Lunchbox locker question

[Matt H]

I am considering adding a lunchbox locker to my front differential (Dana30) only. I fully get that air or electric selectable lockers would be better but that is not what I am asking. For my use and budget it is a question of either adding a lunchbox locker to the front diff only, or not at all. My jeep is stock, with 31” tires. It is used daily on roads and fairly often on dirt roads and tracks, and forest trails. We do have a lot of mud and sand but no significant rock crawling or more technical stuff. I am in Belize so no ice or snow. I love the ride at present and don’t want to compromise the 2wd performance but would like to have an extra level of confidence in 4wd on muddy or sandy trails. I have plenty of recovery gear but better to not need it. So, any significant cons to consider or would the upsides make it a good move? And if so, which ones are recommended? Thanks.

Edit: From past threads, the Powertrax no-slip looks good and seems to be least noticeable in turns but that is from 8-10 years back. Still the case or are there newer / better options? I like the idea that it would not be noticeable in 2wd but wonder how much and 4wd turning issues might outweigh the benefits? We are often on tight, narrow trails with tight turns…

 

[Zorba]

I just finished installing a PowerTraxx no-slip about 3 weeks ago. Cannot tell any difference in 2WD on the street. Have only done basic 4WD testing, but it seems great!

 

[KennethS]

I put in a front PowerTrax locker 10+ years ago. It’s not noticeable in 2WD at all. In 4WD steering takes more effort but the tradeoff for traction is worth it.

 

[Matt H]

I just finished installing a PowerTraxx no-slip about 3 weeks ago. Cannot tell any difference in 2WD on the street. Have only done basic 4WD testing, but it seems great!

That’s great, thanks. Good to know the 2wd street performance is unchanged. No “clicking” in turns? So at this point my concern would be turning in 4wd and if any issues outweigh the benefit. Seems like the way to go though.

 

[Matt H]

I put in a front PowerTrax locker 10+ years ago. It’s not noticeable in 2WD at all. In 4WD steering takes more effort but the tradeoff for traction is worth it.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[GregBelleville]

I installed the no slip in my Dana 30 last year, hands down best mod I've done to my TJ in terms of bang for the buck performance.

 

[Matt H]

I installed the no slip in my Dana 30 last year, hands down best mod I've done to my TJ in terms of bang for the buck performance.

Thanks, sounds like the way to go for sure!

 

[JMT]

That’s great, thanks. Good to know the 2wd street performance is unchanged. No “clicking” in turns? So at this point my concern would be turning in 4wd and if any issues outweigh the benefit. Seems like the way to go though.

I’ve had a Powertrax no slip since 2018. No clicking. It’s invisible in 2H. Automatically on in 4H. Works great. No drawbacks to me.

 

[Jeepster09]

I went with a Torq Locker and it works great.

https://torqmasters.com/products/category/automatic_locker/

 

[thedustyboot]

@Matt H

I'd say go for it bro. I bought the Powertrax locker as well for my Dana 30. I have a Tracloc limited slip in the rear (Dana 35).

Personally my only regret and honestly it's more of a "quality of life" thing with this combo is not buying the 2WD-lo range selector upgrade. Since the lunchbox locker is always engaged when in 4WD, and when paired with the "not-so-mighty" 2.5L I sometimes need 4-lo for the gearing even though the terrain is doable in 2WD.

That's really my only complaint about that setup. I do lots of driving in town, plenty of parking lots, plenty of sharp or even full lock turning on pavement and you can't even tell that Powertrax locker is there.

I can't speak for chromo shafts but this locker is beefy enough to blow u-joints.

Installation tips:
The only quirk I encountered during install was the lack of clearance inside my carrier. The result of this lack of clearance meant the locker didn't engage properly and forced me to disassemble the whole thing a second time and dremel out a few spots inside the carrier.

 

[GregBelleville]

Installation tips:
The only quirk I encountered during install was the lack of clearance inside my carrier. The result of this lack of clearance meant the locker didn't engage properly and forced me to disassemble the whole thing a second time and dremel out a few spots inside the carrier.

I had the clearance issue too. I bought a dremel tool with a carbide bit to make the necessary space for the locker. Not difficult.

 

[Matt H]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, guess I’ll go for it!