I have my rear diff welded and it seems to be holding up so far. i dont do any crazy wheeling but i like to play in the snow andi want a true 4 digger for when i throw my self in a ditch. from what i understand, i can weld the front diff and drive as if its open in 2wd because of the CAD. i know a spool or locker is ideal but i want an opinion? can i do it and should i do it?

Is if JUST a wheeler? Than ya cheap locker. It will make it harder to turn on anything slick like snow or mud. If its part dd than dont do it

i did it on my little yj , SoA 31" tires never ever broke in the 5 years i owned it .. and yes u can run the front locked , your front dshaft will turn in 2wd tho wont be locked because of the vacuum

Skitter, if I weld it it will be as if its open when 4wd is dissengaged correct?

And did u run stock vacuum cad shifter mechanism or aftermarket cable type

yep it will be disengaged in 2wd front will not be moving .. im pretty sure all the TJs are this way already i could be mistaken but there front dshaft moves , and i was running stock vacuum never had a problem just make sure you get some really nice welds on it, just fyi in the snow locked up front end is not always better :P can have a huge effect on your steering but you can get use to it i suppose

What I think I'll do it put a cable in replace of vacuum cad so I can have it in 4wd at t case and have only 1 wheel powered and if I need true 4 digger I can lock in both fronts. Make a redneck locker if sorts.