LSD is fine if you never see dirt or only do fireroads
Need help / recommendations for rear locker
- Thread starter OkieJoe
- Start date
LSD is fine if you never see dirt or only do fireroads
I recommend the right mindset and setting with LSD. And somebody sober to take care of you if need be...
Agreed. Ox is a solid locker choice for the rear. I ran one for nearly a decade in my Land Cruiser and had no major issues. People I wheeled with also ran them with no significant issues. The only minor problem any of us had were cable adjustments, a time or two. This is what typically got Ox the bad reputation. I picked an Ox air locker for the rear of my Jeep and didn't waste a moment thinking about it.
The front is a different story. This is because the locking mechanism is integrated into the cover, making it more bulky. I wouldn't run one in the front, due to potential track-bar clearance issues.
I ran an Aussie lunch box locker in the front for years without issue... Barley noticeable on the street and major gains offroad. It pretty cheap traction comparatively.
The LSD is definitely something to look at. A quality Torsen style LSD like an Eaton Truetrac will be far superior to the clutch type LSD you are used to from the factory. A Torsen LSD will actually do a bit of what it's supposed to do, without the slipping of a clutch type. Could save you some money while also having better road manners than a selectable in open mode.
I have been pleased with my Eaton Trutracs on and off road .
KennethS
TJ Addict
I found that the LSD was very good in the dirt and loose, sandy areas. As long as both tires are on the ground, it works very well. It’s when you get one tire off the ground that it doesn't work well, which doesn’t happen in the dirt or sand.
Opinion
Put a lunchbox in the front 30 and go wheeling. You won’t believe the benefits! Then a selectable in the rear, or LSD.
Whatever is making you think to lock the rear first is simply wrong. If only one locker go front.
My $0.02
Put a lunchbox in the front 30 and go wheeling. You won’t believe the benefits! Then a selectable in the rear, or LSD.
Whatever is making you think to lock the rear first is simply wrong. If only one locker go front.
My $0.02
That's where a Torsen style performs better than a clutch style LSD. You can trick it with the brakes. It's a different driving style but effective.
I had a Truetrac. I would never again choose an LSD over a locker for an off road vehicle.
So I’ve been educating myself thanks in part to the comments posted. I’m putting together a build list, but it’s been revised several times. Pretty sure that I’m getting close to finalizing it. I have my list broken into stages with stage 1 being the most extensive. Stage 1 will include the Powertrax No-slip for the front, and the last stage will include the Eaton e-locker.
Appreciate OkieJoe bringing this up.
Had a great ride yesterday and needed 4 low (2001 Sahara 3.73 and 33s- factory Dana 44 ‘anti spin’ ) to get through some deep muddy ruts and guy in front with a JK and a rear locker stayed in 2 wheel drive… he said get a rear locker, he can go places in 2w with locker that 4 wheel without can’t go. Weasillee says if only going with one locker get the front.
I need to learn more about this, I’ll search more threads.
FYI- I am completely happy with 3.73 with 33s and a manual transmission. Most people I know regeared but all with an automatic.
But
Had a great ride yesterday and needed 4 low (2001 Sahara 3.73 and 33s- factory Dana 44 ‘anti spin’ ) to get through some deep muddy ruts and guy in front with a JK and a rear locker stayed in 2 wheel drive… he said get a rear locker, he can go places in 2w with locker that 4 wheel without can’t go. Weasillee says if only going with one locker get the front.
I need to learn more about this, I’ll search more threads.
FYI- I am completely happy with 3.73 with 33s and a manual transmission. Most people I know regeared but all with an automatic.
But
Front or rear locker debate will likely never go away. Get one and you’ll see why you want two. Front great. Rear great. Front and rear greater.
Based on the OP's description of a "fair amount of pavement", not one person asked how much "off-roading" he/she will do and if so, to what extreme? If it were my Jeep and saw 75% road, 25% light wheeling, an Eaton TrueTrac would be my choice.
Our Jeep is used as a daily driver and occasional trails . I have been happy with the Trutracs . I can't tell any difference on the road from when it was stock , but off-road traction seems to have greatly improved.
I have a power track no slip lunchbox locker and an Eaton e-locker and I can’t tell any difference on road from when it was stock, but I get maximum off-road traction.
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