Need help / recommendations for rear locker

[squirrelmaster]

As others have said, selectable locker is the best of both worlds. I've run automatic lockers, lunchbox lockers, LSDs, and selectable lockers on lots of different vehicles and would suggest the selectable for best all-round performance.

I currently have a Detroit in the rear of my TJ and while it works well on the trail, I personally have never found anything but annoyance with the way Detroits load and unload on the pavement - especially when the pavement is wet or slick. Lunchbox lockers tend to be a bit more civil in their operation, with some noise in turns, but just us unfun on slick roads. I personally love the TruTrac and have offroaded the crap out of them while enjoying their excellent performance on the road and in inclement weather, but there are definitely situations where they fall short compared to a locker. But I have a JK Dana 44 and e-locker almost ready to go into my TJ, and I'll be swapping the Detroit for an e-locker for the rear soon as well. I've had several past Jeeps with air lockers and e-lockers, and another vehicle in my fleet has e-lockers front and rear, and they are hard to beat for making a trail-ready rig civil on the street. They do add a bit of complexity and require a bit more planning before attacking an obstacle, but in the last two decades plus of running selectable lockers, they are #1 on my list of worthwhile upgrades.

 

[Rickyd]

I'm not really a fan of the torsen lsd in my rear rubi locker. I like using my strokers hp to drift and having both rear tires grab launches my tj in directions I don't want it to go more often than not. When it doesn't grab it pitches it sideways faster than is comfortable. In such a short wheelbase rig it isn't fun

It is nice going up slick driveways and other flat low traction surfaces,but I won't miss it at all when I finally install arbs

 

[Beestinger]

I put 200,000 miles on a rear Detroit in my Toyota 4x4 truck well before I knew better. The selectable is better for on and off road. You want a selectable locker in the rear (@2:10 has the pertinent info):

Hijacking the thread a bit, but building off the info presented in the video, I wonder if this same theory of having a Detroit Locker in front and selectable locker in the rear hold true for those that have an Atlas transfer case and are able to use a front dig to maneuver in tight situations?

On the other hand, does having a Detroit locker in the front as noted in the video, create the same kind of strain on front axle components that a front dig does?

 

[OkieJoe]

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.

I’m describing “fair amount of pavement” as approximately 50% of its overall usage. The other remaining 50% will be light to medium wheeling with probably more on the medium side. As of today, my plan is to get a Powertrax No Slip for the front, and I will add the Eaton elocker for the rear towards the end of the final build.

 

[RHanna]

I’m describing “fair amount of pavement” as approximately 50% of its overall usage. The other remaining 50% will be light to medium wheeling with probably more on the medium side. As of today, my plan is to get a Powertrax No Slip for the front, and I will add the Eaton elocker for the rear towards the end of the final build.

I think that’s the best plan. I also have an electric locker in the rear and torq lunchbox locker in the front.

I went with torq because it seemed a better design than the no slip powertrac, less parts. If you don’t mind the ratcheting noise give it a look.

I wish I had a selectable in the front but it’s hard putting that much money into a Dana 30.

 

[Rickyd]

I think that’s the best plan. I also have an electric locker in the rear and torq lunchbox locker in the front.

I went with torq because it seemed a better design than the no slip powertrac, less parts. If you don’t mind the ratcheting noise give it a look.

I wish I had a selectable in the front but it’s hard putting that much money into a Dana 30.

California Thread 'New Dana 30 Eaton Locker (Free shipping)'

Jan 12, 2025

Brand new never used
$1100

• 06TJ35's
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Parts For Sale

• 

 

[L J]

I wonder if this same theory of having a Detroit Locker in front and selectable locker in the rear hold true for those that have an Atlas transfer case and are able to use a front dig to maneuver in tight situations?

It's not comparable as a rig with an open diff, or unlocked selectable, will still have a tire driving it forward. The unlocked selectable just lets the rig turn tighter than with an auto locker.

On the other hand, does having a Detroit locker in the front as noted in the video, create the same kind of strain on front axle components that a front dig does?

The TJ Rubicons have a locker in front from the factory.

 

[Weasellee]

The unlocked selectable just lets the rig turn tighter than with an auto locker.

You still feel this way after watching John Curries video?

IMO, if you are going to lock one end only the most bang for your buck is lock the front.

Most locked their rear first and have little or no experience with lsd or open rear with a locked front.

Yes, to have the option of either whenever you choose is best, but second best goes to front

Now that I convinced myself I hope yall understand.

 

[L J]

You still feel this way after watching John Curries video?

Yes, the segment I referenced is about selectable versus automatic rear lockers.

IMO, if you are going to lock one end only the most bang for your buck is lock the front.

I wouldn't lock only the front or only the rear.

Yes, to have the option of either whenever you choose is best...

In my opinion it is the only option worth considering.