Hello,

New to Lockers and would like to know what situations you would use them in - front on... rears off, etc.

 

Unless you do this mod.. youre pretty much stuck using them as DC wants you to

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...hlight=lockers

chuck

 

I understand that, but I want to understand in what situations to use them.

 

It's nice to have selectable lockers for alot of reasons. Here are a few right off the top of my head.

1-You can turn off the front locker in tight turns. A locked front axle in 4wd makes it very hard to turn sharply, especially in slick conditions.

2-You can stay unlocked until you really need them, reducing drivetrain and tire wear

3-You can unlock them when you have a tire in a bind, possibly reducing the chance of breakage.

 

Sorry, we haven't had our coffee yet. The thread isn't about whether or not to get selectable lockers (already sold on'em) but when to select to use them. I wouldn't mind hearing some input on this as well.

 

I hate to say that I haven't used them as much as I thought I might. I'll hit most obstacles without them and I usually get over without. I have used them in mud and really "soupy" water. Rock crawling is another, and any time I know I'm going to put a wheel or two in the air. Lockers aren't so great in slick conditions like Ice. With all the wheels turning at once the Jeep will move/slide to one side or another which isn't a problem if you have the room....normally I don't.

 

This is a great question. Put simply, any time you might get stuck for lack of traction. There's a good deal of nuance though. I have a locking rear and just bought a locking front mopar D44.

In rocks, one tire often lifts then gets all the power.
In mud, one tire often spins and another just rests.
In snow, one tire spins and another just rests.

Anytime you run the risk of getting stuck due to lack of traction is a good time to lock the axle.

Conversely, I'd use it as little as possible as the strain on the axle assembly is substancial. I'd use the front less than the rear. The front diff has u-joint to allow the hubs to turn left and right and this is a weak point that must endure the strain of trying to keep both tires locked together in turns and when one tires catches traction.

Consider it something like turbo boost in a video game except use it when you need traction not power.

 

Quick and easy.

Drive in low range until you can go further. Then lock the rear. If you still cannot move, lock the front.

Unlock the front before needing to turn and unlock the rear once you have crossed the obstacle.

 

Sorry, I apologize, I wasnt trying to bs a smart A$%

I've yet to use the 08 Rubicon's yet...only had it a few weeks, BUT
On my 2002. TJ
When in 4wd, I ran with the front unlocked 90% of the time. (rear was Detroit so it was locked upon acceleration)

Only used the front when I knew one wheel was gonna be off the ground, or when I spied mud straight up ahead.
No sense loosing momentum flippin/ and switchin things when forward progress starts to slow.
Like the others said, very difficult steering with front locked.
Not much chance to do any rock crawling around here, so little advice there.

Chuck

 

ARB has a video indicating use of their product. It might give you some ideas:
arb.com.au/arb-air-locker-video.php
SV