Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: WhiteOut on August 05, 2011, 12:05:40 PM

Title: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: WhiteOut on August 05, 2011, 12:05:40 PM
Just about time for my next mod and need a few tips.

I have decided to either upgrade my steering or install a locker in the rear. Since I have the D44a, it has to be an Aussie locker, if I did the steering I would be buying the Currie kit (from what I have read it is the best option). Keep in mind this is a daily driver (Grand Cherokee) on 33's with the stock steering setup so far.

Which would you do and why?
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: cLAY on August 05, 2011, 02:13:03 PM
How much lift and what type? Does it steer well now? If you are happy with the way it steers now then I would opt for a locker. You'll notice it a lot more offroad. However you'll notice more on road too.

I'd be interested to hear how much and where you are getting the aussie from. Hope to put one into my 5.9er project this winter.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: WhiteOut on August 05, 2011, 02:52:06 PM
Just a hair under 6" of lift, long arms. The steering is bearable on the road but I'll be commuting a fair bit for work now and want to tighten it up a bit, get rid of the dead zone I have.

I would probably be going through northridge for the steering and for the locker.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: cLAY on August 05, 2011, 04:01:18 PM
Personally I think commuting with that much lift and big tires is a dumb idea. You will be going through wheel bearings like crazy, you paid big money for that rubber and now you'll be wearing it out on pavement. The fuel economy will suck. If you break it offroad you'll be hooped for a ride to work come Monday.

I'd recommend buying a cheap run around car. Even an older decent running XJ can be had for $1000-$1500 if you don't like econo boxes.

However I know thats not what you asked.  :D So to answer your question I say do the steering. You'll be wearing the stock steering out faster DD it anyway.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: morerpmfred on August 05, 2011, 04:40:14 PM
I would go steering first as it is a daily driver. With an auto locker when going around a corner even at highway speed the locker unlocks and locks up. This causes the jeep to change direction slightly. Also locks and unlocks when on the gas then breaking and visa versu. You already have a flat spot in the steering that will be accentuated. Better to be safe.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: apeman on August 05, 2011, 05:26:49 PM
Steering for sure....that lsd you have works awesome  ::)
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: Rubi03 jef on August 05, 2011, 06:48:46 PM
steering for sure.. i have the Currie HD steering and LOVE IT .. its awesome  u will not regret it
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 05, 2011, 07:22:12 PM
clays right.
buy a daily driver WJ ;)
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: FiEND on August 05, 2011, 09:44:20 PM
steering and alignment.

i would spool the rear end of a long(er) jeep like that, or get it welded up.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: morerpmfred on August 05, 2011, 10:20:46 PM
If you all ready have a lsd then you would have to change the carrier to make the auzzie locker work ?
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: apeman on August 06, 2011, 12:13:03 AM
Um..my post was sarcasm...if you already have the v8. Steering why  Upgrade? I pulled that sorry associated zj out of an ice hole with a locked d30/35... what makes you think your new steering will get you unstuck from anything worse?  Upgrade your capabilities then worry about manueverability....
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: apeman on August 06, 2011, 12:32:03 AM
Side note, an aussie locker has good road manners...just don't drive like a retard.....and you definitely need to remove the control arm mounts before you move on.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: WhiteOut on August 06, 2011, 12:58:47 AM
Looks like its steering first. I'll hopefully only have to DD it for a couple more months at most.

CA mounts are coming off this week, new bearings in the front, replacing the rear upper control arms.

Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: apeman on August 06, 2011, 01:05:28 AM
Haha..better. an upgrade is an upgrade. ..atleast you know what direction you want to go and the steps you want.  Now get the grinder out...chop chop.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 07, 2011, 01:47:17 PM
AWD + aussie will be a whole barrel of fun ;)
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: morerpmfred on August 07, 2011, 03:05:30 PM
AWD + aussie will be a whole barrel of fun ;)
I have a hd 242 behind a five speed in my jeep and with a locker in the back awd is reduntand for city driving with a locker in the back. However i now never use 4wd in high range ie deep snow on the road i now use awd.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: JackstandJohnny on August 07, 2011, 03:51:49 PM
he has a 249 Andy. its AWD all the time.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: morerpmfred on August 07, 2011, 04:01:49 PM
Yup it will be a barrel of fun. You will be changing out the 249 soon after the locker goes in.
Title: Re: Which first? Steering or locker
Post by: apeman on August 09, 2011, 01:08:24 PM
I have a 242 and a 249 if you wanted to get ahead of the game and swap the input shafts...makes for an easy install down the road..just sayin