As someone noted in the first 2-3 posts, the reason a rear is generally more useful is because normally you need lockers when climbing. If you are climbing, generally more weight is transferred to the rear, thus there is more traction there, especially when locked.

A lot of people I know with dual selectables, will try an obstacle in 4LO, if that doesnt work lock the rear (selectable), and if that doesn't work lock the front as a last resort. For the very reason discussed before...

With that said, you will still get more traction at front wheels if they are locked versus open, but your original post asked which was better if you were just doing one... and that would be the rear.

 

Put the ARB compressor wherever you want... most people put it under hood, but I've seen them in rear cargo area or bolted underneath somewhere between the frame rails (obviously this is less safe if its somewhere it could be damaged hence rendering your lockers useless), etc.

 

If you going to get an ARB they are having a big sale. If you buy one you get a free small compressor, buy two get the big compressor free.

 

I have ARBs front and back. I mounted the compressor under the drivers seat. It is out of the weather and is easy to hook up to for airing back up. Get the hi output compressor. Then you can add the front later.

 

Just about all the vetran wheelers I have been talking to recomend the back first, and 9 out of 10 recomend fully selectible. Their rigs are really well equiped and I know they wouldnt steer me wrong. Just their honest opinion, Good luck with what ever you decide!

 

definitely go with the rear first. it will help out the most.

 

X2...if you have a limited slip I would probably consider doing the front first, but if you are open in the back I would definitely do a selectable rear locker!

 

x2, if you have a limited slip, you should do the front first. That Limited Slip combined with the BLD's is so close to being locked you can hardly tell the difference. I have had people ask me if I was locked in the rear. Sometimes because they did see a slight slip, others because both tires are turning together. I was even thinking about putting a 70% clutch pack in the rear when the current clutch pack wears out.

 

The other thing to remember is the weakest link in the drivetrain are the front u-joints. Do you really want to put the work of pulling the entire rig on one small u-joint?

If you lock the front end, what it means is that when the other three wheels can't push you, then the front end does ALL the work. ALl it takes is one rear tire off the ground and one front off the ground to make this happen, and when turning, there is A LOT of stress on those u-joints.

If you lock the rear first, then you always have at least one tire trying to push, and locking the front later will rarely have a situation where the lone u-joint is carrying the full load.
Tom

 

agreed!