How durable are the factory TJ Rubicon lockers?

[mrblaine]

I get it... but, you can only lead a camel to water....
And honestly, I like the challenges when something breaks. Not that I want it to break, but I enjoy the challenge of the repair... using the tools... the welder... the knowledge of those in the group...etc.

Ever broke a pitman arm?
We did on "top of the world" Moab. Not fun waiting for a replacement... nor was it fun for those aiding in the ordeal. But it made the day more adventurous... and, in the end it turned out okay and a great learning experience. Now I carry a spare.

Wow... now I'm really taking this thread the wrong way.

View attachment 88643

We wheel in JV. CL wheeled with us many times. We ran Aftershock and as was his habit, he was at the end of the line because he liked to fuck around on the optional lines. Get a call on the radio that he sheared a banjo off a front caliper. We go back, I dig out parts, get him going and tell him to just replace my stuff and get another set for him as spares. A couple weeks later, wound up on the same trail with the exact same issue. He didn't get parts, or brake fluid and we again used our spares and supplies to get him going.

He got 3 strikes in short order and we no longer tell him when we are going or invite him.
It's okay to fuck around as long as the group knows your doing it and doesn't mind fixing you when you break.
It's okay not to have spares and parts once or even several times as long as they aren't the same parts breaking.
It's not okay twice.

 

[mrblaine]

Is this an OEM pitman arm?

Unlikely but if it is, that is a certain indicator of the need for some kind of assisted steering.

 

[toximus]

Unlikely but if it is, that is a certain indicator of the need for some kind of assisted steering.

Nah. A big track bar bracket should take care of it. /s

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

I hear ALL your saying....

BUT, first... I'm not a "Yahoo". (Jerry)

I love how others who are VERY reputable, will say what they do... and, there's also those who will judge just based on commentary or even the looks of the rig. I will say... even with 35s, you'll break. It's not always due to a larger tire... so, putting the blame on my 37s that have been on that rig since new... is NOT the way to go about a reply (IMO). I rarely will post on forums due to those all-knowing responding with "you should know better" and the others who know nothing about me and my rig but read into a post or two. SMH

We ALL have our experiences, our knowledge and use it together. I'd love for others to not ridicule or go about placing blame, but to offer or suggest in a positive light. So many keyboard warriors these days on forums, it's hard to get a good conversation going without some interuption.

I'm NOT that guy... (hayduke). In all actuality, I'm new(er) to Jeeps yet not to off-roading. I'm often the one helping on the trail when someone else breaks. WE ALL DO. In fact... yes, there's no snears or shit eating grins in our group when someone breaks, just those who get out the tools and bring their wisdom. If they're those who snear... they aren't invited back.

Do you also stay away from the obstacle and use the bypass if there is one??? I ask that because there are those who try to see just what the limitations of their rig are... and those who TRY to play it safe. If you really wanted to play it safe... stay home. It's the safest place for your rig and you won't break a single thing.

... I'm done. Sorry for the intrusion. I'm off to get a new locker installed.

 

[g.hayduke]

I'm NOT that guy... (hayduke)

If you're giving me credit for implying you might be "that guy", the credit belongs to @mrblaine.

That said, weren't you the one who said you like the challenges associated with breaking things? And therefore choose to exceed generally acceptable limits for tire size vs stock lockers? If so, own it. If not, my apologies

 

[toximus]

I will say... with 35s, you'll break less often.

Fixed it for you.

I'm new(er) to Jeeps yet not to off-roading.

So... the previous owner had the 37s on it, not you?

There's some subtleties to building Jeeps that isn't present on other offroad vehicles. When it all comes together, it's magic.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

..................
It's not fair to others in the group when wheeling something that is on or over the edge.

So, the Grand Vitara that went on a 400 mile trek from San Diego to Parker AZ and back... is safe to say, that the owner/driver wasn't being fair to the other over capable vehicles?! How's that??? We invited them... we told them we'd take care of them... they went, conquered, and had a great time just as the rest of us.

