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Newbie Front Locker Question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by billm006, Aug 30, 2022.

  1. Aug 30, 2022
    billm006

    billm006 Member

    Honeye Falls, NY
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2019
    Messages:
    73
    With a 75 CJ 5 with the front hubs unlocked, is a front locker still functionally an open diff?
     
    billm006, Aug 30, 2022
    #1
  2. Aug 30, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Cool school 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2008
    Messages:
    4,819
    With both hubs unlocked it is functionality no diff, same as a postal jeep. The steering and feel would be the same as before the locker and with hubs unlocked.
     
    Jw60, Aug 30, 2022
    #2
    Stakebed likes this.
  3. Aug 30, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    I need to ask what is the reason behind this question? Thoughts of installing one? Thoughts that you have one? More information would allow us to help you better.
     
    nickmil, Aug 30, 2022
    #3
  4. Aug 31, 2022
    billm006

    billm006 Member

    Honeye Falls, NY
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2019
    Messages:
    73
    Hi- Passively thinking about installing one but I live in NY and would either need a selectable locker or was wondering if this was a cheaper way to go.
     
    billm006, Aug 31, 2022
    #4
  5. Aug 31, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,651
    Depends on your usage plans....auto lockers can be cost efficient, strong and very effective in off-road situations, and when the hubs are unlocked (same as 2wd), they are not noticeable (this is true of any front traction device - when hubs are unlocked, the wheels are not connected to the front axle/driveshaft in anyway). So they will work best if you drive your jeep on pavement essentially only in 2wd, and reserve 4wd for off-road situations. If you run your rig in 4wd on road and pavement in high range (say in icy and slippery winter road conditions), then you may find the auto locker causes disconcerting handling that exacerbates the slippery conditions. In such conditions, a standard open diff in 4wd (with hubs locked) will give you the best traction and handling. If that is your scenario (seems somewhat appropriate for NY assuming you drive it in the winter), then selectable locker will provide the best of both worlds (and most expensive as well). Going back to your original question, when you unlock the hubs with a locker (auto or selectable), its the same as being in 2wd. With the selectable, you get the middle ground of being able to run in 4wd with open diff (hubs locked in of course) with no unplanned locker engagement that might cause sketchy handling in on-road situations.
     
    FinoCJ, Aug 31, 2022
    #5
  6. Aug 31, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Cool school 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Apr 8, 2008
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    4,819
    I would not want an auto locker on NY roads. You won't be able to leave the hubs locked on snowy days. You can drive around in 2wd with hubs out but once you get in the snow or ditch you are not able to access the hub to lock it, or it's snowing and not fun. I've been there with the snow plow on my CJ5 over in Mt. Morris and Dansville
     
    Jw60, Aug 31, 2022
    #6
  7. Aug 31, 2022
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
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    3,628
    Snow seems to be the only downfall of the automatic locker in an old Jeep. So if your doing a lot of driving on the road in Winter conditions maybe consider skipping the "Lunchbox Locker". On the other hand your building a moderate trail wheeling rig get the locker. I have a Lockright in my front D30 - https://www.powertrax.com/traction-systems-product/3126-differential-lock-assembly-2210-lr/?crt_viaSearch=path:part%3Adrop-in-locker and an Aussie Locker in my rear D44 https://www.torqmasters.com/aussie_locker_xd_14480_jk_dana_44_rear_next_generation_differentials . These are similar products that are cheap and easy to install. If budget wasn't a concern I might have an E-Locker or ARB air Locker. My Jeep has seen some rough terrain in the past couple years (Rubicon, Moab and Colorado) and I have not had any problem with my lockers.
     
    Buildflycrash, Aug 31, 2022
    #7
    Stakebed and Downs like this.
  8. Aug 31, 2022
    steve1973

    steve1973 Member

    Nolensville, TN
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2011
    Messages:
    90
    Detroit tru-trac is a great option in the front.
     
    steve1973, Aug 31, 2022
    #8
    Downs and dnb71R2 like this.
  9. Aug 31, 2022
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Messages:
    579
    Even if you leave the front hubs locked, it will still unlock and allow the differential speed between the tires. You'll just get some ratcheting and maybe a little feedback though the steering wheel. My diff setup for the past 2 XJs I've owned has been open rear, lunchbox front. In normal road driving it drives fine and with something like a Powertrax no slip (lunchbox with an extra set of dogs that allow quieter operation) I get almost no noise/feedback unless I'm doing really tight parking lot maneuvers. Off-road, I've found the front better at pulling me over obstacles than the rear is at pushing me over. I've been locked front, rear and both ends on different Jeeps and without the money to go full selectable my choice will always be to lock the front and leave the rear open for street manners.

    I've also seriously considered Tru-Tracs on each end, the only thing that's kept me from doing it to my XJ (daily driver) is the cost.
     
    Downs, Aug 31, 2022
    #9
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