Hamster

I found this on the Team Cherokee site and if it works, it'd be an inexpensive alternative to a front locker.
Has anyone ever used one of these and if so, does it work?
ALLOY USAŽ DIFFERENTIAL PERMA-LOCK KIT DANA 30 FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CHEROKEE & COMANCHE 1984-1991

ktmracer419

It isnt an alternative to a front locker. It just locks the 2 piece disconnect axleshafts. Stock uses a failure prone vacuum locking system.

Hamster

This I know and although mine works fine, the description states that the kit permanently engages the CAD & couples both front axles, which makes it sound like some sort of locker. It also states that the axles will automatically engage as soon as the t-case is placed into 4x4 mode, which I'm guessing is the "replaces the vacuum motor" part.

Even if it's not a locker, I've never fully trusted those vacuum motors anyway and when it finally does quit, I'll be SOL because they are NLA.
The kit is only $50.00 so if it works, I'd consider that a worthwhile investment.

ktmracer419

It couples both passenger side axles. Locking those in place. But its not a locker in a sense as it will not apply power to both front tires at the same time. You can get the same effect as this kit by gutting the vac disco system and just shimming the shift fork with some washers iirc. Or gut it completely, add an inner axle seal and a newer axleshaft.

JerrytheJeep

Double post...

JerrytheJeep

Its not a locker at all. All that does is permanently engage 4wd, it does nothing to change the differential's movement.

ktmracer419

It does not permanently engage 4wd, you still need to engage the transfer case into 4 wheel drive.All it does when unlocked is keep the inner axleshaft, gearset, and driveshaft from spinning. It saves about .0037483 mpg. Jeep did away with it for a one piece shaft in 1991.

Hamster

I'm not sure exactly how it works but I can tell you this much, I recently had mine up on a lift when I was changing my oil and I was messing around with the tires while just generally looking over the undercarriage waiting for the oil to finish draining. If I remember correctly, both tires spun relatively freely without turning the front drive shaft.

I REALLY wish I had the money to get the manual locking hub conversion kit they sell. Having the front wheels completely disconnected from the drive train while in 2 wheel drive should provide a decent increase in gas milage but, it would take a long time to save enough in gas money to make up for the $875.00 price tag, or $1,150.00 for the delux kit.

ktmracer419

Ive had 2 trucks with locking hubs up front, one was an xj. Noticed no fuel milage difference either way.

The best part about the hubs was if i broke anything in my front end i didnt have to turn a wrench to get home safely.