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When and how to use lockers??????

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Old 05-26-2008 | 12:51 PM
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Default When and how to use lockers??????

I thought since this is an Off-Road 101 forum, a good thread on Locker use would be appropriate.

I'm by no means an expert on this and I have lots of questions myself so lets hear about lockers
I know when I bought my first jeep I had no clue about lockers so this should help a lot of new people.

Examples: When to use them, when not to use them, how to best use them, etc.

Since this will be an informative thread for a lot of people, please don't post unless you have direct experience with this topic. Please no "I heard this, that and the other".

So what are you waiting for, get to writing

****Edit****
After doing some thinking, we should just call it "Lockers 101"
Someone that has some time we could start with what lockers are, lsd's, etc (Aussie, etc). Maybe pics and then break it down into the When and how

Last edited by VBS4; 05-26-2008 at 03:25 PM.
Old 05-26-2008 | 01:00 PM
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Here's my experiences:

I only lock the rear when i need extra traction going up a steep hill with loose rocks.

The front gets locked when i know i am going to need maximum traction climbing over rocks in a straight line.

Caution!

Turning will be near impossible when the front is locked, And is fairly hard to turn with the rear, But it is possible.

Remember that speed is a killer when crawling. Slow and low, That is the tempo!
Old 05-26-2008 | 02:46 PM
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x2 for me!
Old 05-26-2008 | 03:26 PM
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I didn't think you had a choice as to when to use an Aussie locker. They are automatic.
Old 05-26-2008 | 03:42 PM
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Originally Posted by RedneckJeep
I didn't think you had a choice as to when to use an Aussie locker. They are automatic.
You don't really have a choice with a LSD either, but I threw it in there.
As I'm sure you can see, I editted this to include all factory options and aftermarket options.

Last edited by VBS4; 05-26-2008 at 03:45 PM.
Old 05-26-2008 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by KJRubiconWannaBe
Is this Jeep (Wrangler) specific? My Ranger with Aussie front was not all that difficult to turn. I think I've read that the Aussie does allow the outer tire to go faster in turns, though, so that might have alot to do with it.
The aussie style of lunchbox lockers (same basic design as a lock-rite) locks when torque is applied i.e. when you press the gas. It will turn just fine while coasting or while in 2wd if it is a front locker. Press the throttle in a turn? Expect quite a bit of understeer. 4wd on pavement? God save your soul.

I use my lockers based on need. I don't pull up to a trail and say "OK time to lock it up"... If I'm slipping a tire on a rock, I'll lock the axle and crawl over it. Leaving your axles locked for the duration of your trail riding is unnecessary and potentially damaging to your drivetrain. Lock it up when you need it... and there is pretty much no time that you should ever lock on pavement (some examples that it may be necessary include locking the rear while pulling up a boat ramp, etc.)
Old 05-26-2008 | 06:43 PM
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If more traction is needed, there's really no "wrong" time to engage the lockers. It's pretty hard to damage the things if you're moving slow and in somewhat of a straight line. When all you can see is sky, that's a good indication that you should lock your axle(s).

Take this obstacle in Moab for example (pictured below):
First attempt, lockers off... Half way up the obstacle the tires lost traction and the Jeep began sliding sideways.
Second attempt, front and rear locked... Crawled right up without even slipping a tire.

Old 05-26-2008 | 10:04 PM
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i want/need lockers


if I was to install the Aussies in my front and rear would that void the powertrain?

Even if it did, i 'might' still do it, But my next very big questions would be, how would lockers affect a daily driver and the life/length of the vehicle, as in how it affects the powertain if lets say you go wheelin once a month with it................ would it make a rig that would norm last 200k last 100k ...etc

I dont have lim slip rear or aNything in my X so the aussies look sweet

Last edited by derekls; 05-26-2008 at 10:08 PM.
Old 05-27-2008 | 05:04 AM
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I dont think they make an aussie specifically for the rear of the jk yet. According to their website and from what others on this site say it will not hurt or shorten the life of your drivetrain. Im not sure about the warranty issues though.
Old 05-27-2008 | 05:46 AM
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Originally Posted by judesign
I dont think they make an aussie specifically for the rear of the jk yet. According to their website and from what others on this site say it will not hurt or shorten the life of your drivetrain. Im not sure about the warranty issues though.
They will tell you that they don't make one for the front, either, but they fit and work.


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