I'm still a bit unclear on whether a Detroit TruTrac up front will operate in 2WD mode or just when you engage 4WD.

Can someone clarify for me to end my confusion?

 

Just in 4wd. With no power to the wheels, there would be no traction to have.

 

That's what I thought, but I was reading a couple of other threads talking about needing to go to manual hubs on the front to be able to free wheel. Not exactly sure what the exact context was but it threw me for a bit of a loop.

 

They were talking about manual hubs? With the JK's automatic hubs, everything up front is spinning, regardless of being in 2wd. Going to 4wd simply adds power to the front. So going to manual hubs and 'unlocking' them will let the front tires spin without everything inside the axle, and the front driveshaft, spinning also.

Other than a bit heavier steering, you shouldn't notice anything different until you go into 4wd.

 

BTW, I had TruTracs on the front and rear axles of my Cherokee. They were great off-road and invisible as a daily driver (except when traction was needed).

 

Awesome. Thx guys. I love the knowledge gained from this forum.

Maybe it was a Detroit soft locker up front regarding the manual hubs that I read?

 

Truetrac's

 

I will be adding a Truetrac rear and in the front of my PR44 when ordered this summer.

 

x2. I have a truetrac up front on mine and its great. Like he said, the steering is heavier so i had to make some adjustments, but no big deal.

 

Nope, you don't need manual hubs for a Detroit Locker up front either. The only time you MIGHT notice it up front in 2WD is when you turn sharply into a parking space. Personally, I don't even notice it then.