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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 11:17:08 AM

Title: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 11:17:08 AM
Aussie locker's home page says its dangerous to put a automatic locker in the front axel when using 4wd and on icy highways, why?  I live in Iowa and we get decent amounts of snow in the winter but not much ice, I want my jeep to still be my daily driver but I would like to throw in a cheap automatic locker while I am having new ring & pinions installed.

So should I throw a aussie locker in the front or rear for 99% DD and 1% off roader?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 11:42:49 AM
TJ/YJ/CJ/XJ?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Bounty Hunter on October 22, 2007, 11:58:31 AM
Lunchbox lockers are a breeze to install and don't necessarily need to be done at the same time as a regear.

Why do you want a locker for 1% offroad use?

I run a spool in the front, and if it weren't for having a cable disconnect on one side for 3wd, I wouldn't be able to turn on snow-packed roads.  An automatic locker will behave the same way as it is locked under throttle.  You'll have to let off the gas to turn, and it'll lock again as soon as gas is applied, which could be scary part-way through a turn on a snowpacked road.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 12:11:30 PM
Its for a TJ, it looks like I defiantly DONT want a automatic locker than, that does sound scary.  What is a good CHEAP limited slip or posi type unit that doesnt affect daily driving or snowy / icy highways???  Or maybe I need a CHEAP selectable locker for the front???
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Mozman68 on October 22, 2007, 12:52:11 PM
Its for a TJ, it looks like I defiantly DONT want a automatic locker than, that does sound scary.  What is a good CHEAP limited slip or posi type unit that doesnt affect daily driving or snowy / icy highways???  Or maybe I need a CHEAP selectable locker for the front???

Boy...let us all know when you find that..... :lol:
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 12:58:28 PM
I found some cheap trak lok posi units, maybe thats a better route for a daily driver?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: dexetr30 on October 22, 2007, 01:03:08 PM
Aussie locker's home page says its dangerous to put a automatic locker in the front axle when using 4wd and on icy highways, why?  I live in Iowa and we get decent amounts of snow in the winter but not much ice, I want my jeep to still be my daily driver but I would like to throw in a cheap automatic locker while I am having new ring & pinions installed.

So should I throw a Aussie locker in the front or rear for 99% DD and 1% off roader?

I've had a similar question going through my head lately. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to put a selectable locker in the rear only. I'd use it for those occasions when I'm wheeling and get stuck, and for winter snow when I'm stuck. These two scenarios would be the only time it got switched on. As most of you know... I'm not a hard core wheeler. I stick to lighter trail rides and the occasional semi shallow mud holes. So really at this point in the game I don't see the need for a locker front and rear. Anyone have opinions or answers?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Mozman68 on October 22, 2007, 01:12:35 PM
Aussie locker's home page says its dangerous to put a automatic locker in the front axle when using 4wd and on icy highways, why?  I live in Iowa and we get decent amounts of snow in the winter but not much ice, I want my jeep to still be my daily driver but I would like to throw in a cheap automatic locker while I am having new ring & pinions installed.

So should I throw a Aussie locker in the front or rear for 99% DD and 1% off roader?

I've had a similar question going through my head lately. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to put a selectable locker in the rear only. I'd use it for those occasions when I'm wheeling and get stuck, and for winter snow when I'm stuck. These two scenarios would be the only time it got switched on. As most of you know... I'm not a hard core wheeler. I stick to lighter trail rides and the occasional semi shallow mud holes. So really at this point in the game I don't see the need for a locker front and rear. Anyone have opinions or answers?

Maybe if you had the lockers you might wheel the harder stuff..... :stick:
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 01:19:11 PM
I found some cheap trak lok posi units, maybe thats a better route for a daily driver?

Track Lok aka: Trash Lok
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Shawn_c on October 22, 2007, 01:23:32 PM
You would be an ideal canidate for a Detroit True Track a gear based limited slip.  They are a much stronger set-up then a track lok unit.  The true track is a gear based limited slip.  That means it won't wear out like a clutch based Track Lock.  The true tracks works really well, probably one of th ebest limited slips out there.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 01:39:04 PM
Tru-trac defiantly sounds like what I want, I dont want something that req's maintance or will wear out.  Should I put one in the front or rear for max off road traction???
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: dexetr30 on October 22, 2007, 01:53:07 PM
Maybe if you had the lockers you might wheel the harder stuff..... :stick:

Maybe. :twofingers:  But one thing to keep in mind is that this is our daily driver. We have to be able to wheel on the weekends and then it has to get us from point a to point b during the week. I should have kept that p.o.s. yj and just wheeled the crap out of it until it fell apart.  :weee:
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 02:00:11 PM
Maybe. :twofingers:  But one thing to keep in mind is that this is our daily driver. We have to be able to wheel on the weekends and then it has to get us from point a to point b during the week. I should have kept that p.o.s. yj and just wheeled the crap out of it until it fell apart.  :weee:

Hmm, mines a daily driver too...

