LSD and locker
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
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From: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Yes you can add a locker to the front. Should you...that's a whole other conversation. I think it depends on what type of terrain you wheel in, how you wheel and what tire size you plan on running.
When you compare the JK D30 to a D44 most of the physical components are the same/similar with the exception of the ring and pinion (D30 = 7-1/8", D44 = 8-1/2"). Even if you upgrade the axle shafts, add sleeves and gussets, truss, etc, etc you still have a small ring gear that will only handle so much stress. The harder the terrain, the heavier you are on the skinny pedal, the luck you have, all play into how long it will last.
I have a D30 up front with sleeves and gussets. I've added an ARB and 35 spline chromoly axles to my rear D44. I have over 100k miles on my JKU and I've been running 35" tires or bigger (currently on 38's) for most of those miles. I've specifically chosen NOT to put any more money into my D30 because I know I'm eventually going to end up on 40's. I also like to rock crawl and as the years have gone buy I've found myself wanting to do harder and harder obsticles. My D30 has a limited life span. It had served me well but with the setup I have and the terrain I like to wheel on I'm afraid if I locked it up and I would break it.
These are just friendly comments. I'm by no means an expert. Good luck with your decision.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Around 1000 for the locker alone. ARB compressors are roughly 170/270/500 depending on which one. Maybe 40-50 for an under-hood bracket. Shafts you could expect 600-1000+, depending on which you get. A guess-timate for the install would be 500 or so, though could be a few hundred higher depending on the shop.
Last edited by nthinuf; Aug 7, 2013 at 08:05 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
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From: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Around 1000 for the locker alone. ARB compressors are roughly 170/270/500 depending on which one. Maybe 40-50 for an under-hood bracket. Shafts you could expect 600-1000+, depending on which you get. A guess-timate for the install would be 500 or so, though could be a few hundred higher depending on the shop.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
You can put a locker up front, if you want. Or pull out the LSD and put a locker in the rear. In fact, I did both to my X. And the front locker has LSD, LOL. Go figure. Sleeved and gusseted and chromoly shafts also, up front. Wheel plenty--have been to Moab so many times I've lost count. Much of my travel is more expedition/overlanding, but I've played on Poison Spider Mesa, Fins and Things, Elephant Hill Trail, Disney (OK), Kinta (OK), and some other places that push the Jeep pretty hard. 124K miles and still running that D30--Glad I didn't listen to the folks who said (and some who actually experienced) that it would not last. For me and what I do, it has worked out well.
2007 ...
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This past April ...
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This past April ...
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: San Juan Capistrano, CA
You can put a locker up front, if you want. Or pull out the LSD and put a locker in the rear. In fact, I did both to my X. And the front locker has LSD, LOL. Go figure. Sleeved and gusseted and chromoly shafts also, up front. Wheel plenty--have been to Moab so many times I've lost count. Much of my travel is more expedition/overlanding, but I've played on Poison Spider Mesa, Fins and Things, Elephant Hill Trail, Disney (OK), Kinta (OK), and some other places that push the Jeep pretty hard. 124K miles and still running that D30--Glad I didn't listen to the folks who said (and some who actually experienced) that it would not last. For me and what I do, it has worked out well.
2007 ...
2009 ...
2010 ...
2011 ...
2012 ...
This past April ...
2007 ...
2009 ...
2010 ...
2011 ...
2012 ...
This past April ...
Amazing pictures.
JK Forum Regional Rep
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,852
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From: Hudson, WI
ARB Jeep JK Wrangler Air Compressor & Mounting Bracket Package
ARB Jeep JK Wrangler Air Compressor & Mounting Bracket Package (ARB-JK-COMPRESSOR-KIT)
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you can't put a locker in the front. For me knowing that I'm going to replace the front axle anyway the benefit just simply did not out way the cost.
Here are a couple of vids of my last trip to Colorado. This is one of the last obstacles on Chinaman Gulch. A front locker would have certainly helped but as you can see it's definitely not a requirement for success.
http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/ma...?src=pb_unauth
http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/ma...?src=pb_unauth
Last edited by OhhSeven; Aug 8, 2013 at 08:14 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 148
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From: San Diego, CA
I was debating similar things a few weeks ago and even posted on here about it. I am new to all this stuff, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
I do 90% road driving and the other is light off roading. Maybe some day I will do more, but as of right now that is how it is for me. I have a D30 front and a D44 rear (no LSD). As many have said, it REALLY depends what kind of wheeling you're going to be doing that you should base your decision on. I was debating all of these things for snow usage, and not so much off-roading or daily driving.
First thing I should throw out is that the stock LSD uses clutches and will wear out and stop operating properly eventually. It is junk, from what I have read. So I ruled that option out. Fear not though, as this probably didn't add much cost to your JK. There's a reason they are so cheap.
However, the JK comes with the stability control system which will automatically apply breaks to your rear wheels when it senses slipping. So, even if you have no LSD or your LSD is not working properly, this will still kick in.
If you're interested in a good LSD, you should look at a Detroit TrueTrac which is a heilical LSD as opposed to clutch. (truth be told, I don't know what this means, I just know it's better).
On to the topic of lockers. You will see zero performance increase on road with a locker (unless you're in REALLY heavy snow) , so if you DO get a locker, make sure it's selectable.
You will see a great off road performance increase with a locker if you decide to go that route.
Supposedly the Rubi locker system has a weak LSD. (BTW, LSDs are considered weak or strong, depending on how quick they react to slippage).
Hope this helps. Mostly just blabbering. Correct me if I'm wrong.
EDIT: FYI, LSDs act as an open diff if you have no tire contact on one wheel.
I do 90% road driving and the other is light off roading. Maybe some day I will do more, but as of right now that is how it is for me. I have a D30 front and a D44 rear (no LSD). As many have said, it REALLY depends what kind of wheeling you're going to be doing that you should base your decision on. I was debating all of these things for snow usage, and not so much off-roading or daily driving.
First thing I should throw out is that the stock LSD uses clutches and will wear out and stop operating properly eventually. It is junk, from what I have read. So I ruled that option out. Fear not though, as this probably didn't add much cost to your JK. There's a reason they are so cheap.
However, the JK comes with the stability control system which will automatically apply breaks to your rear wheels when it senses slipping. So, even if you have no LSD or your LSD is not working properly, this will still kick in.
If you're interested in a good LSD, you should look at a Detroit TrueTrac which is a heilical LSD as opposed to clutch. (truth be told, I don't know what this means, I just know it's better).
On to the topic of lockers. You will see zero performance increase on road with a locker (unless you're in REALLY heavy snow) , so if you DO get a locker, make sure it's selectable.
You will see a great off road performance increase with a locker if you decide to go that route.
Supposedly the Rubi locker system has a weak LSD. (BTW, LSDs are considered weak or strong, depending on how quick they react to slippage).
Hope this helps. Mostly just blabbering. Correct me if I'm wrong.
EDIT: FYI, LSDs act as an open diff if you have no tire contact on one wheel.
Last edited by gibsonfirebird12; Aug 8, 2013 at 12:39 PM.