Question about Lockers!

Reidminer

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 9, 2019
Messages
376
Location
Syracuse NY
Hi everyone,

So the PO of my current TJ had an Aussie locker installed in the front, along with Warn locking hubs, all on a Wagoner Dana 44. The rear(a rubicon Dana 44) has a rubicon air locker.

My question is, why/ what is the purpose of having an Aussie locker as well as locking hubs up front? I recently went off roading(trail riding nothing crazy) and someone not much more knowledgeable than myself said unless I have my Warn hubs locked, even in 4-hi or low, I’m only technically two wheel drive. Is that correct?! Are there good resources with info explaining these things in clear terms?

If I put it in 4hi/low, without engaging the hubs, will I have any power going to the front axle? What’s the point of the Aussie locker then?
 
My question is, why/ what is the purpose of having an Aussie locker as well as locking hubs up front?
One (the locker) locks the axle shafts to each other and one (the hubs) lock the wheels to the axle shafts.

Is that correct?!
Yes.

If I put it in 4hi/low, without engaging the hubs, will I have any power going to the front axle?
you will have power going to the axles but not the wheels

What’s the point of the Aussie locker then?
to lock the axle shafts together
 
Last edited:
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One locks the shafts to each other and one locks the wheels to the axle shafts.


Yes.


you will have power going to the axles but not the wheels


to lock the axle shafts together
Thanks for the break down like that. Only confused about one thing now,

Without the hubs engaged you said that still turns the axles, yet not the wheels. What if I were to not have the Warn hubs? On stock TJs are the front wheel just attached to the axles in a different way?
 
Yes he was correct. The better term for your 'locking" hubs would be unlocking hubs. The factory hubs are always locked/connecting the wheels to the axle shafts which drive the wheels.

Manual hubs like you have are usually kept unlocked when driving around town and locked when going offroad.
 
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Thanks for the break down like that. Only confused about one thing now,

Without the hubs engaged you said that still turns the axles, yet not the wheels. What if I were to not have the Warn hubs? On stock TJs are the front wheel just attached to the axles in a different way?
TJs in OEM configuration use what is called a unit bearing instead of locking hubs like you have. The wheels on TJs in OEM configuration are locked to the axle shafts at all times. The only means of disconnecting the front end from power is by selecting 2 hi in the transfer case.
 
Yes he was correct. The better term for your 'locking" hubs would be unlocking hubs. The factory hubs are always locked/connecting the wheels to the axle shafts which drive the wheels.

Manual hubs like you have are usually kept unlocked when driving around town and locked when going offroad.
P.S. Here's an article I wrote many years ago that you might find helpful. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/why-do-i-need-a-locker-i-thought-i-had-four-wheel-drive.38643/
 
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Yes he was correct. The better term for your 'locking" hubs would be unlocking hubs. The factory hubs are always locked/connecting the wheels to the axle shafts which drive the wheels.

Manual hubs like you have are usually kept unlocked when driving around town and locked when going offroad.
Gotcha, it’s all completely clear now thank you!
 
TJs in OEM configuration use what is called a unit bearing instead of locking hubs like you have. The wheels on TJs in OEM configuration are locked to the axle shafts at all times. The only means of disconnecting the front end from power is by selecting 2 hi in the transfer case.
That makes sense now alright. Thanks for explaining!