...I think if you kept that YJ, you'd be walking home after the first trip.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: dexetr30 on October 22, 2007, 02:05:47 PM
Maybe. :twofingers:  But one thing to keep in mind is that this is our daily driver. We have to be able to wheel on the weekends and then it has to get us from point a to point b during the week. I should have kept that p.o.s. yj and just wheeled the crap out of it until it fell apart.  :weee:

Hmm, mines a daily driver too...

...I think if you kept that YJ, you'd be walking home after the first trip.
You're more than likely right Jeffy. Ok, new plan then. Save some $$$ for a 44 for the rear. Then save for a rear locker and finally a front. Anyone know anything about the ECTED Electrically Activated Lockers?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: chrisfranklin on October 22, 2007, 02:17:13 PM
If I was in an area with some snow, then I'd probably think about doing a selectable in the front, auto in the rear or selectables front and rear. 

I currently use an Aussie in the front end, unlocked in the rear.  Will probably put one in the rear axle also.  You can get away with that s%^t in the Sunbelt  :lol: 

Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 02:19:11 PM
You're more than likely right Jeffy. Ok, new plan then. Save some $$$ for a 44 for the rear. Then save for a rear locker and finally a front. Anyone know anything about the ECTED Electrically Activated Lockers?

Personally, I'd go with an ARB.  It's tried technology that's been around since the 80's.  Although I do like my Detroit.  It's very predictable and isn't loud.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 02:25:06 PM
Whats a aussie or automatic locker going to be like in the rear, what about on snowy / icy roads?
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: chrisfranklin on October 22, 2007, 02:26:15 PM
And if you are keeping your current rear axle, then you could install an Aussie in it and be happy with the performance without potentially compromising your safety in snow/ice.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 02:32:11 PM
And if you are keeping your current rear axle, then you could install an Aussie in it and be happy with the performance without potentially compromising your safety in snow/ice.

???? :puzzled:
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: chrisfranklin on October 22, 2007, 02:33:16 PM
Dunno what axle and tire size you are doing though. Lots of photos around of busted, locked D35s on 33s, 35s  
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on October 22, 2007, 02:44:45 PM
I plan on using 33" tires.  So your saying locked rear end + 33" = broken dana 35?

Maybe I should put a detroit true trac in the back when I have them re-gear it.  And then I could add a automatic or selectable locker for the front in the future if I need it.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Shawn_c on October 22, 2007, 03:16:21 PM
I plan on using 33" tires.  So your saying locked rear end + 33" = broken dana 35?

Maybe I should put a detroit true trac in the back when I have them re-gear it.  And then I could add a automatic or selectable locker for the front in the future if I need it.

Actually the true track in the rear will strengthen your dana 35.  The spider gears and carrier will break as often if not more so othen an axle shaft will.  The true track is a much stronger replacement unit.  Also in the rear you can pull up on your e-brake alittle to help get the true track to lock up.  But really unless you lift a tire off the ground the true track will stay "locked" so to speak.  If in your area of wheeling your not constantly lifting tires I'd go with true tracks front and rear.

I have hear alot of bad talk about the auburn ECTED.  Premature clutch wear being the main issue. 

Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: neale_rs on October 22, 2007, 03:25:21 PM
I got to test drive a 4x4 Ram Charger with true tracs front and rear a couple of weeks ago.  Amazing traction on dirt hills.  It wasn't a place where the tires were coming off the ground but I'm sure my open diffs YJ would have spun tires at least a little on those hills.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jesse-James on October 22, 2007, 04:26:58 PM
Having a 318 under the hood might have helped a little too.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 04:38:08 PM
I have an old school setup.  Detroit True-Trac up front and a Detroit Softlocker out back.  I like teh True-Trac up front since it's not going to beat up my D30 as much.  It biases no more then 2.5:1 and that can be controlled with some brakes.  They're very quiet and seamless with disconnects.  If you have a TJ with no disconnects, you'll feel the LSD on road.  The Jeep will want to understeer up front.  Some people say they can't feel it but they must be smoking crack or something.  It's noticeable.  :lol:  In the back, it would be less noticeable.

Although if the trail requires lockers, get lockers.  LSD's are good but not that good.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: neale_rs on October 22, 2007, 04:46:03 PM
Having a 318 under the hood might have helped a little too.

It had a 360!  :biggrin:  Yeah, it could just idle up with the automatic.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jesse-James on October 22, 2007, 04:53:30 PM
Same motor as my donor...er, tow rig.  :uhoh:

A responsive skinny pedal is nice for hill climbs.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: might4banger on October 22, 2007, 05:29:04 PM
Sorry, for 1% off-road you don't need a locker or a limited slip...

There I said it...
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 22, 2007, 05:49:12 PM
Sorry, for 1% off-road you don't need a locker or a limited slip...