When is it "on or over the edge". When YOU deem it so? (rhetorical)... this is the kind of "chief" or "all knowing" types we don't off-road with. Always nice when a group has those who are full of experience and wisdom, but are as humble, selfless and non judgemental. Including trail guides, leaders, or the one "rocket scientist" in our group.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

If you're giving me credit for implying you might be "that guy", the credit belongs to @mrblaine.

.............

I was....

Do the people you wheel with feel the same way when your stuff breaks?

Your implying, I'm "that guy"

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Ok doc you know better, I'll just back out of this discussion.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

................
That said, weren't you the one who said you like the challenges associated with breaking things? And therefore choose to exceed generally acceptable limits for tire size vs stock lockers? If so, own it. If not, my apologies

If you can take it out of context... sure, that makes sense.

I said, I like the challenges of when things break... whether it be me, my wheelin' friends, or the group in front or back of us. Never did I admit, or mention I am the guy who tries to break his rig by trying things that are known to break a component or two or due to weak links in my build.

If I eluded you into thinking as such, MY apologies.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

So... the previous owner had the 37s on it, not you?

There's some subtleties to building Jeeps that isn't present on other offroad vehicles. When it all comes together, it's magic.

Yup.
And I built on that platform he provided.

... from bigger brakes (thanks to Mr.Blaine), to stronger mounts (trackbars, control arms, etc) and other upgraded parts that aren't "cheap/weak" or what the previous owner had acquired.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

Ok doc you know better, I'll just back out of this discussion.

... my point exactly. Can't just back out, has to poke.

 

[g.hayduke]

If you can take it out of context... sure, that makes sense.

The context is you've broken 2 lockers and you run tires that are deemed by those with way more experience than most to be too big to run reliably with said lockers (and the Dana 44 ball joints). And you said you like the challenge when things break.

I noticed you're a new member. Welcome to the forum.

The people who suggested going to a smaller tire (@Jerry Bransford , @mrblaine) spend a lot of time here trying to help people enjoy building and wheeling their rigs with less breakage and less frustration. It's really a fantastic forum and you might have got off on the wrong foot so to speak.

You might want to chill and spend some time here with an open mind. These TJs have their idiosyncrasies and this forum is a fantastic place to learn everything there is to know about them if you're open to being educated.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

............
He got 3 strikes in short order and we no longer tell him when we are going or invite him.

... as expected.

It's okay to fuck around as long as the group knows your doing it and doesn't mind fixing you when you break.
It's okay not to have spares and parts once or even several times as long as they aren't the same parts breaking.
It's not okay twice.

Hence why I originally came to this post, and read about the issue with the OEM locker. Just as I've read elsewhere. That while it's a great locker, it's prone to having the same breakage no matter tire size or possible driver abuse. I've read many posts about them breaking with 33s, 35s, and yes... 37s. Hard to decipher actual culprit when you don't personally wheel with the Jeep/driver.

My question(s) were asking about the Detroit or E-locker. If I had a detroit, would it be more prone to breaking things over a selectable. I was NOT asking if I should go to 35" tires... but thanks for the suggestions none-the-less.

 

[pcoplin]

In Moab several years ago, I think 2011, a buddy broke his rear Rubi locker out at BFE. When we went to Moab Outpost to buy a Detroit, they had sold 9 rear Dana 44 lockers due to Rubi rear lockers breaking. And it was Tuesday. LOL.

 

[Johnnyairtime]

The context is you've broken 2 lockers and you run tires that are deemed by those with way more experience than most to be too big to run reliably with said lockers (and the Dana 44 ball joints). And you said you like the challenge when things break.

I noticed you're a new member. Welcome to the forum.

The people who suggested going to a smaller tire (@Jerry Bransford , @mrblaine) spend a lot of time here trying to help people enjoy building and wheeling their rigs with less breakage and less frustration. It's really a fantastic forum and you might have got off on the wrong foot so to speak.

