Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Locker recommendations for TJ?

What are the operational/performance differences between the Aussie and the TT?

The Aussie is a locker, TT a limited slip. A locker locks its mechanism together with teeth and spring tension. The teeth stay engaged due to pressure being placed upon them (on the gas) but can release when off the gas. When turning off the gas, or light on the gas, the difference in wheel speed will overcome the spring tension and push away the side gear which will allow for the outside tire to rotate at a different speed. Back on the gas and it "pops" back into gear and you are locked again. That is what all the popping is about when you mention lockers.

The TT is a bias torque limited slip meaning it sends more torque to the wheel with more traction. The TL uses pre-loaded clutches so the power is equally distributed but it is fairly weak so depending on available traction, you may end up with traction to one wheel and none to the other as opposed to the TT which will apply more torque (via the worm gears and its torque bias design) to the wheel that has more traction. Both can deliver 100% power but both require two wheels on the ground to do so. Like Jerry stated, wheel in the air and the TT, and TL, will lose its effectiveness. Clear as mud? :D
 
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At some point I do need to re-gear (33's w/ 3.73) I do have a Dana 44 in the rear. I've been thinking about finding a used TJ Rubi front and rear an do a swap, depending on overall cost, or just re-gearing what I have and use an ARB in the rear. Also need to decided if I really need front lockers too. Just getting into the sport, but like to cry once when it comes to upgrading.
 
The Aussie is a locker, TT a limited slip. A locker locks its mechanism together with teeth and spring tension. The teeth stay engaged due to pressure being placed upon them (on the gas) but can release when off the gas. When turning off the gas, or light on the gas, the difference in wheel speed will overcome the spring tension and push away the side gear which will allow for the outside tire to rotate at a different speed. Back on the gas and it "pops" back into gear and you are locked again. That is what all the popping is about when you mention lockers.

The TT is a bias torque limited slip meaning it sends more torque to the wheel with more traction. The TL uses pre-loaded clutches so the power is equally distributed but it is fairly weak so depending on available traction, you may end up with traction to one wheel and none to the other as opposed to the TT which will apply more torque (via the worm gears and its torque bias design) to the wheel that has more traction. Both can deliver 100% power but both require two wheels on the ground to do so. Like Jerry stated, wheel in the air and the TT, and TL, will lose its effectiveness. Clear as mud? :D

Makes sense to me. Guess my biggest concern when choosing something for the front would be its behavior on the street in the instances my wife needs to drive the jeep. Wouldn't want any weird handling characteristics for her to freak out about. Clicking/popping is a no sale for me. It would have to be invisible in 2WD. So, with that said, I just may have to pony up for a selectable.
 
At some point I do need to re-gear (33's w/ 3.73) I do have a Dana 44 in the rear. I've been thinking about finding a used TJ Rubi front and rear an do a swap, depending on overall cost, or just re-gearing what I have and use an ARB in the rear. Also need to decided if I really need front lockers too. Just getting into the sport, but like to cry once when it comes to upgrading.
It all depends on what your time frame is. I don't plan on upgrading the axels on mine for a couple years. So i just went with gears and open difs. Once I upgrade my axles ill go with lockers. Did not want to spend $2000 on lockers to have to re buy them for new axles. Gears were not that bad because i did the work.
 
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Makes sense to me. Guess my biggest concern when choosing something for the front would be its behavior on the street in the instances my wife needs to drive the jeep. Wouldn't want any weird handling characteristics for her to freak out about. Clicking/popping is a no sale for me. It would have to be invisible in 2WD. So, with that said, I just may have to pony up for a selectable.
The ticking of the Aussie is very slight. She wouldn't likely notice unless you pointed it out and/or driving topless. The No Slip will be nearly 100% quiet, for an extra 100 bucks. Neither have any noticeable affect on steering in 2wd.
 
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At some point I do need to re-gear (33's w/ 3.73) I do have a Dana 44 in the rear. I've been thinking about finding a used TJ Rubi front and rear an do a swap, depending on overall cost, or just re-gearing what I have and use an ARB in the rear. Also need to decided if I really need front lockers too. Just getting into the sport, but like to cry once when it comes to upgrading.
The Rubi diffs will have 4.10's so you will still need a gear swap. 3.73 to 4.10 will have minimal impact on performance.
 
It all depends on what your time frame is. I don't plan on upgrading the axels on mine for a couple years. So i just went with gears and open difs. Once I upgrade my axles ill go with lockers. Did not want to spend $2000 on lockers to have to re buy them for new axles. Gears were not that bad because i did the work.

I'm mechanically inclined, but Gears have always frightened me for some reason. I Tried re-gearing my 70 cuda once and it howled, never tried again after that
 
Makes sense to me. Guess my biggest concern when choosing something for the front would be its behavior on the street in the instances my wife needs to drive the jeep. Wouldn't want any weird handling characteristics for her to freak out about. Clicking/popping is a no sale for me. It would have to be invisible in 2WD. So, with that said, I just may have to pony up for a selectable.
PowerTrax No Slip FTW bro! I thought you would have done this by now. Mine is supposed to be delivered today!

P.s. Walmart has the best price I could find. $408 delivered.
 
PowerTrax No Slip FTW bro! I thought you would have done this by now. Mine is supposed to be delivered today!

P.s. Walmart has the best price I could find. $408 delivered.

I'll wait to hear your comments on it once you get it installed and use it some.
 
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I'll wait to hear your comments on it once you get it installed and use it some.
I ran one for years and in 2wd I honestly couldn't even tell it was there. 100% transparent and click-free. It worked like any lunchbox locker in 4Hi and 4Lo, flawlessly and brilliantly.
 
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Ah hell, what a bust, it was a part for my wife’s Yukon. For some reason it’s just not as fun repairing a broken stupid power window switch.
 
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Good grief. I thought I had this clear in my head. Dumb question. With ARB or elockers....when the locker is disengaged are they then limited slip diffs?
 
Good grief. I thought I had this clear in my head. Dumb question. With ARB or elockers....when the locker is disengaged are they then limited slip diffs?
To the best of my knowledge, only the TJ Rubicon locker is an LSD when unlocked. All the other current options are open/locked.
 
Want to talk lockers. Maybe looking to install lockers during gear change. Verdict is out to not go with lunchbox lockers, or a Detroit, but to go with air or electric. Anything recommended at a good price?

In the 1960s, after the rain we ran into a place where the Land Rover and Jeep were unable to move at all, oddly enough it was pretty much flat ground. It was the curse of the old two-wheel drive thing because of the differential, so I pulled up with the Unimog and easily towed them.
I am all in favor of locked differentials.
 
To the best of my knowledge, only the TJ Rubicon locker is an LSD when unlocked. All the other current options are open/locked.
True. Well, I kinda-sorta take that back. The ECTED "locker" is a LSD when unlocked.

I say kinda-sorta because an ECTED is not really a true locker in that it will slip when in its locked position if there's enough pressure on it or if its clutch pack getting worn. It's the only product out there described as a "locker" that uses a clutch pack in the locking mechanism... it's not a good choice of locker for that reason.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator