That is the question. How many of you offroaders run locked at all times versus only when you need it i.e. stuck?

 

Kinda somewhere between the two, before it looks like hard stuff is coming up. If it looks like smooth sailing for a while I unlock it. On the harder trails I leave it locked all the time rather than keep switching it every 100 yards.

 

I tend to agree on the somewhere in between the two choices offered.

I don't tend to run trails with the lockers on all the time, but I also don't wait until I am stuck to flip the switches.

I tend to gauge the obstacle and decide on an appropriate use of the equipment from there. If it looks like I can cruise on it unlocked, then I give it a shot. If it looks like I might need a bit more traction, the rear locker gets engaged. Finally, if it looks like I have my work cut out for me, the front gets turned on.

On a class 3.5 trail, the rear locker sees judicious use. On a 4.0, the front goes on an off and on a 4.5 or higher, the front locker is often on more than it is off. But there are no hard and fast rules for use for me, I just figure it out as I go.

A legend of difficulty is at http://www.wattora.com/ldord.htm

 

I typically run with the rear locked on most trails. This allows me to navigate all obstacles with less speed and difficulty, giving me added protection against damage. Driving through obstacles unlocked requires the use of more horsepower and momentum to get up, over and through.

I like the idea of learning to drive without the use of lockers as it does require more skill to successfully navigate obstacles, but my preference now is to drive with the rear locked and only turn on the front lockers for required obstacles. Since turning radius is so limited with the front locked that I choose not to lock the front, more that I lock it.

I do like to flip the switch before attempting an obstacle rther than waiting till I'm stuck, unless I'm in a playful mood :o)

 

Using front lockers is cheating.



At least till I get one, then it won't be cheating anymore.

 

To make things a little more challenging, I won't engage my locker until I've tried the obstacle a couple of times open. It's amazing how a small change in the line you are taking can result in success. If I have people waiting on me or it's completely obvious that I won't make it open, I go ahead and lock up.

 

This is not directed at anyone, but it seemed like a good time to mention...

It is considered to be in extremely poor form to chew up the landscape by spinning your tires, so if you begin to kick out a roostertail of debris behind you, you should lock it up

 

Agreed. I'm usually wheeling on rock when I need the locker.

 

Out here, we don't have much in the way of rock. I most commonly lock up for loose material on a hill climb or when flexing over stumps

 

Keep the rear locked if you have it. Helps from chewing up the landscape. Also helps prevent breakage. It's all about getting somwhere very few people have. And why mess it up for the next guy to enjoy.

 

I'm glad to hear there are other conservation-minded people out there. But I must explain further; it's not a good idea to keep the rear locked on the type of terrain that I usually wheel. Full lock turns in 4WD Low with the rear diff locked on solid granite just isn't a good idea if you want your drivetrain to survive. For this reason, I only lock up when I need it. I am a conservationalist by trade, so I practice low/no impact wheeling.

 

I usually don't engage my locker until I need to. That is not to say that I lock up when stuck. I look at the situation and evaluate whether or not to lock.

I whole heartedly agree about not tearing up trails. I wheeled recently with 5 other trucks and a powerline hill climb got pretty well torn up. I was fifth in line and by the time everyone else took 2 or 3 shots at it there was not much left. I was the only one with a locker and went right up on the first try. This was the first time that I truly saw the value of the locker. No one else was able to make it up this sandy hill except me.

 

I agree that judgement is the key. I go w/it almost always unlocked. If it looks like I might get stuck & need the locker, I lock it first. Then again, I don't go on trails as difficult as a lot of you do. Least, not until I get my lift & armor.

I should have changed the second option in the poll to something more applicable, I guess.

Al

 

I didn't post a vote on the poll for just that reason.

 

Some of us don`t have a choise to lock or unlock.
My locker is on all the time and I can say there is a marked change in how I take the trails.
Alot of you have watched me tear up my truck because of being open on both ends.
I would not give up locker ever again.
Saves trails and my rig.

 

It'll chew up Bill's tire on the road :o)

Hey Bill, I'd call Lockrite again, tell them what you found and ask if they have any suggestions. Tell them that your entire differential is toasted... You may be able to talk them into a new replacement locker. In that case you could either torch out the broken locker or leave it and put the replacement in the front.

Ya might get lucky!

 

I actually used my locker quite a bit this weekend. The only problem, of course, is the rear-pull-to-one-side issue w/the locker & snow/ice.

I had to shut it off on a narrow hill I had just gotten over or it would have pulled me into the ditch to my right, whilst leveling off & descending the hill. But going uphill is clearly when the locker rocks! I love having it.

 

With a full spool in the rear diff- it's locked

I lock the hubs at the start of a trail, and I shift in and out of 4x4 betwen obsticals. I use 2x4 low a lot, it's the best part of dual t'cases.

later

 

I am always locked--except when coasting thank you Detroit

 

heres to not having a choice thanks again Detroit (and Leo).