Let's talk front lockers

[j.o.y.ride]

Planning out a re-gear and lockers. Had always assumed that I would just do front and rear lockers, but poking around Wrangler forums has me second guessing that.

From what I gather, if you do a lot of driving on slippery things like snow, mud, sand then it will be used heavily. But if you are navigating rocks which require you to execute some turning and maneuvering while crawling over, then front lockers make it very difficult to make the turns.

Most of what I will ever do is Sierra dry trails with granite. Perhaps Rubicon Trail eventually.

It's not a trivial matter to add another locker with parts and labor. Tell me my understanding of needing more in snow/mud/sand and much less or not on rocks is correct or not.

Rear locker and winch on a rare occasion?

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[JTPatriot]

You do not want to use a locker or a locked differential in the front on snow or ice without a lot of experience. Both wheels pulling will tend to make the front end slip and slide making it hard to drive.
I would get a selectable locker for the front so when you do need the added traction of both front tires just a flip of the switch and you are locked but for normal driving with 4 wheel drive and like on snow and ice you can be in 4 wheel drive front unlocked (open) and have better control at highway speeds.

Issues with turning mainly come into play when trying to turn a tight corner when locked, the tires will fight you and try to go straight. Again with a selectable locker you have the ability to unlock for tight turns then reengage the locker if needed, rock crawling is a good place for the front to be locked. simple areas are best unlocked.

The other option is to get a limited slip front differential, gives you some of the benefits of a locker without the drastic effects of the pulling while turning but easier when turning and not as unpredictable in snow and ice .

If you can afford it, I would just get a selectable locker when doing it. That way you can control what and when you need to be locked or open.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Well it was going to be an air locker, so yes selectable. I just started to second guess how much it would be used trying to turn on boulders. I guess I could turn off, turn, back on. And since air it won't require tire rotation to re-engage.

 

[brianinca]

Since there aren't any GOOD limited slip options for the Advantek axles yet, a front ARB locker is your only option. Locked up front is all about pushing around with massive understeer, it's a use a little and immediately turn off thing for me. I'd really wonder if the off road cruise control and the rear locker wouldn't get you 99% of the results?

Never did put a front locker on the H2, despite going all sorts of places inappropriate for a truck that size, the electronics and rear locker were all that was needed. I eventually spent the $2000 I had set aside on other vehicles. We didn't 'rock crawl' the H2 any more than you would on a trail going to Coyote Lake or possibly the Rubicon, even playing up at the ranch. It's not like long wheelbase is your friend doing that, anyway.

 

[jtimbrook]

I put a rear Ox locker on my '12 and in the year and half with it in I used it three times, twice on the Rubicon and one other time to test it out before we went to the Rubicon. At the time I was going out at least 2-3 times a month hitting trails.

If you're already doing the re-gear though and you've got the expendable cash drop one in for the extra insurance, you know, "have and not need rather than need and not have..."

 

[Renegade]

If you don’t already have a Rubicon, you think you want lockers, and are going to regear anyway, do ARBs front and rear. Any traction device is tricky in snow or ice.

 

[Invictus Off Road]

I am team selectable locker in the front. I wheel this gladiator pretty hard and I miss having in a locker up front.

 

[21RG]

I took a gander at your instagram you have listed. Based on some of your pics, I would go ahead and get lockers front and rear.

Turing with front lockers while off-roading is not that big a deal. Your steering will get "heavier". It really comes down to your right foot and how much throttle you apply at what point. Yes, you can turn with lockers. Lockers work great on obstacles, so go find some obstacles and have fun.

Think of it this way, would Jeep have the Rubicon and Ram have the Power Wagon with front and rear lockers if it was that big of an issue.... Probably not.

Also. Jeep and many other manufacturers add the rear lockers on their vehicles. Got to ask your self "why". There are a several reasons.

I realize people get lockers and rarely use them. Similar to a winch, people have them but rarely use them. The solution is to get out more often and use them. Many like the idea of having, but they are unfamiliar with them and they don't use them.

Paralysis by analysis..... You bought a jeep and have ventured out.

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