front locker

[wrenchead99]

As I slowly build up my XJ (much to the dismay of the bank account and the wife :roll: )  was wondering about locker options.  As I am doing this on the cheap, Ive already decided that an aussie locker is going in the rear 8.25, and was wondering if anyone has run a locker (aussie, lockrite, etc)in the front d30 on the street in snow, etc. and if you notice it's there in 2wd (other than the ratcheting noise) as well as if you are still able to run in full time 4x4 without snapping an axle or something.  Just to clarify, the setup is a 98 XJ, running 31's (soon) on 3 inches (soon to go to 4 or 5)  with a 242 t-case.  thanks to all for the input.

[padler]

I run the aussie lockers front and rear in my yj with no problems. not the best in winter but thats kinda what i expected.

[BlackYJ]

In 2wd you will not notice the locker at all because a locker needs power to work as designed.  However, in 4wd it will make corning tougher as it will want to track straight.  As for doing it on the cheap, from what I have heard aussies are the best way to go for a lunchbox style locker.

I have front and rear ARBs and love, because they have no adverse affects on the road but you can also install about 5 aussies for the price of one ARB

[cuzican]

If you have a disconnecting axle in the front with a locker you will be fine. If you don't have a disconnect or free wheeling hubs a locked front end will turn both front wheels at the same speed. This may create some problems when turning on road in ice or snow. When turning your two front wheels need to rotate at different speeds as they travel different distances around the corner - with limited traction (snow or ice) the locker will not slip.

My experience is if it's locked its locked whether there is power applied or not.

In 4wd all wheels will turn the same speed. You may then also have problems turning. If there is no difference in wheel speed off road your vehicle may decide it wants to continue going straigt no matter where you try to point it.

If you can't separate (disconnect or hub) your axles in 2wd and you're not going to use a selectable locker like an ARB in the front you will be better off with a posi than a locker.

I have just gone to ARBs front and rear to improve road manners while still having the potential to lock everything up.

[cLAY]

He has the NP242 so there will be no disco on the front.

How much do you drive it on the street? If its a DD I wouldn't lock it unless it was an ARB(or other selectable). When you have a locked  front end in 4wd on an icy street cornering gets tricky. For example I had an old Dodge truck locked in the front, was out on icy streets and tried to do a left hand turn from 19st NE onto 16ave west bound, was doing about 20km/h, lost traction on the front and the truck plowed straight ahead, alomost into the lamp post on the opposite corner.

If you only drive it occasionaly and wouldn't have it out on an icy street then it would be fine.