My friend is buy a 1999 wrangler with front and rear lockers supposedly Detroit lockers. I never had lockers so Just a few questions:

How do these work? there are no switches in the jeep. He says they engage automaticly when in 4h or 4l. and then disengage when you back up?

How do i check if they are in good shape and work properly.

any other information about lockers would be cool too.

Thanks!

 

Well, he's partly correct. They ARE automatic. However, they work when power is APPLIED, whether going forward OR reverse. The direction has naught to do with operation. It's when the Jeep TURNS that the locker disengages and allows the outside wheel to turn faster. Then, when you straighten up, the locker engages like a spool again.

 

Do you know how much of a turn is required before they disengage?

 

It really depends more on how much power is applied. If you continue to power strongly through a turn, they will NOT disengage at ALL. You kinda have to back off a touch and let them work. They work well, though.

 

Be Careful in the snow or heavy rain... I put an Aubern locker in my Z71 and it was fun but unforgiving in slippery conditions when you arn't paying attentio

 

Sounds good to me. Last question...

is there any way to check if they are working properly or well maintained and in good shape??

 

As long as they have not run dry, they are in all probability in fine shape. Lockers are difficult, but not impossible to break. I would get it on dirt engage the transfer case in 4HI and stand on the gas. If all 4 wheels spin, they are working. Don't do this in 4LO because you don't want anything broken.