front and a 8.25 in the rear, I need it to be very street friendly as well as good mannered in the snow plus mud and trails in the Nw. Arb's would be my first choice but to spendy, I'm thinking a trutrac in the back maybe and something selectable in the front? Any input would be much appreciated , Thanks!!

 

if u are going to do selectable in front for sure, go ahead and do a lunchbox locker or detroit in rear. the detroit will drive better but costs a bit more. just dont recommend either for the front if you ever have to use 4wd in ice/snow.

 

ive got an aussie in the front, my jeep is my winter vehicle.

 

I have detroit in the rear axle and arb in the front. Works out great.

 

Powertrax Noslip out back, Eaton ELocker up front.

 

When you say Detroit are you talking about a trutrac? Is the powertrax no slip as friendly as the Detroit?

 

True-track is a Limited Slip Differenial (LSD), not a locker.

The Powertrax NoSlip is the smoothest and quietest lunchbox locker on the market. It's virtually invisible on the street, amazing off-road, and does not require removal of the carrier to install.

 

If I use the powertrax can't I also leave the 3.55 gears alone for now?

 

Yes you can.

 

X2 on the Powertrax, its a beast offroad and nearly undetectable on the street!

 

I have a powertrax no slip in the rear and it is great off road and I acually really like it in the snow. My only real complaint is the back lash is kinda annoying. Going from forward neutral reverse or stepping on off the gas you can get a good clunk. I've learned to deal with it and be easy on the transition but its still noticeable.

 

I agree! I have a lunchbox up front, I don't mind it in the snow/winter driving. Its rough turning always locked up front offroad...

 

Can you share your experience driving in ice? I've read many times it's scary to use 4wd in ice, locked up front.

I wanted to run a lunchbox up front, but for the same reason went the tt route again. This will be my third jeep w/a tt in front. The other 2 were great in ice, so so on the trail.

 

I have a Aussie in the rear of my 89. So far so good, it panics my wife though lol. She is always asking why I am driving around in 2 wheel in the snow and I say 'locker duh' lol. Then she hits me.

 

With an aussie or a yukon do you have to remove the carrier? I've also been looking at lockers and would like to keep them at under $300.