Choosing a locker, all input welcome!
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 54
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From: Denver,CO
Last edited by GreenJKBooger; Nov 6, 2014 at 11:40 AM.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
There's a reason I said all input welcome. I was considering this for the front anyways, I'm not going to throw it out without considering it. 
Can you explain why you think this would be better in the rear than a Detroit or OX? I want to make an educated purchase, and the LSD isn't something I'm extremely knowledgeable on.
Can you explain why you think this would be better in the rear than a Detroit or OX? I want to make an educated purchase, and the LSD isn't something I'm extremely knowledgeable on.Some good info from the folks at Dynatrac:
This is a decent locker comparison that was written a few years ago. (the d44 eaton e-locker has been updated to a 4-pin design since this was written)
Project-JK.com - Jeep JK Wrangler Resource » Dynatrac Presents - Lockers 101
This is one of the many locker/limited threads you will find scattered around the site. Post #11 has a good story, and toward the end of the thread is some owner feedback for fr/rr truetracs.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...ffroad-188018/
And this one was copied from a different site:
Dynatrac
Selectable lockers can be a great advantage but their strength is also their weakness as YOU must decide when you need them. I can't remember a trip where I didn't hear someone yell out 'locker'. Someone just brain fades and forgets to turn it on. In many cases this isn't an issue but in some, it may cause a major problem. This can also be a concern to the daily driver.
A Truetrac offers far superior snow traction than an open differential. Since I've run far more years with a Detroit than a selectable my wife isn't accustomed to having to hit a switch. I've had Truetracs in my DD's and prefer them to any selectable. Do I want her to have to hit a button just to leave a slick stop sign? A Truetrac gives you added traction even if you don't know you need it.
To me, quick engagement and disengagement is a 'must have' feature. I find the OX be be the slowest but air actuation is a major help. If you talk to guys that have had both an ARB and the factory Rubi electric you'll hear hear the ARB is much faster and easier to disengage. I don't factor in either the Eaton ELocker or Auburn Ected as neither is a good option. The 44 ELocker is a weak 2 pinion design and the Ected just isn't a good design. The Dana 30 ELocker is a 4 pinion design and should be considered for anyone convinced they should build their 30.
The other factor to consider with a selectable is steering. A locked selectable is much harder to steer than a Detroit or Truetrac. This is normal and you'll get used to getting perfectly lined up before you hit the button (especially in the rocks). If you do a lot of rocks you'll want to get hydraulic ram assist as steering is challenging.
In the end there is no perfect option. If I had my choice it would be a selectable that went from Truetrac to Detroit. Every available option today has its drawbacks. Lockers aren't needed by everyone and Truetracs might be perfect for your type of wheeling. If you rarely lift a tire you probably don't need a Locker.
Selectable lockers can be a great advantage but their strength is also their weakness as YOU must decide when you need them. I can't remember a trip where I didn't hear someone yell out 'locker'. Someone just brain fades and forgets to turn it on. In many cases this isn't an issue but in some, it may cause a major problem. This can also be a concern to the daily driver.
A Truetrac offers far superior snow traction than an open differential. Since I've run far more years with a Detroit than a selectable my wife isn't accustomed to having to hit a switch. I've had Truetracs in my DD's and prefer them to any selectable. Do I want her to have to hit a button just to leave a slick stop sign? A Truetrac gives you added traction even if you don't know you need it.
To me, quick engagement and disengagement is a 'must have' feature. I find the OX be be the slowest but air actuation is a major help. If you talk to guys that have had both an ARB and the factory Rubi electric you'll hear hear the ARB is much faster and easier to disengage. I don't factor in either the Eaton ELocker or Auburn Ected as neither is a good option. The 44 ELocker is a weak 2 pinion design and the Ected just isn't a good design. The Dana 30 ELocker is a 4 pinion design and should be considered for anyone convinced they should build their 30.
The other factor to consider with a selectable is steering. A locked selectable is much harder to steer than a Detroit or Truetrac. This is normal and you'll get used to getting perfectly lined up before you hit the button (especially in the rocks). If you do a lot of rocks you'll want to get hydraulic ram assist as steering is challenging.
In the end there is no perfect option. If I had my choice it would be a selectable that went from Truetrac to Detroit. Every available option today has its drawbacks. Lockers aren't needed by everyone and Truetracs might be perfect for your type of wheeling. If you rarely lift a tire you probably don't need a Locker.
Anyway, there is a ton of info out there for or against any of the options. For me on my last dodge fullsize, I found that a pair of truetracs fit my usage/needs better than the pair of detroits they replaced. For the JK, I ended up with a pair of air lockers. But would be perfectly happy with a pair of truetracs in it as well.
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,813
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From: Nokesville, Va
Thank you for such a great response, tons of info. I've read a few of those threads before starting this one. But it didn't really answer my questions. Very rarely do I see myself lifting a tire off the ground, I was contemplating lockers because if the time came that I needed one its be nice to have it.
I think I'll go with LSD in the front and rear when the time comes as of now. We can get quite a bit of snow here in VA during the winter and based on how I prefer to wheel, I don't thing lockers are a necessity. If I'm ever in a situation where I need a locker, I've got no shame pulling with the winch.
I think I'll go with LSD in the front and rear when the time comes as of now. We can get quite a bit of snow here in VA during the winter and based on how I prefer to wheel, I don't thing lockers are a necessity. If I'm ever in a situation where I need a locker, I've got no shame pulling with the winch.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
There was a thread in just the last week or two indicating a problem with some bolts coming out and destroying the diff. (On JKOwners, maybe? Don't actually recall where I saw it.) Anyway, look around for it so you can see what they are talking about, and verify that the bolts are loktite'd in before install.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
I have friends who have to have manual control of every aspect of their ride. That includes when to lock and when to unlock. 
I've been in the automation business for 40 years. The more things control themselves the better I like it. That's why my JKUS is an automatic and my lockers are Truetracs.
I've read good Truetrac reviews and I've read about disasters. I think most of the problems encountered can be traced to improper installation of the ring gear. Earlier Truetrac's holes were mismatched for stock Jeep ring gears. Some installers had to drill their own holes to fit. Also, using bolts too small for the holes will cause the ring gear bolts to loosen and fail. Today's Truetracs come with different hole options to better adapt and most aftermarket ring and pinion sets are designed to match.
Besides, they work great on central Florida snow banks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uwpNpvsshQ&spfreload=1
I've been in the automation business for 40 years. The more things control themselves the better I like it. That's why my JKUS is an automatic and my lockers are Truetracs.
I've read good Truetrac reviews and I've read about disasters. I think most of the problems encountered can be traced to improper installation of the ring gear. Earlier Truetrac's holes were mismatched for stock Jeep ring gears. Some installers had to drill their own holes to fit. Also, using bolts too small for the holes will cause the ring gear bolts to loosen and fail. Today's Truetracs come with different hole options to better adapt and most aftermarket ring and pinion sets are designed to match.
Besides, they work great on central Florida snow banks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uwpNpvsshQ&spfreload=1
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 479
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From: Alameda, CA
