If both axles are running limited slip diffs are lockers necessary? It seems to me with limited slip and TCS there shouldn't be a traction problem in 90% of situations? I am very mechanical and have repaired or rebuilt several vehicles from motorcycles to hot rods to heavy duty pickups but am a complete noob when it comes to offroading/rock krawling.

My JK is a 2011 sport unlimited and I'm wondering where the lockers should fit in my build priority? Since it is a daily driver I'm wondering if I would be wasting my money on a limited slip diff for the front to match the back even though a couple of years down the road I'll switch the front to a 44 and probably install lockers?

 

Unfortunately, only you can answer that question.... Meaning, you won't really know until you need them. Traction control\limited slip is basically designed for the street. When off-roading, you'll get unwanted wheel spin from the tire\wheel with the least amount of traction. In effect, your 4wd will actually be a 2wd unless you're locked front and rear

 

If I where you, I would put a selectable locker in the front, like the E locker. If you really do end up swithcing you will get most of your money back by selling it used on here.

 

I am pretty sold on lockers. I had them put in an ARB when they did my 4.88 gears. Last wheeling trip we where in the rocks and I was doing fine until it started raining! The rear locker made life a whole lot easier like night and day easier. Now I am sure with enough time and effort I would have been fine without but that just tells me I can go that much further

 

Correct me if I'm wrong.
Limited slip diffs already try to equalize traction between the two wheels and with the TCS (which applys the brake to the spinning wheel) it seems to me this would transfer a large amount of torque to the other wheel? In effect creating traction that wouldn't work without the limited slip diff?

Am I way off or does it just not work quiet that good?

I know my 2009 Malibu worked great in the snow with TCS. Huge snow storm in OKC a couple of years ago didn't faze it as long as I stayed out of huge drifts. I would drive right by 4x4 trucks that couldnt move cause one wheel was spinning. Didn't get stuck the whole time.

Does none of that apply to offroad or krawling?

 

None of that applies to rock crawling, even a Brake limited slip cant make up for a locker on rocks. If you have one tire with no traction and one stuffed into the wheel well on a high traction surface no limited slip or TCS will be able to transfer enough power to get you over a obstacle. Its the reason why the Rubicon comes with true lockers.

 

The JK's traction control does a pretty good job, even without a limited slip differential.
It's not a replacement for lockers when lockers are needed, though.
edit:
I guess I type too slowly. Noxian beat me to the punch.

 

Completely depends on your budget and needs.

Start with this one for a great over-view:
http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-tech/d...ts-lockers-101

That stock rear limited uses clutches. Clutches wear out. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get rid of it when you do gears. Selectables are very expensive, auto-lockers can be great, but have some drawbacks with winter weather driving, and limiteds aren't the best option for hard-core crawling.

Unless you spend a lot of your time with wheels in the air crawling, a pair of TrueTracs would be a great setup. There are quite a few threads on these, spend a few minutes on research.

 

I agree after trying to get by 1st with no lockers just a rear limited slip, then just front locker combo with the rear limited slip and now ARB's front and rear. but then again, my off-roading is mainly rock crawling, don't like mudding or sand and I absolutely hate the freaking esp crap.

 

Unless you're rock crawling, I think a locker in the rear is the best bet. A limited slip just doesn't compare.