Aussie Locker
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
You will notice it in two wheel drive also but only with very tight slow turns on hard surfaces. Not a big deal really. I've never noticed it while in 4WD because I've always been on loose surfaces with some tire slipage. The traction advantage off-road is amazing and definely worth the tradeoff IMO.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet, TN
The guys with the Aussie Lockers are on the right track, as they're relatively cheap, and allow differentiation in turns while driving both sides, a real plus for street friendliness AND off road performance.
The MAIN reason rear over front lockers, if just getting one, historically, was that it is hard to turn with the front locked, as there's no differentiation to allow the outer tire to go faster...
...but the Aussie can differentiate, which helps on that front over a conventional locker.
A long time ago, a study was done to compare wranglers with just front, just rear, open diffs and twin lockers.
The study showed that the front locked jeep could do about 90% of what the twin locked rig could do, but the rear locked rig could only do about 60% of what the twin locker set up could do.
A lot of that is because the locker really only helps when you lose traction on one side....and, the rear typically has better travel, and, especially when climbing over things, is more weighted, and least likely to lose traction...
...whereas the front is more likely to slip, and therefore, more likely to benefit from the remaining tire being able to move you.
This meshes well with my experience, where the front locker guys seem to have a big edge, especially when you need to pull yourself up after the rear tires lose contact getting over a ledge, etc.
If I could only have ONE locker, I'd do the FRONT.
The MAIN reason rear over front lockers, if just getting one, historically, was that it is hard to turn with the front locked, as there's no differentiation to allow the outer tire to go faster...
...but the Aussie can differentiate, which helps on that front over a conventional locker.
A long time ago, a study was done to compare wranglers with just front, just rear, open diffs and twin lockers.
The study showed that the front locked jeep could do about 90% of what the twin locked rig could do, but the rear locked rig could only do about 60% of what the twin locker set up could do.
A lot of that is because the locker really only helps when you lose traction on one side....and, the rear typically has better travel, and, especially when climbing over things, is more weighted, and least likely to lose traction...
...whereas the front is more likely to slip, and therefore, more likely to benefit from the remaining tire being able to move you.
This meshes well with my experience, where the front locker guys seem to have a big edge, especially when you need to pull yourself up after the rear tires lose contact getting over a ledge, etc.
If I could only have ONE locker, I'd do the FRONT.
Last edited by hammerhead; Feb 17, 2010 at 07:09 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Do you notice it clicking on the street in corners or just in parking lots at slow speeds. I really like how the Aussie works in 4wd. I'm just really concerned about click and clunk while in 2wd on the street. I'm not totally sold on the TrueTrac's offroad performance either, especially with 35's.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
A LSD or selectable locker in the rear axle is nice to have if you need additional 4WD high traction in snow or icy conditions. You can leave the front Aussie locker disconnected (open) and just lock the rear axle. However, the BLD system works well on it's own.
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Land of the rising sun
Do you notice it clicking on the street in corners or just in parking lots at slow speeds. I really like how the Aussie works in 4wd. I'm just really concerned about click and clunk while in 2wd on the street. I'm not totally sold on the TrueTrac's offroad performance either, especially with 35's.
The trutrac is great on level ground and mud but if you get a lot of weight on one wheel it will act just like the trac-lock you already have. JP magazine did a pretty good write-up on this last summer, I'll see if I can find the article...
Last edited by CA-JK; Feb 17, 2010 at 08:06 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet, TN
Sounds like both of you are very pleased with the Aussie and that good to hear. Looks like I'll be happy with a Aussie as long as it performs like both of yours do. The video I watched of some other guys JK just freaked me out. I would really be pissed if that happens to me. I'm not sure how the TureTrac would handle the weight of 35" Toyo's and that has me concerned about it. I know the off road performance will not be anywhere near a Aussie but figured it would be better than nothing. As of now I'm liking the Aussie over the TrueTrac.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Sounds like both of you are very pleased with the Aussie and that good to hear. Looks like I'll be happy with a Aussie as long as it performs like both of yours do. The video I watched of some other guys JK just freaked me out. I would really be pissed if that happens to me. I'm not sure how the TureTrac would handle the weight of 35" Toyo's and that has me concerned about it. I know the off road performance will not be anywhere near a Aussie but figured it would be better than nothing. As of now I'm liking the Aussie over the TrueTrac.
Thanks
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet, TN
I am also thinking about the Aussie Locker, especially when you read that a front Aussie will go about 90% of where a front and rear locked jeep will go. Above River2c said that you can leave the front open what does that mean. I thought the Aussie was engaged whenever the 4wd was engaged (front modle). But River2c leads me to think there is a on and off switch with it? Anyone know what it will cost to get one of these installed in the front of my Dana 30??
Last edited by hammerhead; Feb 17, 2010 at 09:45 AM.