auto locker for front end?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Ontario, OH
Q.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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A locker in the front end will be troublesome. I have a locker in my rockcrawler and it is very hard to steer even on soft ground. I ripped the steering box off the frame trying to steer. The front tires need to be able to travel at different speeds anytime the wheel is not straight forward. It is also very hard on the front shafts. I would think it would twist off the shafts in the front end of the IFS like butter if it was in any kind of bind.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Arizona/Texas
The best setup I ever had in my old Bronco was the factory Ford limited slip in the front, and a Detroit locker in the rear.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
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From: RVA
x2 on the limited slip or selectable locker in the front. Being fully locked, even with a Detroit Locker or another that will disengage on its own, is an absolute nightmare.
I've been in a fully locked Jeep on 35s in the snow, and it was downright scary when it came unlocked during shifts.
I've been in a fully locked Jeep on 35s in the snow, and it was downright scary when it came unlocked during shifts.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 90
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From: W Cen. FL
Have a look at powertrax.com . they build a unit that only ENGAGES when needed. I have one in the rear and the design seems that it would lend itself usable in the front.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Montana
A locker in the front end will be troublesome. I have a locker in my rockcrawler and it is very hard to steer even on soft ground. I ripped the steering box off the frame trying to steer. The front tires need to be able to travel at different speeds anytime the wheel is not straight forward. It is also very hard on the front shafts. I would think it would twist off the shafts in the front end of the IFS like butter if it was in any kind of bind.
X 2,000,0000- Do not put a traction device in the front differential of an IFS truck... Every bump that cycles the suspension causes the tires to travel at different speeds. You will tear out your half shafts QUICK. This is even when going in a perfectly straight line! Turning only makes this worse! DON'T DO IT!
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From: Arizona/Texas
You will really like the air locker in the rear. You'll find yourself playing around and seeing just how bad you can get stuck then hit the button and drive out in 2 wheel drive. 
With just my Detroit locker, I went most places and never engaged 4 wheel drive. I have pulled people out of a deep sand pit, then backed into the hole, buried it in 2 wheel drive, then drive out after putting it in 4x4. I figure the air locker would be much better. The only bad thing about the Detroit locker was getting the rear end additive just right to keep it from locking up around a corner on dry pavement. Makes a hell of a racket for sure.
Good luck.
With just my Detroit locker, I went most places and never engaged 4 wheel drive. I have pulled people out of a deep sand pit, then backed into the hole, buried it in 2 wheel drive, then drive out after putting it in 4x4. I figure the air locker would be much better. The only bad thing about the Detroit locker was getting the rear end additive just right to keep it from locking up around a corner on dry pavement. Makes a hell of a racket for sure.
Good luck.
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