front locker on TJ

[coolmemin]

1076602

I can't remember where I read this but I heard that if you put a locker in the front of a TJ it won't lock unless you're in 4 wheel drive. It was in an article about the EZ locker or something like that. Can anybody confirm this?[addsig]

 

[far_right]

1076608

you will either need to convert to manual hubs or run an arb for a TJ up front[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1076612

Or a limited slip, I've seen them do well in the front of a TJ. Anything else will be noisy and act funny in a TJ without locking hubs.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1076623

depending on the type of locker... some will not lock... some will always be locked... but if you put yourself in control with a "third party device" such as manual hubs, manual locker, or an axle disconnect, you can run a locker with no problem at all... and like bounty said... a limited slip would be great... they don't quite grab as well as a locker, but they will certainly outperform an open diff with flying colors[addsig]

 

[coolmemin]

1076625

is there an axle disconnect available for the TJ like the Posi-Lok for the YJ? Here's the website where I read that an EZ-locker in the front wouldn't lock under 2wd:
dirt road project tj
its around the middle of the page where it talks about it. What do you guys think?[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1076627

I'll quote what that jeeper wrote so everybody here is up to speed:

Now on to the front locker; so far we have not experienced ANY of the negative characteristics commonly associated regarding an automatic locking differential in the front axle. In fact, in 2WD we can barely tell we have a locker at all! There is no binding whatsoever, only a mild clicking sound that you get used to rather quickly. While in 2WD, the front axle receives no torque from the driveshaft and does not actually "lock" the differential. In fact, Tony from TracTech says that it is impossible for the front differential to lock without receiving input power from the driveshaft.

This means that while the transfer case is in 2WD mode, the front differential can NOT lock.

Note: Since a locking front differential will spin the front driveshaft while in 2WD mode, front driveshaft vibration CAN occur under the following conditions: Improper front driveshaft angles (associated with suspension lifts) and/or an unbalanced front driveshaft.

No, there is no posilok or other front-axle disconnect system available for the TJ, since the TJ has the solid passenger side axle shaft. The YJ passenger side axle shaft is 2-piece with a locking collar that is either vacuum or cable actuated.

Only option is to swap in an axle with locking hubs, or install a manual hub conversion.

I agree that you can use this locker, and will hear the common ticking associated with the ratcheting teeth of a locker of this type. The locker teeth will be locked when driving in a straight line, but will effortlessly unlock when turning due to the lack of torque sent through the driveshaft.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1076641

I have a front axle from a cherokee with the vacuum actuated disconnect on it... and it is set up for coil spring suspension... it might be set perfect to swap into a TJ.. not sure[addsig]

 

[jhiggins]

1076721

Yup yup just get a ARB and then you won't
have to worry about any of this.......... :-D [addsig]

 

[coolmemin]

1076746

of course if i had the $ I would just swap both my axles, ARB's front and back, RE 4.5" lift 35" tires, etc etc etc... but of course I must step back into reality and deal with what I've got so if I had an automatic locker in the front and I had to make a tight turn could I just put it in 2wd and that would alleviate the stress on the drivetrain and let the locker disengage or what could I expect. I'm going to put one in the rear for sure but I'm looking for options for my front. and I appreciate all your input [addsig]