Have a 2009, Unimited X, Dana 30 front, Manual tranny, limited slip differential, 3.21's, going to 33" tires.

Getting some new gears installed shortly, so common sense says it would be a good time to add a locker(s)...but this is 99% a daily driver, so I really don't want to add rougher/noisier driving to my daily life.

So, I was thinking of only adding a locker to the front....but never having them before, I may not be thinking this through properly...

If I add a locker to the front, are they only going to "lock" when I'm in 4hi or 4lo?

When not in 4hi or lo, will there be any "negative" effects....i.e. noise, drivability...or will it be like they are not there at all?

Any concern with the Dana 30 and locker at all...ie. besides the usual strength concerns (only going to 33" and I am not an extreme off-roader by any means...)

Any concern with only have 1 front locker, and 1 LSD?

TIA,

Grant

 

I wouldnt put an auto locker in the front if you dont have selectable hubs. I had an aussie in my front but pulled it out right away. I hated the way it made it drive on pavement. I would save up some more and get a selectable locker.

 

If you're not an extreme off roader,why spend the money on a locker?

I thought about a locker,but decided a winch would would be more practical.

 

I don't understand bigbluejk's issue but normally you'll never feel an auto locker in a front axle in 2wd. TJ guys have been doing this forever and I myself have had this same situation for over 5 years and many thousands of miles. I have to believe that something was wrong with bbjk's install. You'll find many guys here on the board that don't have any issues with a auto locker up front in a JK.

The only drivability concern I have is if you are spending much time on compact snow and ice on the highway. This isn't a good application for an auto locker.

 

this town has a lot of tight intersections and I felt it sometimes going around them, also when parking. Personally I dont care for the auto locker. I also had one in my tj with same result but less extreme. offroad it makes it makes you think about tight turns through the trails as well. Maybe the guys that did my gears and lockers installed mine wrong. If so, I know a couple shops here that owe me an explanation.

 

It seems that with auto's in the front of JKs, half don't feel it and half do. Yes, theoretically they shouldn't bind up when in 2wd as the stress should leave the system through the driveshaft. However, this doesn't always happen and the locker will lock up a bit instead of ratcheting.

Even if all the stress on the system leaves through the driveshaft, since the hubs are always engaged, a ratcheting auto locker can still cause changes in steering feel.

 

I had an aussie in the d30 of my ZJ. It was mostly unnoticable in 2wd on the streets. It makes a big difference when needed offroad. I didn't like the tight binding feeling in the steering when in 4lo and turning on a hard surface. When I relased the steering wheel, the locker would force the wheel to go straight. There was never a problem with that, but I didn't like it. I upgraded to an hp30 and an OXlocker. I found that I really don't need the front locker very much. However, when needed, it makes a big difference. From what you say about your driving, I wouldn't put an auto locker in. Either a winch or selectable locker would be a better option. Just another opinion!

 

Thanks all for the suggestions/opinions etc.

G

 

Hey there, I'm just over in the 'park' and you're more than welcome to come see and try my setup. I have a Detroit Truetrac up front which isn't a full on locker, it's a helical gear driven high bias limited slip, and a Auburn ECTED limited slip/locker in the back.
I'd suggest not getting an auto locker or 'lunch box' being that you live up here in the great white north. Look at the selectables.

 

yes if you are also thinking long term get a selectable like ox or arb

cause those lunchboxes do wear out over time and need replacement anyway.

plus
im not sure about arb but ox lockers have 4 spider gears, even in d30, that might be something to think about too