i understamd what lockers do and everything but my question is what is the difference in offroad capability between a front locker and a rear locker? which one is better to have?

 

front IMO it will help you climb better

 

i thought that too. but everyone seems to put a locker in the back, so i figured there was a reason.

 

for me the rear does better unless i am in DEEP powder snow. then the front helps.

 

the reason i ask is because with the rear locked the tire wear is going to be bad but with the front it will only be engaged when im in 4 wheel drive.

 

If your only locking one end the rear is better it will also help you climb better cus if your on a hill a large amount of the weight is transfered to the rear end. If you drive in snow alot or icy roads in 4wd you might not want a locker in the front but if you decide to a limited slip or manual locker is best.

 

I've had auto lockers (lockrites) front and rear, and I've also had selectables front and rear. I would say it all depends on auto versus selectable.

The auto locker is either open or a spool. When locked (spool) you lose your ability to make tight turns, but at least you can turn it off. With the auto locker it unlocks itself if not under power making turning easier. But you still have to muscle it around a little to steer.

Personally if I had to have just one it would be in the rear. Auto or selectable depends on preference. If the wife didn't have to drive sometimes it would be an auto locker all the way (detroit).

But if I were to do the front only it would have to be selectable.