Hey guys, doing some research on lockers as I want to put one in my 94 XJ, 8.25, 355 gear rear diff. Been looking at Spartan, grizzly, power trrax, Detroit etc. Just wondering what others are using and what recommendations are out there? This is my first diff mod and im still a newb. Rig is being built mainly for offroading with the occasional city cruise to coffee meets or to get to offroad places. Running 33x12.50. Thanks in advance

 

Best bang for the buck would be a LOKKA auto-locker (lunchbox). Overseas they are known as Aussie Lockers.

 

^ agree on best bang for your buck. Lots of guys are runnin Spartans, lil more pricy.

I'm runnin ARB in my 8.25, not budget friendly at all ....

 

Are they similar to the Spartan? That's pretty common here in Alberta for a "lunchbox" locker.

 

I think lokka is basically the same exact thing. Don't know much about them myself, I had a Lockrite by Dayton (I think) in my TJ. Manual 4 banger. I hated it. Your XJ an auto or manual?

 

My rig is 4.0L auto

 

Spartan comes with hardened pin, unsure if any other manufacturers throw that in yet.

 

Spartan is the only one that comes with a hardened cross-pin.
I believe the loudest sounding is the LOKKA/Aussie and they are rated for "unlimited horsepower". Which is good because our 4.0 puts out a whopping 190 HP +- .

 

FYI, if you have a 242 transfer case than installing an auto-locker in the front will make 4-FullTime obsolete for what it is designed for.

 

If your on a budget find a used lunchbox locker then buy a new spring kit for it. Same as getting one brand new for half the cost

 

Is it RWD?
JMO, if 4WD then a front locker is probably more useful than one in the rear.

 

Useful is likely, although for us I still recommend the rear first. I generally like to drive around in 2wd on trails till the front is needed. Also you'll loose turning radius if the front isn't selectable therefore I often have to disengage the front to make switch backs. In these cases the rear being locked is required.

 

Disagree with you slightly. Locking the front gives you traction and direction in one, while locking the rear just pushes you forward . I have had both and thought that a front locker was much more useful by itself than rear locker only. Yeah, you lose some turning radius but your rig will go where you point it.

I say lock the front first, you won't even know its there in 2wd unless you really turn sharp........and even then its not that noticeable.

I have a selectable E-locker up front now and its probably the best option with my Aussie rear, but I started with a Spartan front....which made all the difference in the world.

 

^ Guess it depends on the terrain. I get more benefit from a rear locker. And the rear drops in. On the front the carrier and ring gear have to come off. Might as well do gears at the same time if installing a front locker.

 

^^^^I am having so much trouble trying to comprehend that last picture.