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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Eucalypta on October 13, 2010, 09:32:29 AM

Title: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: Eucalypta on October 13, 2010, 09:32:29 AM

Hello fellow Jeepers,

I read through alot of topics here regarding lockers.
It seems the use and type is very subjective, still I'd like some good advice on the following.

I can buy a Detroit Soft locker for my Dana 35C (with 33" wheels but otherwise stock car).
Is this a wise thing to install, or will this be an "axle eater" and is it better to get winched out more often?

Curious about your opinion.

John

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: neale_rs on October 13, 2010, 09:38:32 AM

The locker will make your Jeep unreliable if you stick with the D35.   If you don't have a winch, it is a really good thing to have.

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: chardrc on October 13, 2010, 09:50:37 AM

i have a powertrax "noslip" lunchbox stile locker in my d35c. but i only have 31's.. id be looking for a beefier axle if i was to go to 33's with a locker.

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: Eucalypta on October 13, 2010, 10:01:18 AM

OOPS!  :brick:

Seems it is a front locker for the DANA 30....
I don't have a rear locker.

Any comments on this?

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: chardrc on October 13, 2010, 10:43:29 AM

locker in the d30 with 33's is fairly safe. may want to get shafts with the bigger u-joints or wait tell they blow then get chromoly shafts (forgot which year they switched over).

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: Wheezer on October 14, 2010, 05:13:10 PM

I have Lock Rights in both axles of my '95 YJ, with stock shafts and 33" tire, 4.88 gears.  I've had them in there for about 10 years in the rear and 7 in the front. I wore the rear one out after 9 years but so far (knock, knock) I haven't broken anything. Yes locked differentials affect the way your Jeep drives, but a reasonably competent driver will adjust in about 5 minutes. You just need to drive your Jeep with a little restraint. More finesse, less brute force. If you're going to install Detroits in your diffs be sure to regear for your tire size. Driving locked diffs with stock gears and larger tires will put much more stress on your parts making breakage more likely. It also makes driving slow more difficult and the ability to go slow is paramount when in the rough stuff. If you can afford alloy shafts then by all means slide 'em in there especially if you don't know the history of your Jeep.

Wheezer

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: Jeffy on October 14, 2010, 05:35:43 PM

Softlockers are pretty smooth.  Much better then a Lunch Box locker.

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: Eucalypta on October 15, 2010, 05:52:44 AM

Quote from: Wheezer on October 14, 2010, 05:13:10 PM

If you're going to install Detroits in your diffs be sure to regear for your tire size. Driving locked diffs with stock gears and larger tires will put much more stress on your parts making breakage more likely.

Re-gear to what? I have currently 4.10 in my diffs right? Or do you mean something else?

Title: Re: Again: Lockers (do or don't Detroit Soft locker?)
Post by: b.hog on October 15, 2010, 06:06:54 AM

Quote from: Eucalypta on October 15, 2010, 05:52:44 AM

Re-gear to what? I have currently 4.10 in my diffs right? Or do you mean something else?

  re-gear to something that better suits 33's  like 4.88's   :thumb: