So probably a newb question but how is truetrac different from limited slip cause when I was reading about it they sounded the same. Also I do plan on building up the skid protection. Just can't see ponying up 2k or so for lockers on top of what a regearing is gonna run. So lockers come more into play when you have a wheel of the ground correct cause if so I don't think ill do anything that'd xtreme right now or anytime soon. Like you guys pointed out, it'll be nice to have but fiscally unsound as I'm not really going to crazy. Am I correct in this assessment?

 

What's your offroad experience? First jeep? first off road vehicle (other than dirt roads?? If any of those answers are yes, then you absolutely do not need lockers. For most jeep owners out there (especially first timers), a stock 2 door sport with 32" good year SRAs is capable of doing way tougher trails than that driver is willing or ready to go on. Learn more about your jeep, have some fun leaning how to wheel it stock, and go from there. If you really have the mod fever, throw some 33's on there and maybe a $150 leveling kit. You can do more than you could imagine with that setup. My 2 cents

 

Well this is my second jk and I try to off road when I can, so far it haven't hit any trails that cause massive articulation to the point of the tires coming off the ground for a period that caused me to loose traction and not be able to continue. However I do try to push it a little and have been surprised by it. I was just trying to feel out what others are doing and if they felt they were necessary or not. I mean I'm not hitting Moab anytime soon lol. I do not want to get to over zealous and get myself stuck however. I guess the better question is will adding bigger tires down the road change the performance of the limited slip since I have a lot more tire to turn? Or will a regear ensure it doesn't become an issue cause if I can keep its current level of performance with the bigger tires and conservative lift (no more than 2.5" max) then I wouldn't really think a locking diff would be a priority yet?

 

Have you been disconnecting your swaybars offroad?? I have seen first hand my open jk disconnected handle obstacles much much easier than a front and rear locked rubicon with sway bar still connected (don't ask why he wasn't disco'd, long story lol)

 

I ran a Aussie locker in the rear and a Trutrac in the front on my last 3 rigs (xj, zj, xj)..

A TT does not have clutches in it. It's stronger, but still functions like a LSD. I had good luck with applying the brake to try to gain traction. Easy to do in an auto.

Now, I have to re-learn with a locked front in my JKUR.

I only have 285s and a budget boost on my Jeep.

 

If you're re-gearing the JK already... I would strongly suggest you take the time and put something in the front while you're in there. Either lockers, or another limited slip (which would be great when you go into 4hi as a DD come winter time). Went wheeling in the snow this weekend with a TJ that had LSD in the front and a locker in the rear. The rest of us all had lockers. He went everywhere we did (and something was needed).

Yes it's a bit pricey at the start... but it's another what... $4-500 now, vs $1500 to do it later? It just seems like such a waste to go in there, and not putting something in, only to have to go back in there in the future...

 

If you are stock and you are getting through all the trails you want to do with out them, then no you don't need them.

Just keep offloading until you are pushing the limits more, as you start to add a lift, or bigger tires then think about the lockers, if you start doing trails that you are struggling on and think to your self, hmm if I had a locker I could have gotten through that then it is time.

On the other hand if you are going to re-gear my opinion is to put in the lockers with gears... Simply because gear installs are expensive (usually) and there is no reason to pay for it twice. Since the locker will in most cases replace the carrier they have to re-set up the gears, and should probably use new bearings. Why pay for it twice? Heck the cost of a front and rear gear install is usually about the same as one ARB locker.

Eitherway if you are stock there is probably a lot of other things you could be doing first. Skid Plates, CB, Winch, Tires, Suspension,On Board Air, it goes on and on

 

I put a winch ahead of lockers on the priority list.

A stock JK with decent tires is capable of pretty impressive off-pavement performance. It will get you to and from remote places in tough conditions.

A winch is handy to have because:

Eventually you're going to get stuck, or your buddy is going to get stuck, or some complete stranger is going to get stuck, or a large tree is going to fall and block the trail, or something else big is going to need to be moved... The tree across the road problem is pretty routine here in the Pacific Northwest. Twice in the past year I've had to move good-sized trees to continue on. Each time, the winch worked very well.

I thought that like all my other 4x4's over the years, that I'd want to add a locker or at least an aftermarket limited slip in at least one of the differentials, but thought I'd take my time and see. Well, I still haven't added a locker or limited slip. The BLD function & good tires have been very successful in helping the little JK get through the mud, snow and over the rocks. Eventually I will add an Ox locker, or two, or perhaps just go back to my old favorite Auburn limited slip in the rear diff. But for now, all is well and I like the way it drives with the open diffs, particularly on snow & ice covered roads.

Regards, CW

 

X3; my first jeep was a bone stock '97 wrangler sport. I wheeled all over the place outside Colorado Springs and never had a problem. Granted, once i lifted it, I was able to go places where previously I had to turn back. Lockers are great, but not necessary. Get to know your vehicle, then mod as you can affor and see fit. I would go with some lift and bigger tires and not worry about lockers. Also, if you re-gear, add lift and bigger tires, AND lockers, you're putting a lot of extra stress on the stock axles.

 

I have the stock e-lockers and rarely use them. This said I rarely run more than a Rausch Creek Blue level trail. Finding a good line and learning how your rig behaves on the trail (what it can flex and reach to maintain traction, when you need to carry momentum, when to say no) is far more important.

Keep in mind that lockers cause undo stress on the internals of the pumpkin. If you have a D30 you really should consider this. Also, wheeling with lockers is a different skill than without. When locked you rig will not turn as easily and it looses some lateral stability on slimy off-camber hills. For these reasons I wouldn't even consider a locker that isn't select-able. Especially on a mostly DD.

If it were me I would save the coin on the lockers and get a decent winch to help with the obstacles that would require them.