Locked Front

[BeerDonor]

I have an XJ that has a Lockrite in the front axle. Of course it makes street driving near impossible. Is there anything I can do to improve this. Locking Hubs, maybe?

 

[Steve_Kibbe]

get an arb.

 

[jeepinmatt]

Locking hubs, a selectable locker, or an open differential are basically your options. Hubs are nice, but you have to get out and engage them anytime you want to use 4wd, and I think the kit is pricey. A selectable locker is also pricey, but has a cool factor, and works as an open diff if you don't need it. Going back to an open diff would be the easiest and cheapest option. If you don't need the front locker, thats what I would do.

 

[burrellsjeep]

Hubs are nice and save fuel on the road (a little), Oh course a selectable locker will do the job also.

Just depends how you want to spend the money.

 

[RenegadeT]

I thought the locker should unlock when there's no power to it, ie 2wd street driving, and shouldn't be noticed

 

[rbo1577186]

I don't have any real issues in my TJ.

It's only noticeable doing tight radius turns at slow speeds. Ex.. If I'm in a parking lot with the wheel cut a lot and I punch the gas it will bind a little. You can hear the front tire chirp slightly and it helps the rear wheels spin easier.

I've drove 12k in around 4 years or so and that's the only issue I've had with a lockright in the front.

 

[StrokedWJ]

I thought the locker should unlock when there's no power to it, ie 2wd street driving, and shouldn't be noticed

x2 it should. Put the TC in 2wd and the LR should be nearly invisible. With an auto locker up front you more or less lose the use of 4wd on pavement (why would you need it there anyways?).

 

[89wrangler]

All of the vehicles I have owned with a lock right in the front, you could not even tell they were there. Sounds like you have more going on there than should be.

 

[burrellsjeep]

I ran a Powertrax front, with an open rear and it was like running open/open couldn't tell at all. Then I put a Lockrite in the rear and it was a pain to get it to turn (like at a stop light or stop sign). It wanted to plow, I learned to let off the gas and the lock rite (in the rear) would release and allow it to turn sharper.

I run a Limited Slip in rear now (Different Axle) still have the Powertrax up front and It drives like factory.