3.73 gears or Trac- Lok LSD?
08-24-2016, 10:19 AM
#1
JK Enthusiast
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3.73 gears or Trac- Lok LSD?
I'm looking at 2 DIFFERENT 2016 JK Sports: one has 3.73 gears and no LSD, the other has 3.21 gears and Trac-Loc LSD. In deciding which one to get (these are my 2 best options given current BUDGET, and local availability), I'm trying to determine which would be easier or less expensive to add after-market.
Lift and 34" tires are at least 5 years down the road. Anyone have some experience or insight?? Thank you.
Lift and 34" tires are at least 5 years down the road. Anyone have some experience or insight?? Thank you.
08-24-2016, 10:45 AM
#2
I owned a 2010 with the 3.21 and now own a 2012 with the 3.73, two different motors but the 3.21 were almost unbearably slow. the Trac-Loc LSD is known for clutch replacements. My choice would be the one with 3.73 and if you want, add Trutrac LSD later as I did. I'm very happy with my drivetrain.
Also, 3.73 will handle the 34 inchers much better than the 3.21.
Also, 3.73 will handle the 34 inchers much better than the 3.21.
08-24-2016, 10:49 AM
#3
Super Moderator
3.73 for the win......Trac loc will help out but you've got brake lock differentials front and rear so they'll help out with traction.
As mentioned- the trac loc requires some maintenance and has wear parts- the open diff is much easier to care for.
As mentioned- the trac loc requires some maintenance and has wear parts- the open diff is much easier to care for.
08-24-2016, 10:54 AM
#4
I think you should either
A. Expand your search radius. I assume you're going to be financing this vehicle so, in my opinion, a couple hour drive for something you'll have for 5+ years is nothing.
2. Wait until one comes into your area that has the options you're looking for.
This is just my opinion. I drove 6 hours to get mine. I drove 4 hours to get my previous zr2 blazer because it was exactly what I wanted..
A. Expand your search radius. I assume you're going to be financing this vehicle so, in my opinion, a couple hour drive for something you'll have for 5+ years is nothing.
2. Wait until one comes into your area that has the options you're looking for.
This is just my opinion. I drove 6 hours to get mine. I drove 4 hours to get my previous zr2 blazer because it was exactly what I wanted..
08-24-2016, 11:46 AM
#5
JK Junkie
Hands down, the 3.73 is so much more of an important factor than LSD. I ordered my 2012 with 3.73 and no LSD and couldn't be happier. So many people are unhappy with the 3.21, particularly if you ever want to go a little bigger in tire size. I encourage you to research and watch videos of brake lock differential BLD. All of our jku's have BLD and it quite effectively mimics some performance aspects of limited slip.
08-24-2016, 01:19 PM
#7
JK Enthusiast
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I owned a 2010 with the 3.21 and now own a 2012 with the 3.73, two different motors but the 3.21 were almost unbearably slow. the Trac-Loc LSD is known for clutch replacements. My choice would be the one with 3.73 and if you want, add Trutrac LSD later as I did. I'm very happy with my drivetrain.
Also, 3.73 will handle the 34 inchers much better than the 3.21.
Also, 3.73 will handle the 34 inchers much better than the 3.21.
Can't afford to even get 2016 version of that jeep now. I always thought 3.73 gears and Trac-Lok came together. Ummm, silly boy!
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08-25-2016, 09:50 AM
#8
JK Freak
I have 16K miles on my 2014 JK with the OEM Trac-Loc limited slip and it is completely free and open now. It is totally worn out. Junk. Not worth the $400 added to the sticker price, that's for sure! I was on stock wheels and tires for 12K of those miles and noticed that it was worn to an open diff at that time while I was upgrading this spring. I would have recommended it initially, but after seeing that it has about a 10K mile service life, I would not recommend it.
08-25-2016, 01:37 PM
#9
JK Junkie
I have 16K miles on my 2014 JK with the OEM Trac-Loc limited slip and it is completely free and open now. It is totally worn out. Junk. Not worth the $400 added to the sticker price, that's for sure! I was on stock wheels and tires for 12K of those miles and noticed that it was worn to an open diff at that time while I was upgrading this spring. I would have recommended it initially, but after seeing that it has about a 10K mile service life, I would not recommend it.
08-26-2016, 07:55 AM
#10
JK Enthusiast
You can either check the vehicle codes to see what it was issued with, look for the factory paper tag that is wrapped around the axle tube or remove the differential cover and look for the Trac Loc clutch assemblies. My '11 JK Sport S came with 3.73s, but an open carrier. I had the carrier replaced with a TruTrac LS which works very well with the BLD.