I just had an ARB locker installed in my front dana 44 when I went to 5.13s. when I engaged the front locker I couldn't turn the wheels..... I was on concrete.... and just wanted to make sure it was functioning. I had to disengaged the locker and roll the vehicle forward and back a few times to disengage the locker even after turning the switch off............

anyone have an idea what is wrong??

 

A front locker is harder to steer. When we started using them in the 80's we had to install a cooler on the PS pump. They are worth it though when needed. You probably just had to let the pressure of the gears after trying to steer it. That happens often when four wheeling.

 

it was basically impossible to steer..... is it because I was on the street??

 

You were on dry concrete instead of mud/dirt/loose rock/snow/ice/etc ?

 

Yeah that means is working, its not recommended to use a locked locker on pavement anyway especially on the front. It puts a ton of strain on the drive train. Great way to snap an axle, seen it done with the guys that would run welded diff on on the road.

 

You just verified it is working. Congrats.

 

x 100000 didn't shop tell you never use on dry pavement? I have ARB front n back... Great product

 

no they didn't say a word... have had my rear for a few years... love it.... installed the front for my Moab trip next week and just decided to test it..... I just thought I would turn the wheel.. feel the skip and disengage....

thank goodness I didn't learn my lesson the hard way by breaking something.....

yes............ I feel stupid!!!

thanks guys

 

This kind of situation is why they put a big bold caution in the owners manual against using 4WD on dry pavement.

At least you aren't alone. There was a post a while back from a guy that just had a set of dyna 60's and 40" tires installed, then immediately went into the asphalt parking like and started doing figure 8's while in 4wd. Came on here all upset about how the shop f'd up the install...

 

Also when you are off road and there's hard ground always feed some throttle to help steer if the locker is in. It will steer pretty well this way. Otherwise you'll fight the steering system and heat up the pump. Once you get used to it it's easy.