Topic: opinions on lockers please

[b.hog]

Ive read alot about lockers making people change lanes and crazy handeling ,  is that just a jeep thing? Because I have had a few chevys locked from the factory and have never experienced anything like that.My daily driver 2003 vortec s-10 is locked.The reason I ask is because I too was wanting to lock up the jeep

Automatic lockers, as the name implies, lock on and off automatically.  They tend to be cheaper than selectable lockers, but they do have some down sides, particularly, on road manners (here I am generalizing, but the road manners will depend on the brand of locker).  Depending on the brand, and automatic locker can cause your Jeep to change lanes suddenly and unexpectedly when accellarating (if you are not used to driving with it), and can make clicking noise that are loud enough to scare some passangers.


Felipe

[Jeffy]

Ive read alot about lockers making people change lanes and crazy handeling ,  is that just a jeep thing? Because I have had a few chevys locked from the factory and have never experienced anything like that.My daily driver 2003 vortec s-10 is locked.The reason I ask is because I too was wanting to lock up the jeep

Most OEM differentials (Torsen included)are Limited Slip type and are a lot more mild then a true locker.  They may be high bias but they are not truly 1:1 like a locker.  Most of the lane shifting is because of the driver.  Either they shifted or feathered the throttle or some other input.

With that said, a full locker like a Detroit will not only be stronger but also smoother then a drop-in/Lunch Box locker.

[oldjeep]

Ive read alot about lockers making people change lanes and crazy handeling ,  is that just a jeep thing? Because I have had a few chevys locked from the factory and have never experienced anything like that.My daily driver 2003 vortec s-10 is locked.The reason I ask is because I too was wanting to lock up the jeep

Not too many real lockers from the factory.  Most are limited slips.  The exceptions are things like the 14 bolt GovLock and the detroit locker found in the front D60 of Chevy Military vehicles.

As for the crazy handling, I've been running automatic lockers like Detroits, lok rites and Aussies for almost 20 years and have not experienced stuff like that.

[Torch_Ind]

I put a lockright locker in the rear of mine it does have some handling differences but nothing major. just have to remember to get of the gas doing sharp turns and stuff is about all cause it will lock and chirp tires or try and push you forward instaid of turn lol.

the factory GM  G80 lockers only lock at low speeds and are open diff/limited slip at high speeds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTGZOJQQBeE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbMZ9vcYVSg&feature=related

[stan98tj]

will something like an aussie take away from daily drivability? i feel like for me personally id like to have something i can switch on and off at will...

[stan98tj]

if i do settle on a selectable locker-when  off road, if i need to turn while locked would i then have to unlock?

[oldjeep]

if i do settle on a selectable locker-when  off road, if i need to turn while locked would i then have to unlock?

Yes, unless the surface you are driving on allows the tires to slip.  On dry pavement you would get chirping, and you only get so many axle twist cycles before they snap.

Here's my favorite picture of what can happen when you run a spool on the street - the shafts from my old CJ

[stan98tj]

Yes, unless the surface you are driving on allows the tires to slip.  On dry pavement you would get chirping, and you only get so many axle twist cycles before they snap.

Here's my favorite picture of what can happen when you run a spool on the street - the shafts from my old CJ

well if it's a selectable locker then i wont have a problem drivin in 4wd when it's snowed above 3" im worried something like an aussie may lock and unlock if im in 4wd in the snow...and then i may have a problem

[oldjeep]

well if it's a selectable locker then i wont have a problem drivin in 4wd when it's snowed above 3" im worried something like an aussie may lock and unlock if im in 4wd in the snow...and then i may have a problem

Then I would ignore the experience of others who have automatic lockers and go with your fear, and an ARB  

Seriously though it sounds like you need to take a winter driving course if you think that 4wd on the street is a neccessity.

[Torch_Ind]

Then I would ignore the experience of others who have automatic lockers and go with your fear, and an ARB  

Seriously though it sounds like you need to take a winter driving course if you think that 4wd on the street is a neccessity.

ya the auto lockers like aussie and lockright are full time lockers if your on the gas or have load on the drive shaft aka automatic there locked they will clunk and ratchet noise and feel on corners if you don't have your foot in it. I'm standard and can throw it in neutral when it does that and it goes away. it's a normal condition for those lockers.  another guy in the club has assie in hes xj and is running bias play tires and if hes air presures change from one side to the other it causes some weird things to happened also.

Most people go for the lockright and aussie simply to save $$$ and easy install due to it using you stock carrier just replaces the spiders. I had mine put in less then 45mins in and out of the shop here at work.

going with a air locker or electric locker is better for daily driver for sure.

[sharpxmen]

Seriously though it sounds like you need to take a winter driving course if you think that 4wd on the street is a neccessity.

depends on where you live, California maybe not so much but if you have 3 feet (not 3 inches) of snow on the street with only one wheel spinning in the rear i don't think you're going anywhere - 4wd is great for snow, I always use it and recommend it to anyone driving in such conditions, improves traction and braking as well, lot safer too.

[oldjeep]

depends on where you live, California maybe not so much but if you have 3 feet (not 3 inches) of snow on the street with only one wheel spinning in the rear i don't think you're going anywhere - 4wd is great for snow, I always use it and recommend it to anyone driving in such conditions, improves traction and braking as well, lot safer too.

I live in Minnesota - we get a little snow here 

[sharpxmen]

I live in Minnesota - we get a little snow here 

wait till you take a trip to Canada 

[oldjeep]

wait till you take a trip to Canada 

Spent 4 years taking trips to Nelson BC and other transmitter bases putting in transmitter monitoring for CBC.  Never had a 4wd there either.

[sharpxmen]

Yes, unless the surface you are driving on allows the tires to slip.  On dry pavement you would get chirping, and you only get so many axle twist cycles before they snap.

Here's my favorite picture of what can happen when you run a spool on the street - the shafts from my old CJ

it's amazing that they didn't snap - probably in a YJ/TJ dana 35 one of them would've give way rather than twist.