Locker options for Front axle on 92.

[RonA]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a locker on the front axle on my 92. 3. 55 gears. No sled pulling, just trying to keep from getting stuck alot.

Ron

 

[dan brooks]

I have Detroit Lockers in my Jeep and they're great... unless you're in ice or snow. They can also make it a little more difficult to negotiate tight turns since a front locker wants to push the front end (I have 2-low in the Jeep to deal with that).



ARBs are the best since you can engage them only when you need them, but they're more expensive and require a compressor or some kind of on board air.

 

[BJMarshall]

I would suggest one of the available selectable lockers such as an Ox locker or an ARB. I have used a detorit in the front, and it wasn't very well mannered on slippery stuff unless you were on the throttle. Another good option is a torsen style differential like the true-trac, but I don't know if they make it for the 60.

 

[BHiggins]

I agree with BJMarshall, go with an ARB. It's an "open" diff same as you have now until you flip a switch and then it locks like a spool. It's the best choice for a locker in the front.

 

["Mad Max"]

I just got an Eaton electric locker stuffed in my front 60 for my Ramcharger, and I'm doing the same for the 60 in my 93 diesel. Eaton just came out with them. I haven't driven the RC yet as it's still under construction, so no driving results.

- S

 

[BHiggins]

I knew Eaton made air lockers for the larger "Rockwell" style rears, but I wasn't aware they make an electric locker for the smaller Dana's. That's good news, Eaton is a trusted name when it comes to differentials.

 

[MMiller]

Ah just get a lock right. Remove the spider gears and stick it in. They are a cheep locker. I haven't been able to break mine yet.



On a side note, a friend used to run a ls in his 60 front. On snow and ice he had to steer the truck alot just going straight. He went to the lockright and liked it much better in the snow and ice in 4x4 then the ls not as much torque steer. Just his $. 02.



Ron, is this your daily driver, snow & ice truck, or just a fun truck? The lockrite is a inexpensive peice that will make both front tires spin. I ran mine in my 93 for about a year until I got my 75 up and going. It has been truck pulled, mud raced, and 4wheeled pretty hard.



Michael

 

[RonA]

It's my daily driver. I talked to a guy today about it. He said the rear would be about 600 installed. I can't remember what the brand was. Sounds like what you are talking about. Take out the spider gears and put this in. He is looking into the front now. I can't imagine trying to do any serious off road work with one of these. That front axle likes to bury itself in the mud.

 

[Hunter4x4]

OK Guys, while we're on the topic, got a couple of questions! What kind of 'manners' do your trucks have when you put a locker in the front?



My '91. 5 is open-open right now, and I'm going to upgrade one of these days. This is the first truck I've had in 25 years that didn't have a limited slip (LS) in the rear, and I kind of miss it. And I do know how to drive with an LS in the slippery stuff (I live in Michigan!)!! My first question is will I notice a difference between a Detroit Locker and a tight Auburn LS in the rear? I'm thinking from a driving standpoint probably not much, from a tire wear maybe a little more wear, but I'd like to hear what other's experiences have been.



Second question: I live in Michigan, which means that when it snows I'm in 4WD. Up to this point my street vehciles have always had a LS-rear and an open-front. What can I expect with either a LS or locked front? If I'm locked front and rear and get into the greasy snowy driving conditions how much difference will I see in my trucks manners? Harder to handle because of the locked front or better because of the better traction?



It's been my experience over the years that in 2WD mode with a LS rear if you hit some real slick stuff (i. e. "Ice On Bridge"!) the back end can (will?!) kick around on you, but in 4WD with the open front and LS rear the front almost always counteracts most of the tail wag.



For the record, I have a built '78 Jeep CJ7 thats locked front and rear, and have driven trails in the winter with it on some pretty slick stuff, and it seems that as long as you're in 4WD the 4WD seems to counteract most of the locker slide (unless you're on totally glare ice !)



As I said above, just looking for other folks input,

'cuz,

that's how we learn!!



Thanks!



Mike