3WD or 4x3 ???
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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3WD or 4x3 ???
Is it ok on the mechanicals to run your part-time 4x4 in 4x3? Let's say you have twin Detroit lockers, and you lock one hub, but leave the other hub unlocked. This way, you have 4x3, and you don't have to fight the steering wheel like you would in 4x4 with twin lockers.
This wouldn't be hard on the mechanicals, would it?
This wouldn't be hard on the mechanicals, would it?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
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From: West Virginia
easier to break **** if you run locked in the front with one hub unlocked. axles and etc. Because with open diff your inside tire (or the tire with the least traction) will spin. With one hub unlocked and the t case in 4wd and the diff locked, the unlocked tire will spin, whether its the easiest to spin or not.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: KCMO
Seems like it would be harder on that one corner receiving more torque instead of it being split between bothsides on that axle.
But I cant see how it would hurt anything else. Typically if you're in a place that needs 4x4 the terrain is loose enough that steering is unaffected.
But I cant see how it would hurt anything else. Typically if you're in a place that needs 4x4 the terrain is loose enough that steering is unaffected.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
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From: Middle TN
I'm with Haster, you are placing all the torque on one side in the front, a good way to break an axle shaft or u-joint or even a locking hub.
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Senior User
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Thanks for the replies, if that's true, I won't do it.
Question though:
With a locker under load, torque is evenly split on both axles, only one axle isn't locked at the hub. Would this still be placing all the torque on the locked side, or only 50%?
Another way to put it:
Wouldn't it be the same thing as having both hubs locked in front, but one tire is on ice?
Question though:
With a locker under load, torque is evenly split on both axles, only one axle isn't locked at the hub. Would this still be placing all the torque on the locked side, or only 50%?
Another way to put it:
Wouldn't it be the same thing as having both hubs locked in front, but one tire is on ice?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thanks for the replies.
That's pretty interesting that whether a locker or open, when one wheel can't get traction, all torque goes to one side and can cause parts to fail.
3WD or 4x3 is out for me.
I thought it made sense that it'd be ok, but a buddy of mine wanted me to check to be sure, and it's not a good idea.
Thanks.
That's pretty interesting that whether a locker or open, when one wheel can't get traction, all torque goes to one side and can cause parts to fail.
3WD or 4x3 is out for me.
I thought it made sense that it'd be ok, but a buddy of mine wanted me to check to be sure, and it's not a good idea.
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 662
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From: KCMO
Well, also consider that if you have all four locked and 4x4 engaged, that when you turn on a hard surface(pavement) you are putting tons of stress on one side of the axle as well b/c it has to hop that tire to make the turn.
Thats why you should only use 4x4 on a loose surface where you need the traction... Or get a selectable locker.
Thats why you should only use 4x4 on a loose surface where you need the traction... Or get a selectable locker.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 74
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From: Bishop, CA
I disagree with those saying you'll break something with only one hub locked. You put it perfectly, it's like having one front tire on ice and the other on dirt. With a locker, both tires pull evenly and if only one is locked only that one pulls while the otherside axle spins harmlessly. I often have a tire in the air wheeling and the tire on the ground takes the whole load thru the driveline, but it works fine if you don't hammer it.
Where else can all the torque go, but to one side if the other is unlocked, airborne or broke? Doesn't hurt a thing, but more load is put on hub and axle, so don't hammer like you might with both locked.
No difference running only one hub locked and understand how hard it is steering with a locker. When you blow a hub or axle on a trail with a locker, it's standard practice to use the other hub to help you get out of there. The only time you wouldn't is if you were going to tear up otherwise reusable yokes on a blown axle u joint.
Run your 4x3 until you get the funds to beef up your steering to handle the locker or get a selectable locker.
Where else can all the torque go, but to one side if the other is unlocked, airborne or broke? Doesn't hurt a thing, but more load is put on hub and axle, so don't hammer like you might with both locked.
No difference running only one hub locked and understand how hard it is steering with a locker. When you blow a hub or axle on a trail with a locker, it's standard practice to use the other hub to help you get out of there. The only time you wouldn't is if you were going to tear up otherwise reusable yokes on a blown axle u joint.
Run your 4x3 until you get the funds to beef up your steering to handle the locker or get a selectable locker.