Aftermarket Lockers

I personally think e-lockers are the best option for a Jeep you drive on the road and I think the rear is the most effective off road so you're off to a great start.

You will need to replace the carrier in your rear and although you can do it yourself, I would just PM Aaron Stapen (astape) on here and get him to do it. You'll be better off.

I like my set up and its all non selectable. Not bashing selectable lockers, but price (2x) and reliability can be a factor. More can go wrong.

I like my rear Detroit Locker,(around $500) I hardly know its there. Just an occasional click/pop or bang. The only Major con , is it can get a little squirrely in ice and snow. But you do get used to it. The big Pro is that they are super dependable with a rock solid rep, and always ready.

Front I use a Detroit True Track, gear driven limited slip. (around $400) Very well mannered on the road and trail, but does sometimes require a little power braking to torque balance to "lock", but it does this very well. Also since it is a limited slip, its a little easier on front axles and breakage. Also since you will need to change your carrier anyway, this is a very good option for the front.

Definitely good set up for blue / blacks at RC. So you can lock/LSD both your axles for the price of one ARB.

2 cents.

I have the Eaton elocker in the rear and I think it was the right decision. You may "hardly" notice a detroit but I "never" notice the eaton. It's definitely worth the money to me. I've had a few occasions where it didn't engage but it has always fixed itself by dis/re-engaging, never any major problems.

Quote from ConcreteCharlie

1) E-locker a good option? ARB air locker just seems like a major PITA.

A good option? yes. I have one in my front 60 and have been mostly happy with it. The only issue I'll note is that by design it has a funny 'ratcheting' when locked....ie. it's not a 'spool' per se, there is like 1/4-1/2 turn of play when locked. I am a fan of ARB's (we have them F&R in Jen's TJ) but the ease of running a couple wires to the elocker is far easier than plumbing airlines AND mounting/wiring the compressor/solenoids.

Quote

2) Smart to go only on the rear axle? I join the trail rides 4-5 times per year and take it on the beach. Not imagining any (intentional) trips down Rock Creek.

I see it debated all the time but my personal preference would be to lock the rear first...I have a detroit in the rear and just lock the front as needed, which isn't too often if not on something pretty difficult. Locking the front can be an issue if it's your DD, you don't go selectable, and use 4wd in the snow. A mechanical locker in the front on snow can have some really funky handling.

Quote

3) Is this a mod that mechanical dummies can do in under two months?

It's doable by yourself but you should know what you're doing as you at least need to check/adjust backlash if not changing your gears. I'd suggest having someone do it or at least help you with doing it if you've not messed with setting up gears in the past

--Ian

Eaton's E-Locker is pretty nice. I know a while back they were changing the design a little to strength them. Their D30 model then was one of the strongest available. Having the electric lockers in the Rubicon makes me really appreciate selectable lockers. I had a Detroit in the rear of my XJ and it was nice having it engaged even in 2WD, but also make it a little annoying driving on the road in curves and such. As for front or rear... the rear axle is a bit stronger and typically when you need the extra grip offroad, it's climbing something and the front end doesn't have much weight on it.

I've got the E-Lockers front and rear and have been happy with them.

One thing to keep in mind is that locking them going faster than 3mph will grenade the locking pins and won't be covered under warranty.

So pick your switch placement carefully or add a secondary enable switch so a passenger can't inadvertanty lock it while going down the road at 55mph.

I have E-lockers front & rear,they performed well for about 7 months then the front just quit engaging.i called up the company I baught them from, first question,what size tires do you run? 35's . sorry if there not stock tires it voids the warrenty. which by the way is only one year.i tried going t o eaton directly & was told they only deal with the distributers . I called both companies so many times they stopped taking my calls & answering my emails. just my two cents.

I've hears some good things about Yukon's offerings. Grizzly (Non selectable) and ZIP (AirSelectable) lockers. Apparently they have great customer support. Something to look into...

[img height=456 width=608]http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/se…loaded_images/lockers.jpg[/img]

I've got Grizzly lockers f&r. Kiss principle applies to me. Yes it takes a little getting used to on the street, but can't beat the warranty or how they perform on the trail.