Alright guys and gals, I need some opinions on lockers. Who makes the optimal locker for our JK's? I'm looking for the following benefits: cost, function, installation, reliability, etc. Posts can be for Dana 44's, 35's, and 30's, since they are the three factory options that we all have.

Thanks,

 

Seriously, you're going to get about as many answers as there are people in this forum, no one setup is ideal. What is ideal for one person, and is considered reasonable in cost and installation may be totally off base for someone else.

 

I have heard from 4 wheeler supply that the ARB lockers will work in the rear 44 and the front 30 diffs. There weren't many 35's on the JK, so I haven't heard of anyone installing one.

 

Yeah - No D35's anymore.



(That's a good thing)

The factory lockers are the no brainer.

The Aussie lockers look like a great lunch box version.

The ARB and Ox lockers are selectables that look great.

 

For lunch box lockers... I like the Aussie's. I got a eaton e-locker for the back. Have not installed it yet.

 

I've read some good things about the Eaton E-locker. It was actually my number 1 pick but I haven't noticed many people on our forum running it. When you put it in, post some pictures please and give it a review. Your opinion is much apreciated.

 

You would start with the rear. Most people really don't need a front locker.

Personally, I would use a full time locker in the rear, and a selectable in the front. But I'm checp and willing to live with thing's alot of poeple on here wouldn't.

 

I'm considering that one too. Let us know how you like it.

 

A good thing to consider, is why you need a locker in the first place.

If you are doing technical rock climbing where you need two lockers just to be allowed on the trail, etc....you might want to consider how bullet proof a system you need, and, if you want to be able to unselect the lockers in case you are on icy/off camber slippery conditions, etc.

The selectable lockers give you the option of not being locked when a locked diff would be hairy.

The full time full lockers are built to take a beating, but are not selectable, and are tough on your tires for street use, etc.

The full time lunch box lockers are tough enough for most people, and, can allow enough differentiation to allow street use that is not as hard on your tires, etc.

Despite traditions to the contrary - it has been proven that as far as trail capability goes, locking the front has more benefits than locking the rear. The caveat is that steering is harder if the front is locked, so, ideally, a selectable locker, or an Aussie type locker that allows easier steering, would be preferred for a front application.

The traditional "lock the rear first" mantra is primarily based upon the steering issues that were important back before selectable lockers.

A trail only rig vs a DD that does trails as a weekend warrior, etc, makes a difference as to your priorities.

As trail capabilities are maximized by as many lockers as you can fit, and DD capabilities are maximized by no lockers at all, you have to decide where you want to have the MOST capabilities. (Selectable lockers give the best of both worlds)

Cost-wise, selectables cost the most, due to the mechanisms involved. The Full Detriots, etc, cost almost as much or more due to robust construction. The Ox locker mechanical connection, the Eaton electrical connection and the ARB pneumatic connections also have different installation costs, etc. Most of the lockers in this group require professional set-up installation, due to gear lashing, and other issues, which the average wrencher is not familiar with. Some require professional installation by an approved installer to honor the warranty, etc...(If you do not get the gear teeth to mesh properly, you can end up with a very expensive pile of metal shavings, etc...)

The "lunch box" lockers tend to be less robust, intended for the weekend warrior rather than the trailer queen, and tend to be half the cost. They also tend to be easier on the tires, etc, designed with the daily driver in mind, etc. Their installation also tends to be be much less, as they do not require re-doing the gear lashing, etc to install, making them a drive way project.

So - depending upon your budget, and your intended use/level of confidence in the system, etc, ANY of the available lockers in any of the available combinations can make sense.

Hope that helps!

 

That is your opinion. Others believe a front is a good place to start. Think about what vehicles get the best traction in slippery conditions - front wheel drive vehicles. I started with an aussie in the front. Outstanding results.