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Newb question on lockers...

3K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  20YearProject 
#1 ·
I recently saw a demonstration of how a locker works and I decided that I want to do that to my Jeep in the future. My question is, I know you can get lockers that disengage but while they are disengaged does it affect the drivability and mileage of your Jeep? Also, does anyone ever do just the rear? Thanks for helping me understand this!
 
#2 ·
My lockers are only locked when I need them. I've only needed them twice. Only off road. Only in low. The stock lockers won't lock in 4 high or 2 wd anyway.
 
#5 ·
Oh yah, speaking of winter, I do use 4 wd a lot but not the lockers. If I got stuck I would use them. Haven't gotten stuck yet to the point where I had to engage them.
 
#7 ·
As you get more aggressive about being off road, your mileage, generally, will suffer. More aggressive tires and bigger, lower gearing, etc. The lockers don't really factor in because you don't use them on the road.
 
#9 ·
OkcWrangler said:
I take it e lockers are electric? And does it affect the drivability or mileage when they are not engaged? Or is it just like not having them at all?
Yes, e-lockers are electric, as in you push a button in the cab and a wire passes a signal engaging the locker. Alternatives would be pneumatic lockers or automatic lockers.

With selectable e-lockers disengaged, it's like driving with an open differential. It's like not having them at all. Many folks install just one locker, front or rear.

For winter weather other that deep snow, a limited slip differential is a better choice. You would never use lockers just driving around during with a few inches of snow on the ground or slushy, icy conditions.

Realistically, if you don't know what lockers are, you don't need them. And I'm not saying that as an insult--I know what they are, but I also know I don't need them. Eventually, I'll be putting limited slips front and rear.
 
#10 ·
gohard said:
When you buy a used JK how do you know if it does have lockers, or at least one locker? or none at all?
Rubicon = Front and rear locker.

Everything else = No locker, unless it was added aftermarket by the prior owner. Pneumatic or e-lockers will have a button in the cab. Other lockers would require you to examine the differentials.
 
#12 ·
Rubicon = Front and rear locker.

Everything else = No locker, unless it was added aftermarket by the prior owner.
Although not really a locker, many have limited slip diff (LSD) in the rear. Like I said, not really a locker. However, there is a trail run that I will be going on (Big Bear Fest in CA). A few of the trails require a locker. I emailed the organizer and mentioned I have an LSD. He said that will be good enough for medium difficulty trails.

I did email him the specs of my rig and exceed all other requirements though.
 
#13 ·
For snow and ice, I have preferred a limited slip differential (LSD) for the rear axle and electronic lockers in the front axle. This is just my preference for hunting vehicles used in the snow and mostly in pickups in the past. Depending on the conditions, a locked rear axle will do odd/nasty maneuvers on ice.
 
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