Front locker follow-up info...

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by Jefe

Is it really necesary to be in 4High at 45 mph?
I would fear breaking something in the front at that speed if you went to make a turn and it locked (not to mention a total loss of control).

Thats what I am asking. How would the locker respond? There are times when 4Hi at that speed gives you more control. There are several roads I can think of of the top of my head that are smooth dirt and can be taken at speeds eceeding that, such as Kelbaker in the Mojave. For this situation I would prefer a limited slip. Would the locker be okay for higher speed wheeling?

Originally posted by soupbone
Still nothing but a powertrax huh... Im waiting for Detroit or Eaton for the rear in sept. Dont think i can deal with non selectable. however id love to test drive a rig with locked front to see.

I am just concerned with the front locker at this point. My Torsen in the rear is exceptional.

--Sean

 

[Jefe]

I figure you're all waiting for my writeup now that its been in a week:

The first 50 miles of breaking it in were quite a pain. The first mile was heart stopping. Severe understeer at any speed and loud cluncks/pops at low speeds.

After that though, it settled down and only quietly pops occasionally while navigating a parking lot. On the street you can still feel it lock and unlock up front while steering, and it seems that I have a little more play in the steering wheel before it starts turning, but nearly unnoticable

And offroading One of the problems with the TT is that you loose downtravel and lift front tires more easily on the trail. Well, imagine being able to do so and not caring I went and did the toughest trail near me, which was challenging before the front locker. . .My first responce to my brother who was following was "Was that sopposed to be hard? ?" The front locker combined with the Atlas makes for very hard turning in 4x4. Its doable, but don't plan on turning on a dime. Its not that the front doesn't unlock, but merely that you are no longer differentiating up front so the front outer and rear inner tire are driving (or maybe the opposite . . or both inners or something )

I was worried that the front locker would put more stress on the front drivetrain. . .but I don't think it does as much as I imagined. The fact that I can now walk up a steep soft dirt hill at 3mph instead of running up it at 15mph to keep traction/momentum is a plus.

I'm hoping to make it to Big Bear soon and try some real rock crawling to see how it does there.

 

[ExplorGM]

Great Info!

Keep us updated Jefe/go off road! Front end breakage/wear is the only thing keeping me from putting one in. The Powertrax in the rear end is awsome.
Rick

 

[Big Bear Bob]

Jefe

In the Pic above you have both sway bars removed? I've heard they handle like well poorly with the front removed.

 

[zensius]

Hey Big Bear, I've been running a 6 inch lift with no sways on a daily driver for about 2 months now! The rear didn't work any more and they sent me the wrong front blocks. I'm running Rancho 9000's and I've got them dialed hard. It sways a little but it works.

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by Big Bear Bob
Jefe

In the Pic above you have both sway bars removed? I've heard they handle like well poorly with the front removed.

I run w/o sway bars off-road. And with just the front for on-road. With out both of them (and crapy Gabriel shocks) its not very safe. I've driven w/o both a few time on-road, and well. . .lets just say I wouldn't want to be anywhere near an "oh crap" situation.

 

[DesertSpive]

Hey guys, just to let you know, I have the Powertrax installed now. Just can't wait to get out there and try it out.

--Sean

 

[jshexplo96]

Can these lockers be applied to a 96?? Also what does powertrax say they fit???

 

[rabbit91]

Bump, who else has a front locker these days

Just added an eaton to my rear and thinking the front could use some more traction as well