I would appreciate it if you could summarize the disadvantages of using a lunchbox locker in the snow/ice? Any other disadvantages?

 

The tendency of a locked differential is to drive the vehicle straight ahead, even if you’re trying to turn. It’s especially difficult to turn if you have the front differential locker, but even with an open front diff, the rig will tend to go straight if the rear diff is locked. So lockers decrease the maneuverability of a vehicle

Another problem that lockers present is the tendency to drive the rig sideways if you’re traveling across a slanted surface, especially if the surface is slippery. Gravity is pulling the rig sideways down the slope, and the two locked wheels rotating together act like a giant corkscrew, driving the end that’s locked down the hill. So unless you are just wanting to drive straight or are stuck and need to get out, then you should not use a locker in Ice or snow.

 

pushing through snow the locker will be fine.... nothing gets traction on ice however,,,, you just have to drive very safe and not perform any abrupt manuevers...

 

I guess I should go pull my lockers out now. I have lockers in both axles and yes I have been driving several rigs locked in snow and ice for 7 years or more now. It's about like driving in the wet weather with a locker on the road. Learn its characteristics and adjust your driving style accordingly.

 

Im locked in the rear, and with some slight adjustments to my driving style, ice and snow haven't been that bad. I feel a little better out driving in crappy weather with it locked than I did when it was open.

 

You have to be very careful if you do any snow runs or anything like that. As stated above, Lockers can send you sliding sideways on offcamber turns that an open diff would have no trouble with. I have seen people with 2 wheels off VERY steep edges because of there locker.

 

I want a locker bad just for wheeling - I have read enough about their characteristics in ice and snow that the only locker that I will ever have will be a selectable type. I'm saving up money now !

 

Do you even have an auto-locker out back?

I have no problems at all driving locked and on bias ply TSL's in snow, ice, rain, dry pavement, long curves, off camber turns, the list goes on. Dont drive like an idiot and you are fine. I actually prefer having the auto locker in snowy conditions. I only use 4wd when absolutely nescisarry now.

 

The only disadvantage an autolocker has over a spool or selectable locker is in not knowing when it will unlock or lock in snow and ice. I found my Detroit was somewhat unpredictable in ice. It tended to lock/unlock more frequently when coasting or turning than I liked.

Other than that, I'll take a locker, selectable or auto, over an open diff anytime, anywhere, and in any conditions. All it takes is learning the capabilities and quirks of your vehicle.

Our last snow storm was typical for my elevation in AZ. It snowed after raining and glazed the roads. I never even considered locking the front hubs, just hopped in and drove home- 22 miles. No hassle, only minor slippage on a few 90 deg cambered turns. The folks in front of me were all over the road. Other than the 1-1/2 hours it took, it was a non-event for me.

Why was it no big deal in 2x4?

1. I aired down my tires to gain traction/foot print. The MT/R's work really well at about 8 to 10 PSI, and absolutely awesome at 5 PSI in snow and ice.

2. I didn't drive like an idiot. Even prior to traffic basicly coming to a crawl, I drove no faster than 20 MPH - on glaze ice, that's fast enough...I got passed a lot, but by some odd chance, I went by some of them later, when they had spun out or slid off the shoulder

3. By NOT locking in my front spool, I was able to turn. I've found that w/ a front hard locker, it can be difficult at best to turn on ice. Indeed, the truck wants to go straight ahead, no matter where the tires are pointed.

 

Thanks for the description Crawler - I have been driving my 4 runner for 10 years and absolutely love this truck - it is VERY functionable and the most capable vehicle that I have ever had - even with the 3.0 - auto.
I wheel several times a year and would love to have a rear locker. East Tennessee does not get much snow each year but when we do it is usually a glazed coating of ice first and then a wet slick as ˟˟˟˟ snow. I am a 47 year old guy who respects the vehicle and watches out for everybody else
( drives defensively ) I am sure that I could learn the quircks of a locker pretty quick. Does the auto locker effect the gas mileage ? I drive this runner - 75 - 100 miles a day and there is not really a straight road in East Tennessee - hills and valleys everywhere.
I am still leaning towards the E-locker conversion or an ARB - both selectable.

Thanks for the education - this is the best forum ever.

 

I didn't notice any difference in mileage when I had my arb installed.

Doc - we still need to meet up sometime. I'm staying out in Dandridge for the rest of this week but next week I should have an apartment in West Knoxville.

 

Hey Andy,

Your right we do need to get together sometime - we are moving the office at work and it has been a little hectic. I've been sick since Christmas with 1st one bug and then another - feeling much better now.
You sure you want to live in West Knoxville ? The traffic alone would make me crazy ! unless you are a "city boy" - I am not !

I am planning on the Tellico thaw run - is the date firm yet ? Need to put in for the Friday off as soon as possible. My youngest boy turned 18 yesterday - I guess that I am officially done raising kids - maybe ?

Did you go with Chris and Brett at Christmas ? I had to work.
e-mail me at dstaley@searay.com - we will get together eventually

 

Gas mileage-

The '87 truck when I bought it with 5" IFS lift (T'bars and 3" body lift), 35" BFG's, and 4.10:1 gears got about 18 MPG

Added a Detroit: 18 MPG - no noticable change

After the SAS, w/ 5.29's F/R, Rear spool/Front Detroit, 8" effective lift, dual cases, still full body and camper shell: 16 MPG

Flatbed, full exo: 14MPG

and, better yet- w/ tire pressure at 10 PSI or lower, the MPG drops to about 10...