Best Diff for snow / icy conditions?

[JeeperChris]

While looking for diffs (posi's, lockers.. etc) I read that lockers do not fare well on icy roads, so I need to do some learning.

I'm in Michigan and it snows a lot during the winter. One of the reasons for buying the Jeep is that I (hopefully) won't get stuck again. Mine has open diffs right now. I need to learn and understand what the best thing would be for a daily driver through snowy, icy, and just ugly conditions. Back and forth to work is all streets / back roads, all paved and mostly straight with a couple 90 degree turns in there. Top speed is about 60 down each road just cruisin for 11 miles each way.

I'm looking for recommendations but also I want to understand why one way is better than the others. I was first thinking of going Detroit Tru-Trak, then I saw Powertrax No Slip lockers (pocket locker or lunchbox locker), then I saw a discussion on how lockers are no good for frozen conditions.

Please help, anything will do as I want to learn as much as I can to make the best choice. I don't do much trail stuff but I'm sure i will do a little during the summer, certainly no rock crawling stuff.

Thanks

 

[JeeperChris]

I just watched that video about the different types of diffs. Very cool.

 

[Torxhead]

I would think a winch would be a good bet.

 

[JeeperChris]

I would think a winch would be a good bet.

That's called Plan-B.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Open diffs are the best in snow and ice. With a locker your back end is going to be trying to pass your front end. A selectable locker is your best bet.

 

[JeeperChris]

What about with a Limited Slip like an Eaton Tru Trac in the back?

 

[BusaDave9]

What about with a Limited Slip like an Eaton Tru Trac in the back?

open differentials are the best in snow for directional stability.

Lockers keep you going but not always in the direction you want to go.
Open differentials have the best directional stability but are the most likely to get you stuck.
The best trade off is selectable lockers. Use it open for stability. Lock it when you are worried about getting stuck.

Here's more info: https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f105/lockers-limited-slip-differentials-12434/

 

[CJ]

Listen to Busa - he lives in snow and ice.

 

[JeeperChris]

Thanks gang! I think my mind was on street cars too much that's why I was thinking about a Limited slip. After hearing what Busa said and watching that video in the sticky threads a selectable locker does make sense.

I think there is an OX in my future. I like that one with the manual cable over air or electronics.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Locker and LSD are not the same thing.
I was raised in the snow country of Cripple Creek CO.
A true clutch type LSD, like a power-loc is a great aid. The open diff will send the 'drive' to the wheel with no traction-Not a good thing........
I do not recommend a Detroit Locker or such for on road use in snow or ice.
Good luck.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

It's all about the tire in deep snow. My '84 is stock with 31.50 Firestone Destination mud terrain tires. We had a storm that dumped almost 20" of snow it was up to my front bumper and I was able to drive out and get to work in Boulder 20 miles away with no problems.

 

[jp360cj]

What about with a Limited Slip like an Eaton Tru Trac in the back?

I have a Tru Trac in my CJ7 . Not a whole lot of snow in NC, but usually get at least 1 good snow fall each winter. My CJ drove better in the snow with an open diff than with the Tru Trac. With the open diff I would sometimes spin a tire; now It will spin both back tires and get sideways. Not sure if it's the weight or wheelbase or what, but it's much more sensitive with the Limited slip than my Ranger was (also LS).

 

[Manic Mechanic]

im a fan of a posi unit as it does well in snow, rain, and dry and light off road applications. although i do have a locked front so that helps alot, its really a judgment call and what you like

 

[Colorado Yeti]

Per above, an open differential front & rear is by far the best and most stable for packed snow / ice / highway driving. A selectable locker is obviously best for deep snow / off road conditions. You can lock it in when you have to go off road but then have an open diff for highway driving. I had a '76 CJ5 with 33 x 12.5's and a Limited slip in the rear and it was ridiculously dangerous on an icy highway. Last time I do that.

 

[JeeperChris]

From everything you guys have said and all the reading I've been doing it's going to be OX manual lockers so I can do the open diff for normal driving and have the lockers when I need them. Snow and ice are the reason I want another 4x4 so I'm going to heed all the warnings and follow the recommendations of those who know.

Now I just have to find some Wide Track axles to build for this thing......