locker for the mild off-roader?
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locker for the mild off-roader?
Hello,
new to the forum, but been around a while. I just bought a new '04 f-150 and already I can't leave it alone. While this truck was not purchased to go off-road (it's only 2wd and is my daily driver) I will be taking it to my parents' property in the mountains once in a while. That being said, I would hate to get stuck while fixing up their lot or get trapped in the snow. So, I was thinking of a locker. Question is, what's the best all around deal for someone who would only need it 10% of the time. Again, the truck is brand new so I would like to keep it sounding that way. I've been thinking the EZ locker would be my best choice, but is it loud? I don't plan on taking it on off-road adventures but the occasional dirt road is always just a short drive away. Thanks.
new to the forum, but been around a while. I just bought a new '04 f-150 and already I can't leave it alone. While this truck was not purchased to go off-road (it's only 2wd and is my daily driver) I will be taking it to my parents' property in the mountains once in a while. That being said, I would hate to get stuck while fixing up their lot or get trapped in the snow. So, I was thinking of a locker. Question is, what's the best all around deal for someone who would only need it 10% of the time. Again, the truck is brand new so I would like to keep it sounding that way. I've been thinking the EZ locker would be my best choice, but is it loud? I don't plan on taking it on off-road adventures but the occasional dirt road is always just a short drive away. Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
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From: Senoia, GA
i have to recommend the ARB air locker. it is selectable so you won't know it is even ther until you need it. also the Detroit is a good choice but the ARB is more of what you are looking for. they are a lil pricey but well worth the money the first time you use it!
-cutts-
-cutts-
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
I second Fishy's suggestion on a selectable locker, though I would recommend an electric locker rather than an air locker to save you the trouble of a compressor and air lines. That is unless you want a compressor too, but it's all downhill from there. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
For a 2x4, I would second the selectable locker too. There are some handling issues on ice, especially going downhill, with a locker that you might not want to handle with a 2x4.
Just engage the locker before you go off road, one to make sure it works, two to make sure you do not get stuck. Engaging the locker after you are stuck will not do much good in a 2x4 if you have already dug a rut because your good tire may not be able to get enough traction to pull you out. Try not to bury your bumper and remember backing up over your tracks is better then trying to go ahead once you feel yourself bogging down because your front axle is becoming a snow plow.
Good aggressive studded snow tires rule off-road in deep snow and on ice. Especially doing donuts :-)
Just engage the locker before you go off road, one to make sure it works, two to make sure you do not get stuck. Engaging the locker after you are stuck will not do much good in a 2x4 if you have already dug a rut because your good tire may not be able to get enough traction to pull you out. Try not to bury your bumper and remember backing up over your tracks is better then trying to go ahead once you feel yourself bogging down because your front axle is becoming a snow plow.
Good aggressive studded snow tires rule off-road in deep snow and on ice. Especially doing donuts :-)
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
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From: Salem
I would go with a LockRight. They are easy to install, cheap, and are quiet on the road. You just remove the spider gears and put in the LockRight; no gear adjustment.
91 F250 7.3 w/ATS turbo kit
LockRight/ARB 4.10 traction bars
36 TSLs, air over leaf suspension
91 F250 7.3 w/ATS turbo kit
LockRight/ARB 4.10 traction bars
36 TSLs, air over leaf suspension
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: South Central Boise
My buddy has Aussie lockers front and rear in his 85 TOY. They were pretty cheap like $235. They aren't air or electric, they just open when you turn or aren't giving power to them. I think I am going to put one in my front D44. No problems yet and we wheel every weekend over crazy sized rocks. Any reviews or comments on the Aussie?
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From: GANS
Originally Posted by thesprocket26
My buddy has Aussie lockers front and rear in his 85 TOY. They were pretty cheap like $235. They aren't air or electric, they just open when you turn or aren't giving power to them. I think I am going to put one in my front D44. No problems yet and we wheel every weekend over crazy sized rocks. Any reviews or comments on the Aussie?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 72
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From: redding, ca.
My E-Z Locker works great untill you get into down hill curvy roads. If I don't give it gass on turns it makes a lot of noise and jerks the truck around. Other than that I have no complaints. For $235 you can't beat it.
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by ejpreston
Yeah, that's what I was thinking you all would suggest. Darn, I was hoping to do it myself, but I'm not up to, nor do I have the tools for gear setting levels yet. Thanks for the help!
it was free with a couple hours involved and it doesn't act up in different terrains!
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Senior User
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Well, in reality, I would only use is maybe once or twice a month, and I woud like to avoide spending more than $300. I'm not even sure if I would need it, but I would hate to fgure that out one mud puddle to late. My biggest concern is how loud/jerky the EZ would be for freeway/city driving. Thanks.
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