07 Sahara, pretty much all stock currently. How feasible would it be to upgrade to lockers for the front or at least limited slip differential? Recent off road during a hunting outing found myself a hair from being completely swamped in mud heading along a field trail. Having the front wheels turning the whole time would have certainly helped; I understand something other than stock tires would also provide a great deal of help. After some back and forth I ended up getting out myself; btw auto transmission.

Is this a project worth pursuing? Or just upgrade to a Ruby?

Thanks guys; I appreciate any input...

 

It is worth pursuing. For a while you could buy a new 44 front end complete for 2 grand with gears of your choice. Once you start modifying you will end up with better axles to take the abuse that can amplify with lockers. I personally prefer lockers in front, and limited on the read. Just be sure you can disengage the puppies.

 

Stick an aussie locker in the front for $250 and buy some extra stock axles for cheap off peeps that up grade, that's if you want a cheap way. Other than that, upgrading to a d-60 would be my choice, jmho though.

 

Auburn ECTED. It's a little expensive, but it works and requires no compressor. If you don't re-gear and stick with the 3.73 installation will be a lot cheaper. But if you plan on re-gearing have the locker installed at the same time. Tires make a BIG differance.

 

I think you should try some tires first, maybe some low mileage rubi take-offs. This alone will make a HUGE difference for off-road traction

 

Thanks guys; I have some options. I will certainly go the tire route as step 1; I would be upgrading the tires anyhow so that should be a no brain-er on my part. Lookin forward to a winter project so the front end axle change may come this winter.

This forum is awesome and look forward to the dialogue it has to offer. Thanks to JK-Forum.com.

 

I would suggest a selectable front locker since we tend to get a good amount of snow in the winter, trust me, driving in snow with an automatic locker can be a "challenge " in the snow (I had a lock-rite in the front axle of my TJ)