Auto locker or limited slip

[UtahJK]

Once again I will throw a different opinion out there than the majority. But first, the ideal situation is a PR44 or 60 with a selectable locker, but hey, the funds are just not there for all of us.

That being said, I run 4.88s on my DD JKU with an Aussie up front and a Detroit in the rear. I live in Michigan and snow/ice is a way of life (no pun intended). Now I will agree that an auto locker in 4wd on ice/snow can get interesting if you are driving in a manner in which you should not be for the conditions at hand. However, if the snow/ice is so bad that you need to be in 4wd then there is no way in hell you should be driving fast enough to face the issues that the auto locker can create. Locker or no locker ice and snow mean you need to drive more conservatively, 4wd will not make you invincible in these conditions, if anything it will get you into trouble faster due to the false sense of security. There have been people driving with auto lockers in these conditions for many years before the selectable locker came into the world. Me personally I have logged 40k+ miles with my setup in every climate condition imaginable and I have never had an issue.

Auto lockers do come with their quirks though. If you do decide to go that route be prepared for random clicks and pops, it is in their nature.

I couldn't help but feel that this was directed at my post, so I'll bite. All the issues I had with my auto locker happened at slow speeds, not "driving fast enough to face the issues that an auto locker can create" An auto locker affects a vehicle at any speed, and in my case it negatively affected my old xj. I felt safer in 2wd in the snow, because I could actually go around corners because the two tires could differentiate. Even at slow speeds with no throttle, the front end was locked on a slick surface and it made it hard, not impossible, but hard to turn. I never wanted it in there in the first place, it just came with the axle that I bought already built up. I'm pretty sure it was a cheapo lock rite locker, so that could be the reason, but because of it I will never run one again.

 

[GetOut]

I couldn't help but feel that this was directed at my post, so I'll bite. All the issues I had with my auto locker happened at slow speeds, not "driving fast enough to face the issues that an auto locker can create" An auto locker affects a vehicle at any speed, and in my case it negatively affected my old xj. I felt safer in 2wd in the snow, because I could actually go around corners because the two tires could differentiate. Even at slow speeds with no throttle, the front end was locked on a slick surface and it made it hard, not impossible, but hard to turn. I never wanted it in there in the first place, it just came with the axle that I bought already built up. I'm pretty sure it was a cheapo lock rite locker, so that could be the reason, but because of it I will never run one again.

Not personally directed to you, just my feelings, that being said, for me needing 4wd in the snow would mean that the conditions were impassible with a 2wd vehicle, and if they were impassible in 2wd, then I probably would not be going much more than 10-15mph in 4wd. Even on an ice covered dirt road I have not peronally experienced issues with an auto locker at that speed.

 

[espi]

What is the factory limited slip? don't think we get that in OZ JK's

It's called TRAC-LOK® DIFFERENTIAL but its essentially a clutch based LSD.

With regard to the wheel spin with one wheel off the ground, I don't really wheel trails like that. Also I believe if you lightly apply the brakes it will lock the free wheel and transfer power to the other wheel.

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[Army_Vet]

Also I believe if you lightly apply the brakes it will lock the free wheel and transfer power to the other wheel.

I learned this trick many years ago; but when I go to use it.... It never seems to work for me. I havent been stuck in the JK yet; so I can't wait to try it... Again...

 

[yorkxj]

If you would decide to go LSD, Detroit True-trac is a mechanical LSD, no clutches. It works with a worm gear to engage. When I had it put in my rear Ford 8.8, it was recommended by the shops rep., he said the clutch ones wear out really fast off roading.


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