dayid

...or jacking up the rear of trucks and spinning a tire... (if you hear ratcheting, and then they spin the same way, it's a locker, if the opposite tire spins the opposite direction, it's open... if no ratcheting and they spin the same way - spool or weld).

An open differential spins your spiders, and so long as each tire has a resistance (traction) it spins - but this allows your arc to have each tire rotate at a different speed (picture the arc of the tire over the course of a long u-turn).

A limited slip works with a clutch pack and when one "outspins" the other too many times it locks them together. The requirement for more spin is why these are more useful in say a track car than an offroad truck, and they seem to be unreliable and wear out (likewise, a track car would most likely have a spool).

A locker works (in theory) similar to a limited slip, only without a clutch pack and without as much "spin" needed to get the two to lock together.

A spool/weld means the two always spin at the same time (thus you scrub or hop around corners).

An air locker just uses air to 100% disengage or 100% engage the locker.

A cable actuated locker uses a cable (like e-brake style, run to the cab) to 100% disengage or 100% engage the locker.

I have never in my life heard of any locker that is engaged by getting out of the vehicle. That would be ridiculous.

SeriousOffroad

Evaluate your future plans for your rig. If you are 110% certain that you're off-road usage will not change then a LSD makes more sense. The type of wheeling you do now is important info to have too.

Wrong! Lockers, regardless of the style, mechanically lock the both the axle shafts together so that power applied to that axle is shared equally. Limited Slip Differentials supply more torque to the wheel that has less traction based on the pressure applied to the clutch disc's in the diff. Perhaps you (and the OP) should spend a little time reading the following link.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

As far as Hubbazoots reply about the difference between Air lockers and mechanical lockers...If you don't know...don't post. You're not helping anyone by posting bad info.

Air lockers use a separate air source to operate the locking components within the carrier itself. ARB is only manufacturer of air lockers.

Mechanically activated lockers use a cable to engage the locking feature of the differential carrier. OX Lockers use a cable and lever arrangement, but they also have a pneumatic activation upgrade available. Their system uses a pneumatic cylinder mounted outside the differential to engage/disengage the locker itself. Tera-flex used to sell a similar product that was manufactured in Europe. It is no longer available and I mention it only as another example of a mechanical locker.

As far as Electric lockers are concerned, Eaton Lockers are the only true electronic lockers on the market. A 12v electromagnet is energized at the push of a button in the cab and the locker is engaged., push the button again and the locker is disengaged.

Automatic lockers come in 2 basic styles, luchbox and full case.
A lunchbox locker simply replaces the side and spider gears inside the stock carrier, whether it's open or a LSD. There are a wide variety of manufacturers and prices ranges to choose from, so do your homework before dropping any cash on the first one that you hear or read about.

Full-case automatic lockers are those that replace your existing carrier. Detroit is the name that most people are familiar with. This type of locker also requires that your ring gear be transfered from your existing carrier.

Limited Slip Differentials can be purchased from a wide variety of manufacturers and came as OEM in many axles. Eaton, Dana/Spicer, Auburn, and virtually all corporate axles have an LSD option.

Auburn manufactures an aftermarket diff named ECTED, or Electronically Controlled Traction Enhancing Differential. They market it as a locker but it is in fact a LSD that uses and electromagnet to increase the pressure on the clutch discs in the carrier. It does not mechanically lock the axles together and it will slip in high torque situations.

Another thing to consider when selecting a locker/LSD is the need to re-set up your ring and pinion. Full case lockers require a partial set-up at the very least (backlash and carrier bearing pre-load), lunchbox lockers do not.

93XJLI

holy what the misinformation batman. if you guys dont know what youre talking about, dont.

Frank knows what hes talking about

hubbazoot

Okay thanks for correcting that, i didn't know for sure how they worked.

RenoXJ

Why would you need a locker on the road?? smoky 2 tire burnouts???

TrapperScott1211

Personally I've never heard of a locker (mechanical) that you have to get out, climb under your vehicle and engage.
I currently do not have lockers in my XJ....but have been doing enuff research to lend my 2 cents worth.
Mechanical lockers....are just that....mechanical...a detroit locker is 1 step below welding your diff to the axles...
Limited slip diffs, these operate in a manner that when a wheel breaks traction, some or most (depends on the equipment you have) of the power is transferred to the non-slipping wheel to help pull you out of what made the other side spin in the first place.
All this happens automaticly in a mechanical locker/LS unit.
Whereas there are available on the market, locker/LS units that are activated by an on-board air compressor (comes with the kit) or electricly activated units...each of these are driver controlled with the flip of a switch....
My newbie logic....and this might cause a skuffle....would be to put a street friendly L/S unit in the back if you have a DD (daily driver) like I do....and a selectable (push button) locker up front for when you get in a pickle off road.
This would give your rear end a little more gription off road while not effecting your street performance much....and give your front end..which is your leading end..the ability to pull with both tires equally......and the pulling from the front can make all the difference in the world....when you're off-road and in a bit of a pickle.....
Hope this helps.....
Scott

dayid

Be careful how you use the phrase "1 step below" :P

Welding would be far more comparable to a spool.

TrapperScott1211

OOOPS!!!! just call me a newbie from the east LOL!!!
Was thinkin in terms of total lockup.....my being a welder/metal fabricator just makes me think a properly welded rear end would stand up to more than a D/L....I could be wrong....just my 2 cents worth
Scott

dayid

Yes and no, there would be far more stress upon a welded/spooled end (if not on the welds themselves, on axle shafts etc). A detroit can unlock where a spool or weld can't, so they're more comparable

TrapperScott1211

GOTCHYA!!!! Thanks for setting me straight