[Bacon]

just wondering if anybody out there has experience driving with a 242 tcase and front lunchbox locker. i know in 2wd there wouldn't be much difference but what about 4fulltime?

just curious is all, i saw the D30 lockrite for sale here and thought to myself, "self, I wonder what that would handle like in 4fulltime?"

discuss.

 

[Technohead]

I have not driven a GC with 242 and front locker but I have owned several vehicles with lockers in the front (Scout II, K5 Blazer, and CJ). I would not put a locker in the front of a vehicle that is used on the road, especially if you will be driving in the snow which can be downright scary with a front locker. All the vehicles I had with a front locker also had lockout hubs which took the locker out of the picture in 2wd with the hubs unlocked. Grand's don't have lockout hubs so even with a 242 in 2wd the axles still turn and the locker will provide some feedback. Maybe you can live with it; alot of guys do. IMO a far superior solution would be one of the differentials such as ARB or ECTED that can switch between open and locked.

 

[hokie98zj]

get an air locker.you switch it on and off when needed

 

[Haymaker]

get an electric locker, much cheaper and much much easier to install than an air locker.

 

[hokie98zj]

true.air lockers you have to run the lines and have a compressor as well.

 

[Bacon]

nope, not putting an air locker or electric locker or any other locker in my jeep, just wondering if any has run this setup, and what their thoughts are.

 

[Wicked]

So if one wanted to go with a front locker with choices of an air locker, e-locker or an OX locker which is the best route to go? I am thinking of doing this after I get a 242 and swap it in.

 

[Technohead]

I'd go with an e-locker. Running air lines for an air locker is too complicated (of course it is nice to have air on board!) and cable actuation . . . too primitive in this day and age.

 

[Northwoods 5.9]

I'd go with an e-locker. Running air lines for an air locker is too complicated (of course it is nice to have air on board!) and cable actuation . . . too primitive in this day and age.

I've got say... I've run Ox lockers before and I'd take the cable operation over anything else. You can positively feel engagement/disengagement through the shifter. No guessing about whether it has shifted. The other nice feature is you can manually engage the locker at the diff cover in a pinch. On the other hand, they now offer electric, air, and cable actuation.

 

[buttnakedjeepin]

no lockers hear but if i had my choice....OX lock it!!

 

[Warhorse]

Just curious about this. I understand the problem of an automatic locker (lockrite, detroit, etc) in the front with full time 4wd but what about the back? How does that work out?

 

[Preppi12]

I'd recommend an Ox locker first...then ARB if you want a selectable.

With a lunchbox locker...in 2wd...it will disengage and you will NOT know it's there. Since there's no power going to those wheels...it can't engage.

 

[hokie98zj]

any advantage to having warn lockout hubs on the front 30 with a 249?

 

[Preppi12]

any advantage to having warn lockout hubs on the front 30 with a 249?

No...

 

[hokie98zj]

didnt think so with it being all-time.guess they are more for the 231s.might save them for a 231 or 242 swap later down the road then..

 

[Jay C.]

Instead of a locker for your D30, have you considered the TruTrac helical gear limited slip? It might give you enough additional traction. From what I've read, they're unnoticeable on the street but kick in off-road when you need them. Plus, no cables, air lines, or wires. I'm considering one of these.

 

[frozenZJ]

I run a Lockrite up front with a 242.

In 2 wheel you dont know its there.

In the last snow we had (about 3 weeks ago) I drove around town in Full Time 4 wheel drive and it was OK. The front pulled around some on corners but keep your foot out of it and just be aware that you have a locker up front and expect that some.

Overall it wasnt that bad and I didnt really think much about it.

Thats just my first hand experience.

 

[zjrog]

I run a Lockrite up front with a 242.

In 2 wheel you dont know its there.

In the last snow we had (about 3 weeks ago) I drove around town in Full Time 4 wheel drive and it was OK. The front pulled around some on corners but keep your foot out of it and just be aware that you have a locker up front and expect that some.

Overall it wasnt that bad and I didnt really think much about it.

Thats just my first hand experience.

I bought a Lockright last summer for $100 and haven't put it in yet, for much this reason. But might very soon. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Technohead]

I bought a Lockright last summer for $100 and haven't put it in yet, for much this reason. But might very soon. Thanks for the insight.

Just to qualify my comment above about driving in the snow, I was mainly referring to highway driving. I found a front Detroit locker to be so white knuckle that I always cruised 2WD with the hubs unlocked on the highways. Driving at lower speeds, stop-n-go around unplowed city streets then lockers are a blast! Lunch-box lockers in the front more-or-less behave like an open differential when in 2WD; how successful they are depends on the specific design. Aussies are rather successful. Lock-Right's are a bit less successful. They both can make noise as the internal mechanisms work to keep the dog gears disengaged. In fact, Richmond gear recommends lockout hubs for front Lock-Right applications. The Powertrax is a refined version of the Lock-Right but I have never studied the design and have no clue how they operate. I'd say give it a try and see for yourself.

 

[zjrog]

I'll have to look at mine again to see if its Powertrax. I'm mainly concerned with getting through a sometimes interesting mountain pass when it is snowy. So the highway info is good to know, but the speeds in the pass are rarely above 45 when dry and wet, and when snow covered, a lot less. Since I usually drive in snow in fulltime, I'll have to adopt an off the gas around corners style of driving then.