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A Little ' Schooling ' Needed.........

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Lockman, Jan 19, 2020.

  1. Jan 19, 2020
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    When I am shifted in to 4 wheel High & my hubs are locked in , on my front Dana 30 NT, that is the same as having a Locker in the Differential , correct ? What understanding am I missing here ?
    Thanks...............Richie :study:
     
  2. Jan 19, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    No. The front tires (assuming the 30 is an “open” differential) can unrestrictedly spin at different speeds. This would not be the case with a locker or limited slip. A limited slip will allow speed differential between L & R but with resistance, a mechanical locker won’t allow a tire to spin slower than the ring gear, and a selectable locker when engaged (or a spool) will lock the axle shafts together so they can’t differentiate.

    Locking the hubs and putting it in 4WD will simply give positive engagement between your tires and the transfer case. An open diff vs. a locker will determine how much power goes to the wheel with the most traction between the two.
     
  3. Jan 19, 2020
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    Thanks for the explanation. Now I understand.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    Hey Richie,
    I know you’ve made some inquiries about a front locker. Before I went to air lockers I ran a Lock Right locker in my front differential. It was relatively inexpensive and super easy to install.
    In the front differential you don’t even know it’s there until you lock in your hubs.

    Lock-Right Lockers - Locker Information, Reviews
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
    Lockman likes this.
  5. Jan 20, 2020
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Thanks Dphillip,
    Seei'n that we have similar Jeeps, this really helps me and it's the way I'll go.
    Makes sense & Thanks again , my friend.
     
  6. Jan 21, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Your lockout hubs only engage or dis-engage the front axle shafts (the parts you can see with exposed U-joints behind the spindle) inside the D30, with the hub with the lug nuts. When in the dis-engaged position, these allow the front hubs to just turn on the bearings like any rear wheel drive car's front wheels; no axle shafts turning.
    A locker essentially locks both axle shafts together so they both turn together at the same rate. And open diff allows the left and right axle shafts to turn at different rates so that there isn't a bind while steering, when one tire covers more ground than the other.
    -Donny
     
  7. Jan 22, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
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    You also need to understand that having a locked front axle can change how the vehicle drives. On soft surfaces (sand, mud, dirt trails) you won't notice much. On Moab type rock you will notice it's very hard to turn the steering wheel. In icy conditions it can cause loss of steering ability. The deciding factor is really how you intend to use your Jeep. If it is a daily drive for winter use, then a standard front locker is not recommended. An Eaton True Track limited slip or a selectable locker, like an ARB is a much better option in these cases. The True Track is all mechanical and won't cause any steering issues as it's not a true locker, but they do work very well in 90% of offroad cases. The selectable lockers are awesome, but can be expensive and the actuation systems (air or electric) can have their own problems. Ox lockers are available with a pull cable actuator that is probably the least failure prone selectable locker.

    Mike
     
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2020
  8. Jan 22, 2020
    Lockman

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    Thanks Mike,
    It's most likely the way to go, particularly when you remind me of the DD future, in our neck of the woods.
    However, since I was a young man, I've dreamed of living in The USVI :bow:
     
  9. Jan 22, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    I would comment that you don't really need locking hubs. The need for them was invented to support their availability as an accessory for Jeeps. Prior to 1974, locking hubs were exclusively an aftermarket accessory for Jeeps - not on the official Jeep option list. Your Jeep will function just fine if you leave the hubs locked in all the time and never unlock them.
     
  10. Jan 23, 2020
    Lockman

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    G 'Morni'n Tim,
    I hear you. The only thing about constant hub engagement is the extra wear & tear on the outward wheel U joints. Some say gas mileage suffers also , but I'm not sure on that one . Years back , I had a Toyota Delux extra cab work truck , in my fleet. Working on these northern building tracts & DDing it, I often left the hubs locked for months at a time. Slow speed turns where noticeable also , but one knows why it is & what it is, so not a bother or concern.
    Thanks again,
    Richie-----Lockman
     
  11. Jan 23, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    U joints and tire wear will suffer added drag will affect mileage too.
     
  12. Jan 23, 2020
    4wealn

    4wealn Member

    Ontario, Canada
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    I have an ARB in the front and rear and I love it. Yes it is hard to turn if they are engaged (as I do forget it on every now and then), but a flick of a switch and you are good to go. Only downfall is the cost but in my opinion well worth it. Just my .02
     
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