I am going to buy a cherokee really soon and one of the first things i want to do is put lockers on but i'm only 16 so i don't have a lot of money. I was wondering if i could put lockers only on the back axle and then when i get more money i would put lockers in the front too. Please let me know if this is a crazy or stupid idea!

 

Most people start by locking the rear (I did), yes you can lock just one diff, and you'll be happy you did!

 

Doesn't matter if u do it front or back. I did front. Love it. But back would be great too. Your choice. Everyone has a different opinion on what's better.

 

Back is cool. I have both, you won't regret getting them cuz they are the beezzz!!! Save up ARB has really good ones

 

If you arent gonna have a lot of money, a good choice would be an aussie locker, better street driving than a regular locker, and if you put one in the front, you cant even tell its there unless your in four wheel drive

 

I appreciate the responses! Could somebody post a link to a good front locker since I don't have any good judgement on the subject yet! Thanks guys

 

with stock axles you could go with detroits E-Z Locker low buck last I knew, and easy to put in. most people I knew only put them in the front.

 

if you NEVER use 4x4 on the road a lunchbox front is the way to go
lockrite all day long theyre like $350

 

If your only 16 I assume you are new to driving and wheeling.

IMO Buy the vehicle an drive it first so you can see how it does on and off road. Once you get a better feel for the vehicle then start to modify it .


I am a firm beliver in Locking the rear axle first.

Locking the front and leaving the rear open is a stupid fad people have been doing for the past few years . If you are going to lock the front and save the money for a selectable locker, You can still feel a Lockright in the front axle when in 2wd I felt mine in another Jeep after a few months I replaced it with an ARB an I will not lock the front axle anymore unless it is with an ARB locker .

I'd also like to see people with a front locker and open diff drive in 4wd during a snow storm here in Utah while going up to a ski resort on a curvy mountain road ! I can tell you that a Rear locker benefits there

 

^^^^^^ all the way.

Because I learned how to drive BEFORE I had things like 4wd, or lockers I could go many places in my 2wd open diff on 31" alt. I can't tell tou how many times I've had to SHOW people the front 2wd axle after they argued with me that I was in 4 low the entire time.

I can't speak to snow but I know lunch box lockers are the BEST "cheep" mod you can do. If you look on here and be payshent and prosistent you can find ALOT of deals on here that may even let you afford both front and rear. Just like in my case because I stayed on one guy for a while I was able to get a lock rite locker for my Dana 30 $125! Good luck and don't forget, research ALOT on here and you will know more then any one of your friends. Good luck

Brandon

 

One thing I never understood also why people lock the front if live in a place where a lot of snow happens and yes people do it in Colorado also for some reason.

 

Some are Dumb that is all I can assume !

Last time I went wheeling we were one some off-camber sections while it was snowing/ raining on and off all day . It was fun going threw this with Open Diffs without having the Jeep wash out, Same with the guys with the rear lockers. Then the 2 guys with the front locker and open rear's had their front ends wash out and slide them into a wall

BTW the rock was wet granite

 

Thats weird I love my front locker. Never bothered me on the street either. But u guys are right. It just slides down any off camber climbs.....and that's coming from someone on 31s and another who doesn't know what tranny fluid to put in....

 

Or, like i said, you could get an aussie, theyre a slightly improved lockrite, and theyre only $250

 

So is there a general consensus here that getting the rear locker first would be the best idea?