So ive been eyeballing some locking diffs for the jk. Having the extra traction in all of this frozen wasteland could really benefit me. I have the right idea as to how they fynction (however I wont be attempting the install myself) im trying to figure out what kinda diffs I should go for. theres alot of names and numbers flying around and its making my head spin. Anyone have any good suggestions / why. Alternatively what to avoid. (keep in mind ive got a 2012 jk with 2 inches of lift and 32" tirex... If that helps at all.)

 

A great set-up would be lock your rear,LSD for the for the front

 

The only lsd I know is an abrehviation for a pretty intense psychadellic... Maaaaan.

That being said. Whats lsd?

 

well played...... LSD stands for limited slip differential. Do you do any trail riding or are you just looking for a little extra traction in the snow? If so I agree limited slip in the front and I would even go for a limited slip in the rear. No point in doing lockers if you don't need them.

 

Limited slip diff. It's like a locker but is always activated. Just doesn't distribute torque to both wheels at exactly 50/50.

 

Some jeeps (non rubicon) come with rear LSD on Jk as a option. I would say it is better than not having anything at all. But would still prefer a locker. You'd be surprised what LSD on the rear would be capable of.

 

Oh really? It all depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. I'm already tracking some JKs came with an optional locker in the rear along with an electric swaybar disconnect. I went wheeling with one of those the other weekend and he had to put forth a lil more effort on some obstacles than I did. He was also running 37s and a 3 1/2" lift. For the type of wheeling I do, I agree lockers are where its at, but if hes just trying to get a little more traction in the snow, limited slips front and rear would be more idea. I honestly pefer a locker up front at the least and leave the rear open or with a limited slip (if he has one from the factory) for the type of wheeling I do. And for the OP if he was willing to take the time to switch out the carriers by himself, he could learn a lot and be able to dive in more on his rig. Differentials are really simple devices and setting them up takes some skill but they are very easy to replace and rebuild. Just because you see these write ups where people act like there are all these measurements you have to do just to replace the carrier, they are over complicating it. I've installed diffs and gears (sometimes just one or the other) in well over a hundred rear ends (and front ends). Detroit Tru-tracs are pretty tough, but if hes dead set on lockers, aussie lockers or lock-rites hold up well. A good thing about those to lockers they replace the spider gears in the diff and there are no measurements involved.

 

Right right right I should have clued in. yeah I do some light trail riding and eventually ill be outfitting it for expeditions. I loose alot of time spinning uphill on gravel and in the mud. I dont have lsd on it now. Definately something ill look into.

 

Well said. Gotta love jeeps!

 

By the way if you bought your jeep used and dont know what options came on you axle, you can always go to moparownercenterdotcom and register your jeep via ur vin #. It will give you all ur specs.