Locker front or rear
10-19-2014, 03:50 PM
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Locker front or rear
I have a 1994 pickup 22re with manual hubs in the front. I'm looking into a locker . What is better to do first? The front or rear? I was looking into the spartan locker. I do daily drive the truck
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10-19-2014, 05:35 PM
#9
I ran a loc-rite in the rear for years. With the wise tire and the locker driving in shallow snow less than 6" was fun but slow. Hit the gas and the rear would fish tail. I started putting her in 4wd and it drive much better and the rear wouldn't try to come around.
It will take a little getting used to but a auto locker in the rear is fine IMHO. But does any one else drive your truck? My wife could not figure it out.
It will take a little getting used to but a auto locker in the rear is fine IMHO. But does any one else drive your truck? My wife could not figure it out.
10-19-2014, 06:10 PM
#10
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37s and IFS... id skip the front locker. Your CVS will hate life. MAYBE go with a limited slip in the front.
The back? yeah, lock that bad boy up!
The back? yeah, lock that bad boy up!
10-19-2014, 06:32 PM
#11
anything but a selectable locker (ARB etc) up front in snow country sucks.
in 4WD a locked front end tends to pull straight even when turning.
I lived in upstate NY for 6 years and was stationed in Alaska..so yes i have experience.
Lock the rear and get use to the driving characteristics.
sometime I hope to have f/r arb's to give me the right traction options..
in 4WD a locked front end tends to pull straight even when turning.
I lived in upstate NY for 6 years and was stationed in Alaska..so yes i have experience.
Lock the rear and get use to the driving characteristics.
sometime I hope to have f/r arb's to give me the right traction options..
10-19-2014, 06:52 PM
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I'll look into the rear locker. What is the best option for around 250-400 for a rear locker? Will it be a noticeable difference offroad ?
Remember I daily the truck and want something that won't be a hassle to drive on the road
Remember I daily the truck and want something that won't be a hassle to drive on the road
10-19-2014, 06:53 PM
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I ran a loc-rite in the rear for years. With the wise tire and the locker driving in shallow snow less than 6" was fun but slow. Hit the gas and the rear would fish tail. I started putting her in 4wd and it drive much better and the rear wouldn't try to come around.
It will take a little getting used to but a auto locker in the rear is fine IMHO. But does any one else drive your truck? My wife could not figure it out.
It will take a little getting used to but a auto locker in the rear is fine IMHO. But does any one else drive your truck? My wife could not figure it out.
10-19-2014, 07:08 PM
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To summarize...
Advantages of locking the front
- with manual hubs, on dry pavement and hubs unlocked it drives just like stock. No clunking, ratcheting, etc. Perfect for your DD.
Disadvantages of locking front
- less friendly in snow (although with care, and if you're the only driver, it's quite manageable.)
- With IFS and 37 inch tires, you run a good risk of popping a CV axle, as has been noted.
Advantage of locking the rear
- stronger axle will handle the stress
- Leaving the front open improves handling in snow
Disadvantage of locking the rear
- It's always working, even on dry roads, so you have to live with the ratcheting and associated noise and driveability issues all the time when using it as your DD.
I'm happy with my front locker, but I only have 33" tires, and I'm not an aggressive wheeler. Snow handling is adequate, but I don't take the 4runner on ski trips - I have better vehicles for that.
Advantages of locking the front
- with manual hubs, on dry pavement and hubs unlocked it drives just like stock. No clunking, ratcheting, etc. Perfect for your DD.
Disadvantages of locking front
- less friendly in snow (although with care, and if you're the only driver, it's quite manageable.)
- With IFS and 37 inch tires, you run a good risk of popping a CV axle, as has been noted.
Advantage of locking the rear
- stronger axle will handle the stress
- Leaving the front open improves handling in snow
Disadvantage of locking the rear
- It's always working, even on dry roads, so you have to live with the ratcheting and associated noise and driveability issues all the time when using it as your DD.
I'm happy with my front locker, but I only have 33" tires, and I'm not an aggressive wheeler. Snow handling is adequate, but I don't take the 4runner on ski trips - I have better vehicles for that.
10-20-2014, 07:18 AM
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I only have experience with the Aussie, but I'm happy with it. It works smoothly, the parts appear to be good quality, installation was straight forward with good instructions, and the couple of questions I asked before purchase via email were answered promptly and competently.
Last edited by RJR; 10-20-2014 at 09:50 AM.
10-20-2014, 08:04 AM
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From what I've read the Spartan locker is the strongest from your list, but with that tire size and gearing I would look into a grizzly locker.
You could always retrofit an e-locker in there too which I happen to have one im looking to sell
You could always retrofit an e-locker in there too which I happen to have one im looking to sell
10-20-2014, 11:42 AM
#19
yes. aside from ground clearance, a rig with 29" tires and one locker should be able to go further down the trail than open diffs with 37s because it technically will be able to have more traction.
if you're regearing at the same time you do the locker, i'd personally think long and hard about spending the extra coin on getting a selectable locker, like an ARB or e-locker. most people put the lunchbox lockers in because they're inexpensive and you're not required to re-setup the diff - perfect for a quick fix...but if you're going to see that much snow or have anyone else drive your rig, i'd at least consider the upgrade. i live in CA where there's no snow, but even still i dunno about just handing the keys over to someone who has no experience with a rear locker, especially if it's raining or snowing. it was a really good way for me to designate my truck as MINE and nobody else has driven my truck since the install 5yrs ago.
if you're regearing at the same time you do the locker, i'd personally think long and hard about spending the extra coin on getting a selectable locker, like an ARB or e-locker. most people put the lunchbox lockers in because they're inexpensive and you're not required to re-setup the diff - perfect for a quick fix...but if you're going to see that much snow or have anyone else drive your rig, i'd at least consider the upgrade. i live in CA where there's no snow, but even still i dunno about just handing the keys over to someone who has no experience with a rear locker, especially if it's raining or snowing. it was a really good way for me to designate my truck as MINE and nobody else has driven my truck since the install 5yrs ago.
10-20-2014, 03:11 PM
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+1 on only I get to drive my truck! Automatic lockers do this weird thing where when you get on the gas they sort of torque steer your truck, and then do it the opposite way when you have engine deceleration happening. It can make slick surfaces a little tricky and maybe ease you into another lane of traffic if you aren't paying close attention. I don't let anyone drive my truck but me because of it.
I have a lockrite and I do like it quite a bit. Heavy shockproof is in the diff so there's no ratcheting or clunking of ANY kind. The only noise is tire chirp if you gas it around a really tight turn, like if your wheels are at full lock.
I really don't mind it in the snow. Lockrites front and back and Colorado driving.
I have a lockrite and I do like it quite a bit. Heavy shockproof is in the diff so there's no ratcheting or clunking of ANY kind. The only noise is tire chirp if you gas it around a really tight turn, like if your wheels are at full lock.
I really don't mind it in the snow. Lockrites front and back and Colorado driving.
