not a "manual locker" like you said, he's talking about a full-auto, non-selectable locker (like a detroit) with ADD. he's saying this because even when not in 4wd the axles are still turning (and locking).


but why would that affect street driving if the ADD is disenguaged?? now i'm really confused.....lol

 

Opps, typo on my part, I meant "auto" locker, like a LockRite, Aussie, Detriot, etc.

There are NO issues running them up front, on the street, when not in 4wd.

I don't know why he thinks that there should be.
Since there is not torque being transferred to the locker from the pinion (because the xfer case is in 2wd and there is nothing connecting the front driveshat, it'll just free turn), the auto lockers will automatically and, basically, immediately, unlock when the truck is turned, allowing the outside wheel to turn faster than the inside wheel, just like if there were no locker installed.



Fred

 

ok then, we are in agreement. for this reason i would consider locking the front before the rear. i want a selectable in the rear so it would be cheaper right now to lock the front with a full and have it be essentially selectable with the xfer case.

that makes sense, right fred???

 

Yup....




Fred

 

I've got an Aussie front, ARB rear. I do have a SAS, but handling characteristics that lockers are going to bring about will be similiar with IFS.

I barely noticed problems turning in 4WD when out on the trails until I got to Moab. On the high traction slickrock, I had a lot of trouble getting the front to make turns all locked up. I think a hydro assist system might have helped or even solved that problem though.

In my opinion, lockers can actually help CV's and Birfs and the rest last longer. I think when loose terrain causes one wheel spin at high RPM and then instantly finds traction (big rock under all that dirt for example) causes massive shock loads and it turn is extremely hard on components. Lockers eliminate this high wheel speed at one wheel, and keeps those shock loads down.

If you can get an ARB at least for the rear you won't notice any change in your street characteristics, and for a daily driver it's nice not to be hard on your $225 a piece tires until you need the traction. I'll probably spend the extra for a ARB front in the future.

Mind you, fully locked front and rear is a feeling you all should experince. It's pretty incredible where a vehicle can go in that condition. Well worth the money for those serious about their trail time. After all, we all want a 4WD to actually have 4WD.

 

seriously

 

Rumor or truth?

I have heard that the carrier bearing preload is enough to make a lunchbox locker ratchet when the ADD is disengaged and that doing so will wear your locker prematurely. Zuk?

 

related question...

i have considered getting another vacuum switch like the one on the t-case and mounting it in the dash to give me manual control of the add. using this you could disengage when you need to make a sharp turn, but still leave it in 4-low. i think it could prove useful in some situations. has anyone done this?

 

I've got aussies F&R, I don't plan on going back to unlocked ever

Like Elvota said, turning on the slickroad in Moab headed downhill is pretty tough. I tapped my steering box for hydro assist, now I just need to buy the stuff to make it happen.

 

I have a powertrax lockright in the back right now and frankly I think its a piece of garbage. I dont suggest anyone buying this locker. I'll be using an EZ locker in the front which I got new for $220. The Offroad shop thats building my third member has told me for the price and functionality they cant be beaten. I always thought that the Aussies were like $500 but after looking I see they are around $230. I'm thinking I'll put one of them in the back down the road. I've read around that they are peoples choice for a ratcheting locker.