I know that. But you said that the front locker decreases mobility more than the rear locker, which is false.
Would it be best to install a front or rear locker?
- Thread starter Johnnyrtheplumber
- Start date
I think it comes down to where you wheel. If I was climbing boulders all the time, I could see wanting a front locker to walk the front up since it would be difficult to climb straight up a rock without the front. For mud, hills, and what I consider just general off-roading, I'd prefer a rear. In my wheeling I've found more places where I've wanted my rear locker than my front. The extra push from behind has just seemed more useful to me more often and I never use the front unless I'm coming up to a difficult obstacle. If you're doing those difficult obstacles in the first place, I'd have both lockers anyways.
I've rarely found mobility due to the lockers to be a limiting factor on the trail, but I've also never wheeled on trails that are just one continuous obstacle like you see in some places.
I've rarely found mobility due to the lockers to be a limiting factor on the trail, but I've also never wheeled on trails that are just one continuous obstacle like you see in some places.
A high traction scenario with the front end locked can make steering difficult - if not impossible. If that's not limiting your mobility then I don't know what to call it?
Currie's rig had a Detroit in the front which unlocks thru the turn, just like switching off an E-locker.
Not saying the front locker doesn't limit mobility. I just disagree that it limits it more than the rear, as do many more on here far smarter and experienced than I. Don't want to keep beating a dead horse though. This forum has over-beaten dead horses strewn all over the place.
Correct. My guess is your turning off your lockers before you need to make tight maneuvers? Sorry, I can't see your profile to know what lockers you have.
I wouldn't consider what I said correct, just my opinion. I don't think there is a right answer to this question besides "it depends".
If I have to turn on the trail and there isn't an obstacle, I just click my ARB switches off.
I agree. Front and rear locker use seems to vary widely based on terrain and driver preference.
There is a solution...selectable lockers at both ends.
Mr. Currie just explained what I could not. That is pretty much been my experience here in the south west.
The OP got scared off by the heated debate and now he's just going to buy a winch.
Same argument applies. If you can only afford one, put it on the front.The OP got scared off by the heated debate and now he's just going to buy a winch.
Tldelaney
TJ Enthusiast
Ill make this easy for you. Contrary to what amazon says, its for a front Dana 30, not rear lol
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Works great and is recommended by the forum. Dont let the reviews scare you.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Works great and is recommended by the forum. Dont let the reviews scare you.
A locked front does very little to restrict mobility. The most it does is make the steering wheel feel tight, but that doesn't translate to what is happening on the ground.
Why does the steering wheel feel tight? What is the root cause of this?
Furthermore, if a front locker doesn't restrict mobility, why not just install a spool up front?
And not to further muddy the water here, but why does Jeep design the Rubicon lockers to engage in a certain order? Correct me if I'm wrong but, doesn't the rear have to be locked first before the front can be locked? In other words, the factory front locker cannot be engaged without the rear being locked at the same time?
Safety reasons for the Rubicon is my guess. That's why you can only engage them in 4LO without the locker switch mod.
I did front first then the rear later.
I wanted the front for climbing over obstacles where one tire may not have traction.
The best answer is get both.
I wanted the front for climbing over obstacles where one tire may not have traction.
The best answer is get both.
I used to think the front locker restricted mobility more than the rear. That was when i was running a dying power steering pump and a stock box. When the front was locked it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel. Now that i have a proper power steering system, I cant even tell when the front is locked and i am turning the wheel.