Lock the front or rear diff? I'm on the fence with this one

[WickedWindsor]

A couple months ago, I decided I was going to lock the front of my Dana 35 TTB. My new 4.10 gears will be coming next week so I have to make a decision. I still have auto hubs and do light offroading 95% highway DD. I'd like to really lock both front AND back.
Any pros or cons to locking both front and rear? Should I stay with only front OR rear locked. I had originally thought front would be best since it is so hard to replace/install (ACCESS). But unless 4x4 is engaged, it should drive like any regulary 4x2 vehicle right?
I was going to use Aussie's front and rear, lunchbox type.

 

[Tbars4]

here is a link that was just a quick search away on this very discussion...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190767

 

[410Fortune]

I locked my front first with an ARB, keeping the limited slip rear.

It was awesome, the way she would climb up stuff with the front locker
However if I had to do it again I would lock the rear first because it pushes you up obstacles, meaning your rear tires are on the ground alot more then the front especially when you have a TTB front end

You will go further locked rear first

I am now locked both and I use the rear locker alot more then both lockers (not always needed)

 

[JTX]

Before you lock anything lose the auto hub. I doubt those hubs would hold after your first mile in 4x4

 

[WickedWindsor]

OK thanks a ton! I've finally made up my mind....The rear will be locked first. I emailed Bill at Aussie locker and he says there is a shipment being flown out next week of 8.8 lockers. I suppose that I'll be in better shape this way anyway since I can still use 4x4 in snow on highway and turning radius will not be affected on the trail.
Auto hubs will be replaced with probably Warn manual hubs soon. I'm putting this one off long time since they still work well.
Do you guys leave manual hubs locked on the trails all day even if 4x4 isn't engaged? Do you only usually engage them at the trail or before you leave home in the driveway in 4x2 mode?
I wheel with a ton of Jeeps (I'm the only FORD), they don't get out of their rigs to lock hubs at anytime so I figure they're always running front axles and driveshaft only engaging the transfer case when 4x4ing.

Thanks

 

[4LO 4.0]

My hubs are locked all the time, like the 01+ rangers. I have had them this way for over a year and no problems so far (knock on wood) This mods free also, my favorite kinda mod Just shift the t/c when i want to lock the front end

 

[410Fortune]

the rear aussie in snow should be interesting!

snow and daily driving is the reason I have ARB's in my BII, a locker will push you straight ahead on ice, rear a bit and front alot, turn all you want its going straight

I assume the Aussie is an automatic locker? wheel slips it locks up?
I'm afraid I have never looked into them

Snow = fun with that!

regardless locked = whole new world of 4x4ing

 

[WickedWindsor]

Ya, snow is going to be interesting but I'm not too worried. I used to have a mustang and it was the worst thing on the road in the snow. It had LSD diff and slid side to side big time. If the road had a big crown and you were to start rolling from a stop, the back end would kick to the right and try to pull you into the ditch.

I guess as long as I can keep an open front diff, I can use 4x4 in slippery conditions in the winter to keep my rear on the road.

 

[JTX]

I usually lock mine at the trail head. If your running a locker up front you should leave them unlocked until you need them. Just less wear and tear on your locker. Another thing is your gas mileage wont be as good with them locked all the time.

 

[sn0border88]

personally i think a front locker is going to get you farther specially if you have a LS rear

 

[WickedWindsor]

Right now I have open diff's. I'll save the front for later and maybe do a selectable up front if I get anymore serious. This thing is starting to rust so bad I'm going to get maybe a couple more years out of it then maybe transplant all the goodies from this rig to a new project. I'm already thinking ahead to maybe a '95+ sport, SAS Dana 44.