19864runnerHawaii

Im not a pro when it comes to differential and locker stuff and i just need some help....

My rear is spooled, but i know my front doesnt have lockers (still limited slip stock) because when i hit something difficult like a incline on the sand, all tires spin (both rear tires and front right) but the front driver doesnt spin.

I can see there is power going to the tire but i think the limited slip (likely stock) is worn already.. How do i lock up that tire too?? Is there a locker i can install for the front driver tire? because i still have IFS. Or is there a locker that i put in to the differential and locks up both tires?
-how does it work?
-what does the part do?
and
-how much do they go for??

THANKS GUYS!!

Junkers88

That's not a limited slip in the front, it's an open differential.

Yes there are lockers available that you can put in the front.

Only one locker per axle though.

Search is your buddy.

Good luck.

rattlewagon

Some good basic info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_differential

Eventhough your front is IFS, the differential works the same as a solid axle.

An aussie or spartan locker is a good choice, but for a little more coin, could look into a Detroit or an ARB.

Also know that a front locker might cause other things to break..such as CV shafts and ring and pinions.

nothingbetter

I prefer having a selectable lockers (arb) its nice having it totally disconnected most of the time I'm out as it handles much better, but when I see something that may cause issues, push the button, its locked solid (unlike ratcheting/lunchbox lockers) and it stays that way untill I hit the button again. Yes it costs a lot more, but I think its worth it. My arbs cost around $1000 each for just the carrier, hoses ect. Air compressor is another few hun. I installed it myself. Where as a lunch box locker will cost $3-400.

19864runnerHawaii

hey for rattlewagon, yeah thats what i figured.. Is there a way i can put in a new limited slip?? and how would that work? the same way?? how much are those? are they cheaper than lockers??

Utah4Runner86

iTrader: (1)

I have a TrueTrac limited slip in my front carrier - it cost around $400 and was $150 to get it set up. It works as advertised, and is a good option for street-driven IFS rigs that want more traction but don't want the front end entirely locked up due to fragile CV shafts. LSD is not as effective as a real locker - if you lift one wheel, it'll spin just like an open diff. For sand, though, it might be just what you need.

It would certainly be less expensive to go with a lunchbox and install it yourself, and if you NEVER need your 4wd on the street in Hawaii that might be a better option for you. The ideal solution is a selectable air or electronic locker than you can turn on and off at will, but that's expensive. My rig is a daily driver and sees snowy roads, and a selectable locker wasn't in the budget, so the LSD was the best I could do.

19864runnerHawaii

yeah okay... yeah i only use my 4wd for sand. nothing else. and my one side is gone and ive been getting stuck. I dont do hard core so im not too worried about breaking anything. i just need good traction. ANd i been doing research and lockers are cheaper than limited slip... can i do the locker myself??

Utah4Runner86

iTrader: (1)

No, your one side is not gone, it's working like it was designed to. I recommend you do some reading on how a vehicle's differential works. Learn the difference between a locked and an open diff (hint, your front diff is open), and what happens when one side of an open diff loses traction.

You can install a lunchbox locker like a Aussie or Spartan yourself with basic tools - if you opt for a stronger locker like a Detroit, or a selectable or LSD, you'll want to find somebody with experience to install that for you.

rattlewagon

Whenever the ring gear comes out, make sure to check backlash.

Have you seen Zuks site? http://gearinstalls.com/

19864runnerHawaii

i looked it up. that makes some sense now... So what do you think is the best way to go for my uses on sand? i dont need it to be strong because i wont be doing anything hard core.. Could i just go with a lock-right or spartan?

rattlewagon

Either of those lockers will be fine.

Do you air down your tires when in the sand?

19864runnerHawaii

yes i do if im gonna be doing ALOT of sand. But Most of the time its just quick on and off stuff for fishing, so i dont because i have to drive about 15 miles back home on the road. But i just have problems when the sand gets slopey. When i have to go back UP the beach (hawaiis beaches are steep) i get into some trouble. Never got really "STUCK" though. Just wanna be able to do everything confidently. Not having to worry about airing down or having to hit it at special angles to get up the beach..