There I said it...

 :lol:  I didn't see that part!
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: dexetr30 on October 22, 2007, 06:03:38 PM
Sorry, for 1% off-road you don't need a locker or a limited slip...

There I said it...

Not true in my case. I'm a 1%er but I've gotten stuck in the mud and on a few slippery slopes that a locker really would have helped with. Although spinning two tires and covering the Jeep in mud can be fun.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Mozman68 on October 22, 2007, 06:07:55 PM
Mine's a daily driver as well...going with selectable front and rear...ARB.... :guns: :guns:
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: dexetr30 on October 22, 2007, 06:17:50 PM
Mine's a daily driver as well...going with selectable front and rear...ARB.... :guns: :guns:

The ARB is my first choice but at $860.00 x 2, I'm not so sure. Then theres the cost of the compressor unit. I'm thinking Detroit Softlocker out back with an ARB in the front.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Rokcrwln on October 22, 2007, 07:53:53 PM
I run ARBs front and rear and it's great to run open on the road, but be locked when needed.
Plus when you're running easier trails with stock rigs you can run open and still have a fun.

For you 1% ers, I would spend my money on a good winch. Stuck is stuck, it doesn't matter if you're locked or not
Lockers just allow you to get stuck in deeper, tighter, more challenging spots, but if you have a winch you can always get yourself moving again. 
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Shawn_c on October 22, 2007, 08:43:17 PM
I run ARBs front and rear and it's great to run open on the road, but be locked when needed.
Plus when you're running easier trails with stock rigs you can run open and still have a fun.

For you 1% ers, I would spend my money on a good winch. Stuck is stuck, it doesn't matter if you're locked or not
Lockers just allow you to get stuck in deeper, tighter, more challenging spots, but if you have a winch you can always get yourself moving again. 

There is a lot of truth in that.  But my recomendation for the True Track was for multiple reasons.  The true tracks will make any rig, just about, a hero in the snow and ice.  It is several hundred cheaper then a detroit soft locker, and also strengthens a needed part in the lackluster Dana 35c.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: cmgorman94 on October 24, 2007, 09:27:14 AM
I run ARBs front and rear and it's great to run open on the road, but be locked when needed.
Plus when you're running easier trails with stock rigs you can run open and still have a fun.

For you 1% ers, I would spend my money on a good winch. Stuck is stuck, it doesn't matter if you're locked or not
Lockers just allow you to get stuck in deeper, tighter, more challenging spots, but if you have a winch you can always get yourself moving again. 

Thank you, you beat me to this.  To the OP, I tried looking at your profile, but couldn't really find anything on your Jeep.  I'm guessing it has the D35 rear?  I believe you also mentioned wanting to run 33's.  I'm sorry but that combination with any sort of locker is living on borrowed time. The 35 is just not strong enough for that. If I were you and had to drive in snow and just did a little bit of wheeling, I would consider an ARB or a winch.  Having a selectable locker would be the only real option IMO, but it's VERY expensive. The benefit would be having it turned off you would never know it's there, on you have a full locker. For the price you could get a pretty nice winch, and then you know you could get out.  Many people on this forum will tell you that a Warn will be the way to go. I agree with them.  They are truly the best.  I however, do not have that kind of money laying around, and have intimate experience with the ins and outs of the new Smittybilt winches.  My neighbor and I completely tore one down before putting it on his YJ, and I think it's a pretty nice unit.  After using it a few times, and going on the comments I've heard from you on what you want to spend, I think that would be a really good route for you to go.  It's something that will be a peace of mind for all stages of the Jeep buildup.  If you eventually decide you still want a locker, then look at axle upgrades such as a rear D44 or Rubicon axles, the rubicons come with selectable lockers, and in a TJ they just bolt right up.

Chad<----votes for a winch for 1% offroad use
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: Jeffy on October 24, 2007, 12:11:53 PM
Chad<----votes for a winch for 1% offroad use

Or a minimum, a Hi-Lift, rope or chain extension, tree saver, etc...  You'll probably want them even if you get a winch.  Also, if you go with a buddy a snatch strap will probably be the most useful thing.  It's a lot quicker for those times your stuck but not really bad.
Title: Re: Aussie Locker, front or rear for daily driver???
Post by: BOOGIE444 on November 09, 2007, 12:56:27 PM
Just a update, I ended up getting detroit truetrac's for both my dana 30 & dana 35.  I found a dealer on ebay that sells them for $350.00 plus $15.00 for shipping, I just couldnt pass it up.  Although I will probably need the extra traction because I am putting on crappy 33 x 12.5 wrangler at/s all terrian tires, as I am getting a practically even trade for my 1/2 used up 30 x 9.5 kumho MT's for 1/2 used wrangler at/s.  I guess I got lucky that the place installing my parts has the right sized used tires like that.