LSD Equipped Gladiators Better Than Rubicon in Snow ?

[Jack D.]

I believe I can get the full time 4WD and an lsd on other models

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[Trailman]

I don't think you can "add" LSD to a locking differential. They are two separate options for fixing the issue with an open differential.

Certainly, yes, both can be used with part-time 4x4 or 4 auto.

 

[kevman65]

Before you spend unneeded money, how much air do you have in your tires?

Since I'm a neighbor to your south PSI means more to me than kPa.

If you have too much air in your tires, then you're going to get the reaction you're getting.
If you're on constant hard pack and ice, you can easily go to 26 or 28 PSI.

 

[Mac]

The lsd works great on dirt roads for me, especially when starting uphill in 2wd

 

[Gvsukids]

I don't really need people to tell me how great their Rubi is on snow. I don't feel stable. I have driven my brothers Sahara JLU with the factory LSD and it's a much more secure feeling.. Just to be sure it wasn't just the JLU vs Gladiator making a difference, I was able to trade my Gladiator with a buddy from work for 2 weeks who has a Rubi JLU and it felt mostly similar to my Gladiator. Granted there are now tire differences thrown into the mix but I would assume the same principle will apply on the Gladiators as did on the JLU's

Yes I could get there in the Rubis but I felt the LSD made the drive more secure and I felt more comfortable at higher speeds on the JLU.

Sounds like you're making your mind up that the Rubicon isn't for you. If an LSD is what you desire, buy a different model and add a front locker.

 

[Jack D.]

Yea. I may do that. Probably without adding the front locker though. Think I’ll be able to make the commute at higher speeds with more confidence

psi 32 so thanks. Will drop it

 

[JD101]

And the work around is the Tazer.

Copied from another forum:

"The steps must be followed in the exact order for it to work:

1 put transfer case to 4H part time, let vehicle roll a short distance for it to truly engage
2 press OFFROAD + button to enable offroad+ mode, (Track control became OFF)
3 press and HOLD the ESP button for 10 seconds (a message on dash saying the ESC is completely OFF )
4 press the rear axle lock, it should engage. once enable, the locker remains engaged "

If it doesn't work, go get a software update.

I'm going to give it a crack. Thanks

 

[JD101]

No... it can now be locked in 2WD... there was a software patch and there is now a procedure for doing so.

Am I missing something ? Nothing about 2wd high mentioned .

 

[JD101]

Sounds like you're making your mind up that the Rubicon isn't for you. If an LSD is what you desire, buy a different model and add a front locker.

To add to that, We have a JLU Willys and it doesn't feel any different than the gladiator Rubicon . Both on similar tire types . But different opinion I guess ?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I prefer an open diff for driving in snow. Much easier to go straight with an open diff vs a limited slip which will kick you sideways at times.

And even better than an open diff is one that is open/locked. Drive with it open as long as you're not getting stuck. If it's bad enough you get stuck, lock it in.

 

[JD101]

I don't think you can "add" LSD to a locking differential. They are two separate options for fixing the issue with an open differential.

Certainly, yes, both can be used with part-time 4x4 or 4 auto.

I believe it's a thing on all or at least some generations of the power wagon . I understand the complexity of said system , but if memory serves me PWs offered a helical lsd that was fully lockable . Of course this could be clever wording on behalf of dodge /ram for an abls /e locking diff.

 

[Jack D.]

The problem on bad hardpack is you not going to go straight but yes LSD in deep snow not really a great thing cause you want the open diff

 

[Mac]

The problem on bad hardpack is you not going to go straight but yes LSD in deep snow not really a great thing cause you want the open diff

Open diff in deep snow will just send power to the wheel with least traction, locked or lsd IMO is better in deep snow.

 

[Digger 5]

There are 2 basic types of LSDs, gear driven and clutch driven.
The clutch driven LSD requires traction to overcome the clutch to allow differentiation. In ice you don't have that traction to overcome the clutch and it will plow straight ahead like a locker (assuming the LSD is in good working condition).
A gear driven LSD drives like an open diff until it senses slippage, then it transfers power to the tire with traction. Unfortunately I don't see the Truetrac available for M220 yet.
Keep in mind that IF you did find an LSD for the M220, you would need to source new MAX length non-Rubi axle shafts. Rubi's use an odd length shaft.
I find lockers great in deep snow but sometimes a pain in ruts. Open usually isn't good for the rear anywhere but the street. Locked front on the street can be truly scary. Driving with a front Detroit (in 4WD) on compact snow and ice is NOT recommended.
In general, I find a clutch driven LSD a total waste of $$. They usually wear out fast and really don't work very well. We only ordered our JL that way to get the bigger M220 axle.

 

[Jack D.]

Don’t think I’d ever drive with a locker engaged on the road but haven’t really tried it. Possibly for getting unstuck I guess but I don’t get stuck.

not sure about the wear issue on LSD as it’s not off roading. Just correcting for snow/ice slippage.

Sometimes you just want traction control off though. Have not driven in it but I imagine Sand would be similar to deep snow.

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