Hey guys, I’ve got a little bit of a drawn-out axle question. First, here’s a little background.

My current rig is a 2003 4.0L WJ Laredo with 3.5” lift, IRO control arms, 31” tires.

My old/spare parts rig is a 2002 4.7L WJ SE QuadraTrak. It has fully rebuilt steering including upgraded ball joints on the front axle, new calipers, new front hubs, and new front axle shafts.

Per my research it looks like the 4.7L comes with upgraded(over my 4.0L) steering, brakes, 3.73 gearing vs my 3.55 gearing, and a Dana 44a rear axle vs my 35. So it seems like a no-brainer to swap everything over and get some convenient upgrades.

But I use my rig as a trail/overlanding rig and a way to get around during serious snowstorms. So I drive some pretty challenging rocky and muddy trails equivalent to Class 4 Roads, long highway trips, and snowstorms.

So my question is this: Do I swap all the parts I have over and run an Aussie rear locker(roughly $350) or do I get junkyard vari-lok axles and move over the steering, hubs, and brakes from my 4.7L to go with them. Including rebuilding the clutch packs in the diffs this comes out to roughly $950.

My thoughts are this, going with the locker is probably the cheapest, easiest, best for offroad performance, but is less drivable especially in the snow and on long trips to VT and beyond for overlanding, and creates more wear on the rear tires.

Going with the vari-lok axles(front and rear) is more drivable in all conditions both on and off road, but is more expensive, more work, and probably slightly less capable off-road although the fact that its front AND rear will help a lot.

I’m leaning towards the vari-lok option because it’s more drivable and I don’t do any crazy off-roading and if I were to ever get in serious trouble, I could probably always winch my way out. But what do you guys think? Anyone have personal experience? Thanks!

 

In my experience the vari lock axles are worthless. I would go with the Aussie locker, I have Spartan lockers in mine and I have no drivability issues at all, does great in the snow as well. However it is hard to find an open carrier for a Dana44 a to put a lunchbox locker in, I have been searching for on for awhile to put in my ZJ.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll think more on this and let you know what I end up doing!

 

Hey guys, just an update on what I ended up doing. I was out wheeling with a few buddies and watched one of them with varilock diffs struggle to get over a downed tree. So I opted to go with an Aussie locker. I just wheeled it for the first time and I'm very happy with my decision. At first on the road it was very loud and prone to engaging but after driving it a few days it's quieted down and become much more drivable. As for off-road, it's incredible. It's like having a super power. Things that I used to have to carry momentum to get over I can now just slowly crawl over. And I love how it's auto engaging so you don't need to think about it. It's just there when you need it. I was already replacing the rear wheel bearings and seals so install was very easy. Considering it only costs $320, it's easily the most performance per dollar of all the upgrades I've done. I highly recommend it for anyone considering doing this mod.

 

I put an Ausie in an open 44a carrier and had all kinds of trouble with it. Was shimming and reshimming it to get it to work right. Not sure it is right yet

 

Yeah I installed it in a 44a open diff too. They updated their design so there is no more shimming. That made the install much easier and less stressful.

 

Good idea, running 85w140 gear oil will keep it quiet.