Who has actually driven in snow with front and rear lunchbox lockers?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 469
From: Southern OH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I found this video of a guy driving in snow with a front locker, he's not having to may problems with it. Yes I know it isn't a Jeep but it shouldn't be much different.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The real question here is if you're as good a driver as the dude in the video...thats key. That guy looks to be in the 99th percentile of good drivers.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 5
From: Southgate, Michigan
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.6 I6
Been following this thread for awhile waiting to see what people say. I am locked front and rear with a 5 speed. I live in Michigan and have been driving in the winter for 2 years now. If you can learn how to drive with lockers in the snow, they can be a benefit. I mostly drive in 2wd just so I don't have to let off in turns but 4wd is definitely doable if you don't drive like a jackass. On top of that, I also have mud tires to make things even harder. So for those of you with self control, I say it's completely drivable if you have patience and know how your vehicle will respond.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,242
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From: Newport News, VA
Year: 96 & 88 4 dr Cherokees
Been following this thread for awhile waiting to see what people say. I am locked front and rear with a 5 speed. I live in Michigan and have been driving in the winter for 2 years now. If you can learn how to drive with lockers in the snow, they can be a benefit. I mostly drive in 2wd just so I don't have to let off in turns but 4wd is definitely doable if you don't drive like a jackass. On top of that, I also have mud tires to make things even harder. So for those of you with self control, I say it's completely drivable if you have patience and know how your vehicle will respond.
Currently, I'm only locked in the rear, and with mud tires as well.
In the snow, if you jump on it hard enough, I move sideways, due to the angle of the unidirectional lugs on the tires.....that's the only thing I have to think about, but I have been driving locked up for 25+ years on several different vehicles.
As has been said, don't drive like a J/A, and you'll be fine.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 469
From: Southern OH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I haven't had any luck finding a 29 spline open carrier and I don't want to pay $300 for a new one, so for now I may just keep the rear limited slip and put a locker in the front. The rear limited slip still works pretty good.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 90
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From: Edgewood nm
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 672
Likes: 28
From: Evart,Mich.
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I have drove many years with front lockers and limited slips and would be lost without them its what you get use to I have spartan lockers front and back and drives great on ice and snow just know they are there once you are use to them you wont like not having them just like driving off road!
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 469
From: Southern OH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
They work great, it handles a little bit different in the snow if you use 4x4 but it is easy to get used to. Snow driving isn't that big of a deal to me though since I have 2 other 4x4s with locked rears and open fronts that do great In the snow. I am very happy with my Spartan lockers, no regrets.