Lockers

[jwill22]

So I've been looking into get some lockers, but I need some opinions first. I would rather not have to pay 1k for an ARB locker, though that be nice!

First question I have, is If I decide to just lock one axle for now would it be recommended to go with the rear axle first?

She is not my DD, as I do have a car to get around, but I would still like to take my jeep out on random summer nights for a cruise, and I typically drive out to the desert. But my jeep is mostly used for off road purposes. I am more interested in rock crawling, nothing to crazy of course, instead of mudding.

I have done plenty of reading on lockers, and lunch box lockers look pretty interesting, but i've read they are probably one of the weakest lockers. I have 33in tires and I'm not sure if that be to much tension for a lunch box locker. At some point I'd love to run 35's and stop there, but that won't be happening anytime soon.

Another locker that catches my attention is the Detroit, but I've heard you either love em or hate em, especially if you have one in the front.

Would a Detroit locker in the rear be fine for now? and not have that problem turning? I've heard your tires can skip, but im assuming that is only when its installed in the front.

I just need some ideas and opinions.

Thanks in advance and for taking the time to read my post

 

[Old Dog]

I have a Detroit in the rear of mine, the only problems I have with it is it wants to chirp the rear tire going around a corner when it shifts (auto) to 2nd., not good if there's a cop around. It also can be a hand full on hilly curvy roads as it wants to lock and unlock as you get on and off the gas. This tends to throw the jeep around.
Off road in the rocks it's great.
As you said the lunch box locker's are only as strong as the factory open carrier. May or may not be a problem. The Detroit is way stronger that's for sure.
For what it's worth, if I were to do it all again, I would save a few more dollars up and get a selectable.
For the front I say selectable all the way, even if it's 100% off road.

 

[BIGTRUCKNUT]

I have a Detroit in the back and a LockRight lunchbox locker in the front of my CJ5 and they are simple and effective, wouldn't change a thing. The Detroit in the rear has some on road operating/handling quirks in a manual Transmission , short wheelbase vehicle but nothing dangerous or that you won't get used to in time.

 

[HackFabrication]

ARB.



Yeah, they're pricey. Put one in the rear, then when the funds are available add the front.

 

[Torxhead]

The Detroit has a proven track record and is a good choice for the rear. You don't have to turn it on or off either. I have had mine since the early '90s, before the Detroit Soft Locker came out.

 

[Dan77CJ7]

I went with The Detroit No-Spin/Softlock 100% locked and not noisy at all rarely feel any banging/clunking does spin the inside tire on shape turns but wide turns are easy to make no problems around town or offroad. Up front is a quiklock i lost it once some little tiny springs popped out i got the springs at 4WP for free and was able to get them in with out taken it apart kinda tricky!!!!! keep spares. about $1300 both lockers Moser axles/master install kit Riddler diff covers,wheel spacers, pine tree air freshener.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

D/L frt and rea.
LG

 

[Tinman22]

Detroit in rear open front. To much snow driving on road for front locker,what scent is it? I've been wanting to try the black ice but my wife loves that new car scent.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Detroit in rear open front. To much snow driving on road for front locker,what scent is it? I've been wanting to try the black ice but my wife loves that new car scent.

No reason at all, why you couldn't put a power-loc LSD in the front.
There is no issue with a D/L in the front either for snow country.
I was born and raised in CO. Learned to drive in the Rockies. Lived in Cripple Creek.
LG

 

[Dan77CJ7]

its nice to have a locker up front in the snow. when you slide into a bank you'll really like the pull you get. and on the highway in the snow i/v never have any locker issues luck of the draw i guess, i must have the perfect set-up hehehe.......

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Driven my Jeep all over Wy, Mt, and Co. and never got put in a ditch. I don't drive stupid either.
Ice is no fun-BUT, I would rather have 4 wheels with drive, that almost 3. Remember, that with the 'open' front. All your drive/torque goes to the spin'n & slip'n wheel, and you got nut'n to the wheel that might do you some good.
LG