ok so I have two questions I couldn't find answers to in search.

1st: I have bilstiens 5100 shocks with 6200 mile on them and was thinking its time to replace. would that be a correct assumption? not sure how often they should be replaced.

2nd: I am ready to install a locker now but , only one for now as funds dont allow for both. should I put in front or back 1st? thanks for any replies

 

6200 street miles or trail miles where the shocks may have been over extended or over compressed? If it's street miles without those complications then you're probably incorrect but if you have a desire to change them then go ahead.

General rule of thumb is rear locker first, some people elect to go front.

 

unless they are leaking or have lost pressure I would not replace them. They do have a lifetime warranty if you are the original owner. Shocks do go gradually bad but not in 6200 miles. if that was a misprint and you meant 62000 miles you would probably notice an improvement.

If I could only have one locker it would be in the back.

 

I have rubicon lockers front and back and I rarely use my front.

 

Thanks for the replies and yes that was a misprint it was supposed to say 62000 miles lol

 

You have much less to worry about breaking with the rear locker. Up front you will have Ujoint bind, the risk of breaking a ujoint or shaft up front when locked is greater than in the rear.

 

As for the shocks, 62000 miles are getting to the upper end but not a necessity to replace, IMHO.

As for the locker question that is a rough. I did a lunch box locker in my D30 and had a lot of success. I put an ARB on the rear D44 and it was a great combo. I did carry a set of stock axle shafts for the front everytime I went wheeling. If you do decide to lock the front I would recommend leaving everything stock, axles and drive shaft so that they are the weakest links.

R/
Will

 

I went with an Eaton Elocker on the front of my 16' Sport w/Dana 30. I did instal sleeve upgrades at the same time + heavy duty ball joints and only running 34"s with 2.5" of lift. Personally, I'd much rather be "pulled" up the hill than "pushed" when choosing between front or rear locker locations.