Lockers

[DaJudge]

Don't waste money on ARB if you do not have at least Dana 44.

Jeep axle are weak unless you have Dana 44 that usually comes with the rubicon, and still 35"+ means a upgrade for the front axle shaft.

You really should hold off on giving advice like this. Someone might actually use it.

KJs have 29spline 8.25 rear axles. They are at least as strong (and in some ways stronger) then a D44. They front D30 will handle 33 inch tires/a locker and some pretty hard wheeling if you know what you are doing.

Especially when you take into account the kind of offroading he says he is doing. Blanket statements like "You have to have a D44" don't add anything to the discussion.

Back on topic: If you have money laying around and can afford to put ARBs in it, or you really have come across times when you couldn't get where you wanted to go and can't afford ARBs, then put auto-lockers in it.

I love having the detroit in my XJ BUT I can tell you it will drive differently. With an auto-locker it is essentially locked all the time. They do have some give but it can be interesting on slippery roads.

If you haven't found a need for them I agree with others who have said to save your money. Spend it on taking the kids on as many trips as you can squeeze in!

 

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you for the great advice, I will hold off for now on the lockers. Hoping to do a training session with Bruce and want to take the kids a lot of places this year.:smiley_drive:

 

[computeruser]

Don't waste money on ARB if you do not have at least Dana 44.

Jeep axle are weak unless you have Dana 44 that usually comes with the rubicon, and still 35"+ means a upgrade for the front axle shaft.

You really should hold off on giving advice like this. Someone might actually use it.

KJs have 29spline 8.25 rear axles. They are at least as strong (and in some ways stronger) then a D44. They front D30 will handle 33 inch tires/a locker and some pretty hard wheeling if you know what you are doing.

Especially when you take into account the kind of offroading he says he is doing. Blanket statements like "You have to have a D44" don't add anything to the discussion.

Yeah, I kinda didn't get the D44 comment and the whole bit about the axles being weak. That kind of keyboard commando/Petersen's publishing rubbish is what keeps so many folks from actually having the confidence to get out and enjoy the unpaved corners of the earth, despite owning vehicles perfectly suited to such use.

The truth is that you do NOT need lockers, massive aftermarket axles, and 33"+ tires to get on the fire roads, explore a beach, check out a ghost town, or to travel any number of beautiful and enjoyable places. Sure, you won't impress the guys at Pirate with your near-factory rig, but who cares? It isn't a competition and we're not trying to outdo others, right? Now, if you're into the "I'll either climb it or destroy my vehicle and die trying" sort of 'wheeling, that's another thing. And another website.

A guy with a bone-stock Liberty with stock tires can get out and have some amazing off-pavement experiences. Add an upgraded set of stock-sized or +1-sized tires and a winch, and even more territory is fair game.

If I were OP, I would put a set of more aggressive tires on, possibly a small lift depending on the predominant terrain type being traversed, and make sure I'm good to go on recovery gear. Then get out and explore!

 

[eleblanc]

i didn't read what type of wheeling he is planning to do, neither what sized tire he plans on running.

but overall what i meant is in the same has most been telling, locker can cause more arm then good, but it all depends what kind of wheeling. But like most of my friends with jeep that went and installed locker, after having a locker they started hanging with group that did a bit harder wheeling/offroading and eventually started breaking stuff.

You'll probably have alot more fun with a good winch, if you are into exploring.

You really should hold off on giving advice like this. Someone might actually use it.

KJs have 29spline 8.25 rear axles. They are at least as strong (and in some ways stronger) then a D44. They front D30 will handle 33 inch tires/a locker and some pretty hard wheeling if you know what you are doing.

Especially when you take into account the kind of offroading he says he is doing. Blanket statements like "You have to have a D44" don't add anything to the discussion.

Back on topic: If you have money laying around and can afford to put ARBs in it, or you really have come across times when you couldn't get where you wanted to go and can't afford ARBs, then put auto-lockers in it.

I love having the detroit in my XJ BUT I can tell you it will drive differently. With an auto-locker it is essentially locked all the time. They do have some give but it can be interesting on slippery roads.

If you haven't found a need for them I agree with others who have said to save your money. Spend it on taking the kids on as many trips as you can squeeze in!

 

[phxtoad]

My dos centavos: If you have the traction control don't bother.

If yours doesn't (like mine) then yes, a rear locker is really nice. I have a Powertrax No-Slip with all it's quirks and I love it. You'll push through things in two wheel drive without even having to go into 4 at all.

I debated adding a front locker - but after wheeling my Jeeplet with a lot of other KJ's for years now, it's rare when you are in a position that having the front locked is a real advantage. You'll run out of flex or clearance long before the front locker has a chance to really help.

That being said, I'd still like one if I had the dough

TL

 

[RocTrac]

Let me get this straight. You go fishing and camping with the Kids and have not had any problems getting there or back.
Forget the 4.11's and locker. If you are worried about getting stuck then a winch and good recovery gear is in order. Get out of the vehicle and scout the area in question and drive smart. You will get more places with less damage than the 35" tire with a locker and a loose nut behind the wheel. I have pulled cable for a lot of folks with what looks to be a bada** rig and no recovery equip. Remember the best offroad gadget you can have is already between your ears.
Later
Carl