Only 1 Locker -- Front or Rear?

[Wilsonb80]

If you could only do 1 locker better to do front or Rear?

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[Artsifrtsi]

I think that would depend on whether it was a selectable locker, or an auto locker. Selectable in the front, auto in the back.

 

[ErrngeElise]

I think that would depend on whether it was a selectable locker, or an auto locker. Selectable in the front, auto in the back.

definitely agree with this. If I already had even an LSD in the rear and I was only installing one locker, it would go in the front before I would think about changing the rear out for a real locker. But if I was starting with 2 open diffs then I would choose the rear.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Our Jeeps have a fad, making a lunchbox style auto locker up front invisible on the street. Being that they are only a few hundred dollars I'd start there. Now if you are talking a full case locker, which usually means a regear at the same time or at least gear set up I'd say spend the extra money on the lunchbox and do both front and rear while you're in there. Odds are your shop would throw it in for you at no cost if they are already doing gears.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

definitely agree with this. If I already had even an LSD in the rear and I was only installing one locker, it would go in the front before I would think about changing the rear out for a real locker. But if I was starting with 2 open diffs then I would choose the rear.

I have the LSD in the rear on mine, and that was the logic I used - I added an Eaton e-locker up front.

 

[cranbiz]

BTDT.

When I was building the JK, I went with a lunchbox locker up front first. Not my best decision. Should have saved my money and went with the rear selectable locker first. It will be a bit different with the CAD but from my experience, I would lock the rear first and do a selectable locker.

I ended up breaking both front axle shafts when the front end locked and then went in the air going over an obstacle, then flopped the Jeep shortly after. None of that would have happened if I had a locker in the rear. In the long run, it worked out as I now have an upgraded front axle and a selectable locker up front (the rear got a selectable at the same time). Buy once, cry once.

Jeep did the Mojave with one locker and it's in the rear. There is a reason it was done that way.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Jeep did the Mojave with one locker and it's in the rear. There is a reason it was done that way.

Ever try to turn with a front locked axle?

 

[cranbiz]

Ever try to turn with a front locked axle?

Yes, I have. Frequently. It sucks. Had to upgrade the steering box to a PSC Big Bore box and pump and even that has issues sometimes. Not to mention that turning while locked really affects the tracking. I really want to go full hydro but I still have to drive it on the street at times.

 

[whiteglad]

Ronny Dahl prefers the rear locker
Front Diff Locker vs Rear Diff Locker - YouTube

 

[Wilsonb80]

Ronny Dahl prefers the rear locker
Front Diff Locker vs Rear Diff Locker - YouTube

Thank you his break down was good… get the bloody rear.. hope the bank account can afford both but if not rear it is..

 

[Tommyd]

Ever try to turn with a front locked axle?

I do all the time with my Eaton e locker. Turn fines

 

[Volt0]

If I had to pick one ( assuming the starting point is 2 open diffs ), then the rear for sure. No extra stress/issues on the steering, and a whole lot of fun in the loose stuff. I understand there are technical scenarios that favor either the front ( or the rear to be locked ), but I’m not doing anything that technical. If you are, then go all in and get an Atlas so that you can also front-dig.

heck, even a John deer gator comes with a rear locker ( not the front ), and back in the day some street rods would have the rear lock up.

genuinely, I’m not sure why there’s much of a debate on this. If you’re crossed up, any locker is going to help. This almost seems like a chicken-and-egg problem, that has a few more benefits to the rear locker.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I do all the time with my Eaton e locker. Turn fines

but much easier when its unlocked vs locked...

 

[Jtschnel]

Attempting to learn a few things. What type of situation would it be better for the front to be locked only?

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Attempting to learn a few things. What type of situation would it be better for the front to be locked only?

Climbing a waterfall/step would be one... you need more of a pull up instead of a push.

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