So I did not see another thread about this specifically, or perhaps I overlooked it; and I'm sure it has been discussed in some other threads but didn't see it.

As I am building my JK, I have come to a time when I need to get locked. I am planning on building the current D30/44 combo, until it becomes purely for trail use and gets Pro Rocks or something similar of higher strength.

I've always been the kind to put a locker in the front first, but I am considering doing the rear first, since this one could be the cheaper one to do first. If doing the rear first, I would prefer a selectable, but due to budget, am considering an auto locker in the rear. I always see guys out heading to the trail in other Jeeps (not necessarily JKs) that have auto lockers, and every time they turn, they get the infamous locker chirp. Do many of you with auto lockers in the JK get that? Meaning, is the wheel base long enough to compensate for what causes that? I would like to go that route to save some money, but I still drive this thing everyday, and need it to feel as if nothing is back there on the road. Or will the only way to get that be to go with a selectable?

Or should I just put one in the front first? Since I am going to use the D30 for the time being, I will definitely go selectable so it will not always be locked unless I absolutely need it to save the axle from a lot of unnecessary damage.

FYI, JK gets driven everyday about 70 miles, and hits the trails about 1x a month or so in NC mountain terrain (mainly rocks, some mud if necessary to get to the rocks)

Thoughts/opinions/recommendations?

 

You can lock the front with an Aussie for $250. Its only locked in 4wd. I have a Detriot in the back and I get tire chirp sometimes.

 

I have done the "lincoln" locker in the rear ( I was young and knew everything), later I had daily driver rigs with Detroits (now that I live in AZ, a Detroit in the rear is very possible as a DD since I would rarely see snow/ice). Now I am really enjoying the selectable lockers, first with my factory E-locker, and now with my upgrade to the ProRock 60's with ARB's front and rear. My JK is a daily driver that sees long distance trips to other states for wheeling events, so there is no way I could back to an auto locker. I know I would get tired of the "clunks' and "chirps". My wife drives the Jeep when I am on the road or out of the country doing work, so she would probably wreck the Jeep with a Detroit in the rear pumpkin.

 

Yeah, but most of the time I am in 4WD I would not want it locked, since it is only a D30. I would prefer it to be open unless needed due to the small R&P of the 5.13s in the D30 I have.

 

I dont see much snow and ice myself (some, but not much, and mainly if I head up in to the mountains) so I'm not worried about those situations. Just worried about how it would affect daily driving in normal conditions on the JK.

BTW, still love the look of your JK; so sick.

 

My JK came from the factory with the electric locker and I have been running the front open for almost 4 years now. The JK has taken me every where I have wanted to go.

 

I have a Aussie in my front Dana 30. I have it sleeved and c gusset done. I have not had a problem yet. The key is if the front tires start spinning with loss of traction. Stop and try again don't away on it with the Dana 30. I have no complaints about the Aussie in the front its a beast. I am also looking at doing the rear and I personally would not think of going with anything other than a selectable locker in the rear on a DD

 

Thanks brother!! Merry Christmas too I guess I was just speaking of the snow/ice stuff, and really any very wet conditions, in daily driving duties not being too fun with that Detroit. I had a CJ-7 on 38" Super Swampers that did a 360* in its own lane in some serious rainy conditions. In fact it was when I was living in Charlotte, N.C. driving down Independence Blvd (the old unmarked 6 lane narrow one back in the 90's), scared the crap out of my girlfriend riding with me!! I have a close friend who is getting ready to put a Detroit locker in his 2009 4 Door Rubicon when he does his Dynatrac rear axle, it is mostly a trail vehicle, so he thinks it will be fine. I think he will get tired of it quickly.

 

Most of my driving is on the road and so far have only taken the Jeep out a few times offroad, but I like the e lockers. Very convient.

 

I would go for a selectable locker. It's nice to have it definitely gone when you don't want it.

GCM 2- I like your Jeep, I asked for it for Christmas, but I don't see it under my Christmas tree?