You might want to chill and spend some time here with an open mind. These TJs have their idiosyncrasies and this forum is a fantastic place to learn everything there is to know about them if you're open to being educated.

See my last post.

I may be new to this forum... but I'm not to forums, or the two aforementioned members. I know their history... and have had a few emails with Mr.Blaine in the past asking for his wisdom. Which he gave, without judge/jury. I was overly appreciative.

But... I didn't come here asking if I should drop to a 35" tire. So... I end up defending my post, my comments and wondering why I'm now labeled as "that guy" or some "yahoo". Nice warm welcome.

It happens often when a newb logs into a forum and asks questions. Lots of boasting, chest pumping and "you should do this"... all without knowing the new guy. I've been a forum moderator in a dirt bike site for months... had to resign, due to the early AM calls and drama that ensued. Made enemies who were friends by dropping rules and banning... made friends too. But, I usually steer clear of them as often the newb gets lynched when he/she pushes back a bit and doesn't allow others to bully or ridicule.

I have an open mind. One that I'll speak. No need for me to "chill"... But I will chill here and continue asking if the need arises. As I will also speak up if I find the issue not being addressed or being addressed with prejudice. I don't need to have the last word, but don't want my comments takin' out of context or misrepresented.

Kind of funny... because still never got a definitive answer from anyone. Other than; no matter which locker I go with it'll eventually break as well. Like all things, when abused or used in a manner of extreme use... they'll break or wear prematurely. Thanks Captain Obvious.

.... Either way, I decided to go with an Eaton E-Locker. No need to put any extra strain on running gear when on hard pack by saving $300 on the locker.

 

[Alex01]

 

[Johnnyairtime]

In Moab several years ago, I think 2011, a buddy broke his rear Rubi locker out at BFE. When we went to Moab Outpost to buy a Detroit, they had sold 9 rear Dana 44 lockers due to Rubi rear lockers breaking. And it was Tuesday. LOL.

... wow.

Last year; I walked into Rory's shop, and asked for a '05 Rubi pitman arm. To be told (by the young woman at the counter) "yup... we have two of them...." for them to NOT find a single one. I drove over and talked to Bryce (Dixie) and he next-day ordered one for me, since he didn't have one in stock. I also had already ordered one from the Top Of The World trail (with one bar of service) via Amazon Prime... so, I was sure I'd at least have one for the next day and rest of the trip. One of our Jeeps had been at Rory's that AM (due to front diff noise), and when he went to go pick it up, he asked Rory himself; "Do you have a pitman arm....?" He sent our guy out with two... one of them worked, and made it up to me by 6pm that evening. 5min install, and I was headed back down the trail. Next AM, I went back to see Rory... paid him for the pitman arm, and thanked him profusely for saving my butt (even though our group also pulled one from a TJ that afternoon - to take up on the trail). Now, I have 2 spare pitman arms... 1 in the Jeep, 1 in the truck/trailer at the hotel.

SUPER Helpful people at those two shops.

Rory came out and welded up a rear trackbar bracket on an 06 Rubi in our group... and did so fast, cheap, and with quality (even for a stick welder). Yup... now that Rubi has a beefier mount and shouldn't break a second time (old one cut off and new bracket welded on once back in CO). I had to do the same last year before that same trip on my rig.

But 9 rear Rubi lockers... is crazy!!! I sure wish you had intel on what tire sizes they all had!! HaHa... Just kidding!!

 

[Alex01]

.... Either way, I decided to go with an Eaton E-Locker. No need to put any extra strain on running gear when on hard pack by saving $300 on the locker.

What made you go with the elocker over an ARB?

 

[toximus]

I sure wish you had intel on what tire sizes they all had!! HaHa... Just kidding!!

It's not directly the tire size. It's that the LSD in them fails when worked too hard and takes the locker with it. Lock up the rear every time you go offroad and it should last. Obviously, I wouldn't suggest installing an OEM Rubi locker, but if I already had one (which I do in one of my Jeeps) I'd keep it.

We're already on page 3 of this thread so I assume that's already been said.