Topic: Limited Slip Diff?? Will it Help? 91 YJ

[az_zoner]

We were out on some trails near Parker AZ this past weekend and I realized I need to do something about traction on my 91 YJ. I loved to install a locker but I flat tow behind my MH.  We are not hard core but like to hit challenging trails evey once in a while.  Is there something we can do to improve the traction control with out going to a locker? Or does anyone know of a locker that I can install and still be able to flat tow my YJ?

Craig

[sharpxmen]

i've heard of spool up front and using the vacuum quick disco (converted to a cable) to use it as 3wd/4wd - so basically with the passanger axle disconnected and t-case in 2wd would be open but spinning the front driveshaft (and so are the TJs which don't have the quick disconnect) , when you wheel it with t-case in 4wd you'd have traction to rear axle and locked driver's side front wheel and with the quick disconnect engaged you have locked front both wheels and open rear.

that's what i can think of as a cheap solution. 

[neale_rs]

 The selectable ARB air locker is what you need.  What's wrong with towing with an automatic locker?

[az_zoner]

Sharpxmen, That looks like a option I can look into further.

thanks for the input

Craig

[sharpxmen]

The selectable ARB air locker is what you need.  What's wrong with towing with an automatic locker?

you're right, selectable is the best option (arb, ox, eaton) - i think he meant something on the low budget side (that was my understanding) but i could be wrong.

[az_zoner]

neale_rs,  
I'm not real knowledgeable on lockers so I'm going on what I've been told and have read on other forums. I’m sure I can find out for sure by making a few phone calls and getting the facts from the manufactures. They are pricey but I’m sure every time you clear an area instead of needing a winch to get over it, it starts to pay off.

Thanks,

cb

[sharpxmen]

i misunderstood then, in that case like neale said go for selectable lockers, they are open in normal operation (just like your stock diff) and you lock them with a flick of a switch for arb (air) or eaton (electric) or with a cable for ox lockers (these lockers arb, ox, eaton are not limited slip but fully locked like a spool which is what you want offroad)

[Jeffy]

Learn to use your brakes to modulate the wheel spin.  Really good drivers can run an open-diff like a LSD.

For the cost of installing a full spool, you'd be better off installing a lunchbox locker yourself.  A spool is cheap but you're going to have to set the gears up again.  A lunchbox in the back can be installed and removed easily enough.

[az_zoner]

Learn to use your brakes to modulate the wheel spin.  Really good drivers can run an open-diff like a LSD.

For the cost of installing a full spool, you'd be better off installing a lunchbox locker yourself.  A spool is cheap but you're going to have to set the gears up again.  A lunchbox in the back can be installed and removed easily enough.

What brought this all on was a run we made last week. I was so busy with clutch, foot feed, and no power steering that I don't think I could have worked the brake in at any time. Let alone the jeep was bouncing all over the place.  But with that said, I know the trail a bit now and will for sure be set up better than I was. I learned a lot in just five miles of nothing but rocks. Big rocks!

So back to the lunchbox locker, will that have any effect on towing my jeep? And where did the term lunchbox come from? Are there any threads with write ups on how to install around?

I'm looking at all options but a budget route would probably fit better. If I can do the work, it's more I can spend on the parts.
 
thanks

Craig

[Jeffy]

Honestly, I'd get some more time behind the wheel and see if you need to do anything else.  Tires are a big contribution.  Looks like you have a YJ.  Are you still running track bars?  How about the sway-bar?  Still on stock shackles?  That's where I'd start.  Maybe get a hand throttle as well since they're cheap.

[az_zoner]

Honestly, I'd get some more time behind the wheel and see if you need to do anything else.  Tires are a big contribution.  Looks like you have a YJ.  Are you still running track bars?  How about the sway-bar?  Still on stock shackles?  That's where I'd start.  Maybe get a hand throttle as well since they're cheap.

 
I actually do have time 4 wheeling and reading lines but it was many many years ago. We've had the yj less than a year. It is lifted via suspension, no shackles or body lift. And I have 32 x11.5 BFG AT tires. Track bars are gone but I still have the sway bar.  Do disconnect and no sway bar help much?

Funny you bring up the throttle. That is one thing that I could not control with the rocking and bouncing of the jeep. My foot would get to bouncing too. I've been told to try and add an additional spring. How does the hand throttle work?

Anyway, I'll keep asking questions and searching for solutions.

Thanks for the suggestions and input.

Craig

[grumpygy]

Hand throttle look at this.

http://www.extremeterrain.com/teraflex-hand-throttle-tj-yj-4870400.html?utm_content=genonly&utm_campaign=50966386926-avshop&utm_source=google-pla&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=&adpos=1o2&network=g&XTID=J12602&adtype=pla

[neale_rs]

 Track bars are gone but I still have the sway bar.  Do disconnect and no sway bar help much?

Disconnecting the sway bar helps a lot on a YJ. 

I'm no longer running mine (SUA lift) with no problems on road but many run it on road due to personal preference.

[Jeffy]

I'd check the torque on the shackle and hanger bolts.  If you have nylock nuts on them, they don't need to be super tight.  IIRC, the FSM says they should be 70-90lbs which is too tight.  Disconnecting the sway bar does a lot.  Otherwise the drop on the front tires is very minimal.  Just make sure your brake lines have enough slack.  You might want to relocate them under the frame if you don't already run longer lines.  Getting the suspension to flex will keep the tires in contact with the surface and give you more traction.

I use a Rubicon Express handle thorttle but they're all basically the same.  You can make one from scratch if you know you're way around a bike and know where to get them.  Basically the hand throttle goes on the shifter.

[az_zoner]

Do you run both a foot feed and the hand throttle at the same ? Like foot feed when driving to the trails and then hand throttle when on trails. Or do you disconnect one ?

Cb