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Zip lockers

2K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  Cascade Wanderer 
#1 ·
I recently got Yukon zip lockers installed in the front and rear of my JKU. I also got a regear done at the same time. I love the fact that I have my "power" back with the regear but I haven't had the chance to try the lockers yet. I'm almost embarrassed to ask this question, but I'm gonna ask anyway........

When do you use lockers. What speeds can you use lockers at? Are lockers something that you can use in the snow? Should you use them to prevent getting stuck, or after you get stuck? and lastly, what is the best way to engage the lockers?
I'm dying to try these things to make sure that they are engaging, but I only have asphalt around here and am not sure that is such a good idea.
 
#3 ·
I have a Yukon Zip Locker in my front differential.

Very, very seldom need it. Activating the locker makes it impossible for one wheel to turn faster or slower than the other, so the two wheels on that axle MUST turn the same rate. This makes steering pretty doggone difficult...

I only use it when I'm climbing a steep slope, covered with loose sand, gravel, rocks or dirt. It could likely help pull the Jeep through deep mud or snow as well.

If you have to turn, disengage the Zip locker, in the front.

A locking rear diff is something that can be used more often perhaps, as locking the rear doesn't have nearly the same affect on your steering.

I use a limited slip differential in my rear axle. My son uses air lockers front and rear in his Jeep. Both setups work well. He does quite a bit of wheeling, in 2 wheel drive, with the rear locker engaged.

I see lockers as something best used at low speed.

Yeah, you need to get out on some dirt roads and learn to use your lockers. They're fun to use, and potentially very useful.

Regards, Guy
 
#5 ·
You should engage both lockers when traversing moderate to difficult terrain. Engage your lockers before you are stuck not after. Turn off the front locker when making tight turns offroad if you do not need the additional traction.

Do not activate your lockers on the pavement. There really is no need for them on road unless you are driving through a couple feet of snow.
 
#7 ·
I really found lockers most useful when trying to stick to a specific line over an obstacle. Whereas without them you may have to pick a different line halfway into it and end up really in trouble or having to back off entirely.

Lockers should be a must for a serious offroad vehicle. Why in gods earth only the rubicon has them blows the mind.
 
#8 ·
Because that's what makes it a Rubicon. That and low gears in the axles & transfer case and a few other goodies.

It really wasn't all that long ago that the ONLY traction-adding diff for a Jeep was a limited slip rear diff... The original Rubi was a game-changer. Instead of having to modify the heck out of a standard CJ, YJ, or TJ, a Rubi could be picked up off the showroom floor with front and rear lockers, 4.10's and a low-geared transfer case. Awesome...

The other Jeeps did pretty good on trails too BTW.

Regards, Guy
 
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