What are the cons to adding a rear locker?

[BjornF16]

Contemplating adding a rear locker with a re-gear. My understanding is I will lose the LSD (Trak-Lok) if I go with the Eaton E-Locker.

High Altitude w/ Selec-Trak, Trak-Lok, 8 speed Auto, 3.73 gears.

My goal is to run 35" tires and start off-roading (occasionally) to include some of the higher rated trails.

What am I really losing by removing the LSD in favor of the rear locker?

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[Wheelin98TJ]

One wheel peel when that locker is turned on.

Some people prefer a limited slip for slick roads. It will normally accelerate a little quicker and get you moving easier.

Since you're going to be wheeling, I think it's well worth the trade to go from Trac Lok to selectable locker.

 

[Netcycles]

I am about to find out as I Switched from a 2012 JKU with LSD and a manual Sway bar release to a 2024 JT WIllys with a locker. I went many places with my stock JKU including Engineer pass and top of the world trails. I’ve only driven the gladiator in one snow storm over vail pass and it did fine.. on the road I am hoping the Electronic braking system will do what the LSD did until I need the locker? On a trail I found the quick disconnect of the sway bar help quit a bit. Though they are a pain to put on and off. I plan on putting the easier to use version on my new Gladiator.

 

[Rahkmalla]

LSD is better for conditions where you're concerned you might slip (heavy rain, light to medium snow) because a locker should only be used in conditions where you know you will slip (sand, mud, very loose dirt, slick rocks, deep snow).

So that's the con. You're a little bit worse off for use as a daily driver in inclement weather.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

LSD is better for conditions where you're concerned you might slip (heavy rain, light to medium snow) because a locker should only be used in conditions where you know you will slip (sand, mud, very loose dirt, slick rocks, deep snow).

So that's the con. You're a little bit worse off for use as a daily driver in inclement weather.

I'd rather have an open diff for driving on snowy or icey roads because it's more predictable. It might not accelerate as quick as a limited slip diff, but you'll have to work harder to get the rear end to slide sideways.

 

[RodRecket]

Leave the LSD in thr rear and put the locker in front

 

[WK2JT]

Leave the LSD in thr rear and put the locker in front

This!

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Not sure never had a switchable locker. But plenty of Detroit Lockers, Eaton G80 in Chevys. Plus a 2003 Dakota with optional LSD. the Detroits were in 70’s muscle cars, that worked great in a straight line, noisy in slow turns, decent in snow. The G80’s were also decent for light work, especially under loads if driven with a light foot. That LSD in the Dodge Dakota was the best out of all of them, especially in snow and beach sand, I loved the challenge of seeing how far I could get in 2wd, before I needed 4x4. But the downside I could see for the inexperienced driver on the road, especially in rain is the fact the rear end can come around very quickly with a little too much gas pedal. Once you’ve gotten used to expecting it drifts were fun!

 

[DylanM]

The downside to a selectable locker versus limited slip is you'll be able to get farther into worse conditions before getting stuck, thus making getting unstuck harder.

 

[Chance575]

I have front and rear eaton e lockers. Rear is open during normal conditions and during rain it will start to turn one wheel. i do have tuned diesel with a bunch or torques

 

[Rusty PW]

Not sure never had a switchable locker. But plenty of Detroit Lockers, Eaton G80 in Chevys. Plus a 2003 Dakota with optional LSD. the Detroits were in 70’s muscle cars, that worked great in a straight line, noisy in slow turns, decent in snow. The G80’s were also decent for light work, especially under loads if driven with a light foot. That LSD in the Dodge Dakota was the best out of all of them, especially in snow and beach sand, I loved the challenge of seeing how far I could get in 2wd, before I needed 4x4. But the downside I could see for the inexperienced driver on the road, especially in rain is the fact the rear end can come around very quickly with a little too much gas pedal. Once you’ve gotten used to expecting it drifts were fun!

The best rear diff is the AAM axle under the Power Wagons. It's a gear driven LSD with an eclectic locker. Wish my JTRD had something like that.

 

[Blade1668]

I'd agree with the put the selectable locker in front axle and leave the Trac-Loc in the rear. But, I've had a locker in front axle and Trac-Loc in rear of my XJ for over 20 years. During the snow storm in 99 I was in IL. Driving it no problems, actually stopped went back to offer to pull someone out that slide off the road.... His ego wouldn't let him get pulled out by someone with GA. tags on Christmas Eve. in a lifted XJ on big MT tires. So I then drove around him and left driving though the median in front of him. A lot of people have been surprised on how good a Trac-Loc works in rear axles and a locker in front axle.

 

[BjornF16]

Thanks for all the replies. Leaning towards front locker.

Now, 4.56 or 4.88 with 35” tires?

I see new JL’s getting 4.56 with 35” extreme tire package…does that translate well to Gladiator (or is Gladiator heavier and needs the 4.88)? I see Exodus 4x4 recommends 4.88

 

[WK2JT]

Thanks for all the replies. Leaning towards front locker.

Now, 4.56 or 4.88 with 35” tires?

I see new JL’s getting 4.56 with 35” extreme tire package…does that translate well to Gladiator (or is Gladiator heavier and needs the 4.88)? I see Exodus 4x4 recommends 4.88

I’m partial to going deeper, especially with the 8 speed. If you tow anything, you’ll appreciate the 4.88.

That said, I don’t do 80 MPH in this thing. If you tend to drive on the hwy at higher speeds, you might like the 4.56 better.

If you ever think you’ll put 37’s on it, go 4.88 or even 5.13. I did 5.13 with my 37’s and wish I would have done 5.38.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Unless you’re planning on going off road over half the time, over boulders and deep ruts, why would you want anything over 33-35”? That will ruin any on road dynamics designed into all factory Jeeps.

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