lockers and 4.88 gears?

[Cleetis]

I hear about these all the time and was wondering what is it that they actually do to help you off road. And also what is their purpose?
thanks

 

[ExploreH.B.]

I was wondering the same thing. I heard that they are those tank track things. I would imagine those would definitely help off-road.

 

[ohe_boy]

I hear about these all the time and was wondering what is it that they actually do to help you off road. And also what is their purpose?
thanks

Lockers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_differential

(4.88) Gear ratio: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/gear-ratio.htm
Dead Link Removed

 

[DB_1]

I hear about these all the time and was wondering what is it that they actually do to help you off road. And also what is their purpose?
thanks

First of all, this is in the wrong forum. Try the off road drivelines forum here on the board, you should be able to find all the info you need about the different types of lockers.

I'll throw you a bone...lockers have nothing to do with tank tracks by the way A locker, when engaged either manually or automaticly "locks" the differential which then turns both axle shafts in unison, meaning both tires are getting power to drive the vehicle through.

The majority of stock vehicles have either an open or or limited slip axle.
In an off road situation either type of axle will lose traction once a tire is lifted. Example: You are in a rutted trail with your limited slip axle and one of your rear tires comes off the ground. Power is going to go to the tire with the LEAST amount of traction which in this case is the one now spinning in mid air. Spinning tire equals no traction.

This is just the tip of the iceberg about differentials, open and limited slip diffs are good for the street (limited slip is better) but for off roading, lockers are superior.