Locker, Front or Back?

I have been reading a lot about locker lately and would like to invest in them, but only have money for one. Should I go front or back, or just wait untill I can do the whole match-up?
Darrell

 

Back.

 

Definitely rear. If you don't have power steering yet, do that before you do anything for the front axle. I prefer limited slip for the front anyway.

 

FWIW --Putt Putt has a locker in the front installed by the PO. I would like to add one to the rear some day. I have been very impressed with the added help just in the front alone.
I once met a seasoned Jeeper that claimed he didn't have front or rear and didn't need it!

I'm not sure what the right answer is.

 

BTW a limited slip differential (LSD) may be a better choice than a locking differential. The only time you need a locker is when you have one wheel completely off the ground. The LSD is more street-friendly, especially in a short wheelbase vehicle. Both the LSD and locker can steer the vehicle on slippery surfaces, with the effect being less controllable on the front axle, and more severe with a locker vs. a LSD. Front lockers or LSDs supposedly will make your Jeep go laterally on steep hills, due to the steering effect I presume - again, less pronounced with a LSD.

A locker in the rear and LSD in the front is often recommended. Jeeps came with Dana Powerlock (and later TracLock) LSDs in the rear axle as factory equipment. The PowerLock is a really good, strong LSD, and can be set up mild or agressive. TracLocks are weak, mild and wear out fast.

Lots more info on the Randy's Ring&Pinion site http://www.ringpinion.com/

 

I would recommend the rear. However, with lockouts, a locker in the front would be effectively disengaged when the front hubs are not locked in. I have a few friends in the local club that added lockouts to their TJ's so that they can have "selectable" four wheel drive (or three wheel drive if you only lock in one side).

Jim

 

The rear. When you are climbing the weight is more on the rear tires than front.
IMHO limited slips are just not worth the $ and effort. For a dirt 2 track or a street Jeep yea for a trail Jeep forget it.

 

I put a LockRight in the D25 and was immediately impressed with the added climbing traction available. Having since put another in the D44. During the transfer case rebuild I left out the interlock pill so I can have 2wd Low, which helps out with the 'ol Ross box. A locker splits the power 50/50 at all times, except during unloading (clicking you hear). A LSD doesn't do that until you have wheel spin, meaning if your needing a wheel to grab traction you have to spin the opposite wheel. Just my .02 cents worth, but an experienced two pennies. Everybody has to decide for themselves what is best for there wheelin type.

Give me a locker every time!!

 

I have a Detroit in the rear, what a difference. After breaking the limited slip 3 times I decided to go with a true locker, but then again I do get it on 1 wheel every once in a while! IMHO I would go with the rear.

 

"A locker splits the power 50/50 at all times, except during unloading"

It might be more correct to say that a locker doesn't split power at all, except in a turn at speed. It's 100/100 The rather large cutouts on the TracLok case are the cause of most of the problems associated with them. Hence the nickmane "TrashLoks" I've heard the newer ones are stronger, but why bother.

 

I learned to drive without them in the early years
you had to drive "smarter"
I have both front/rear power loks in mine now
just makes those loose rock hill climbs a little easier IMO
once you have them, you'll never go back to open diffs

 

as a follow up, an older Jeep club member here years ago used to say: "anyone can mash the throttle and spit dirt and rocks and make it over most hills/obstacles; the trick is to try and just crawl up a hill WITHOUT spinning a tire"
he lived by that motto; I saw him crawl up more hills in our desert areas and not spin a wheel; if fact he got mad if he spun one!
remember now, this is before the days of SM420s or 465s; these Jeeps were pretty much stock except for the power loks, front and rear
if you thinks its easy to do, go give it a try it some time
(Note: obviously this will not work on just any hill, the terrain dictates what you have to do)

 

plan on spending the $$$$ and going air locker in rear.