I have been running just a limited slip diff in my front end forever because of the increased risk of breaking axles and turning issues that come with a locker. Now that I have PS and Longfields I'm finally ready to remove the handicap of not being locked. I'm leaning towards a Detroit instead of the ARB. This topic has been beat to death on every forum so I'm not looking for all the usual opinions of one way or the other. Specifically, I'd like some feedback on how much (if any) an automatic locker affects your turning ability when rock crawling, steep rocky trails, etc. (stuff that we have at Golden Mtn, Windrock, Tellico in the past). On the other hand, how much do you have to disengage an ARB to steer on this same stuff? I'm thinking of the situations on rough trails when you are trying to maneuver around and over obstacles (turn hard, back up slightly, go forward, repeat, etc.). How do either of the lockers steer? Any experience you have with this would be appreciated. Hope to see everyone at GSMTR. Thanks, Shawn
FJ40 Front Locker (1 Viewer)
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I run ARB lockers in the front of both of my trucks, I try to unlock it everytime I back up as that is where I have seen the most birf breakage. I also run unlocked except when I need it, to take the strain off the front end. I have run with many people that have Detroits and lockrites in the front and they do have more issues turning, some run with one hub unlocked until they need it, PITA.
I used to run a aussie locker in the front of my 60 and it was a pita to make tight turns while in 4wd I would run 2low until i needed front traction. I would have to make 2 and 3 point turns in 4wd where I could just turn in 2wd. Last fall I put arb's in it and the first time out wheeling I could unlock on tight turns and even when its locked it steers like the aussie locker did when in 2wd. I was sold on it and had planned to put a aussie in the front of my 40 but quickly changed my mind and it has a arb too.
My 60 is hard to steer when moving slow on the rocks. Aussie locker in the front. I generally disengage 4 wd when needed to make hard slow moving turns. I have twin stick setup which makes moving the selection on the tc eaiser.
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You will be glad you went with arb the first time. I know I wish I had done it years ago but I was cheap and figured I would just deal with the poor steering. If your coming to GSMTR you can drive mine around the parking lot to see what it feels like.
yea I think its overall best to jump off into the ARB if you have the $$. I should have done that a long time ago myself.
I'm sure any of the mechanical lockers are hell to steer on slow turns on hard surface with 4wd engaged.
I guess I'll run what I have until something breaks and then it will be ARB time if I have the money.
I'm sure any of the mechanical lockers are hell to steer on slow turns on hard surface with 4wd engaged.
I guess I'll run what I have until something breaks and then it will be ARB time if I have the money.
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I have been running a ARB in the front of a Toyota since around 1988.
I would NOT run anything else. They are rock solid and the compressor can be used to fill a tire if needed. It is a little slow filling 4 tires but can be done.
I would NOT run anything else. They are rock solid and the compressor can be used to fill a tire if needed. It is a little slow filling 4 tires but can be done.
What's wrong with running a LSD in the front such as an Auburn locker? I was thinking of upgrading my front axle with a limited slip differential as our setup is on 33's and not a dedicated rock crawler. Thanks...
Makes it a pita to steer and give it bad road manners. Better to be able to unlock or lock when you need it. Plus, running it all the time makes BBS more likely.
LSD does not impact steering ....I use to run two auburn LSD's in my truck. The down side of an LSD is that it needs tire spinning to really actuate so when going slow the LSD is not a great traction aid. The LSD's impact to steering is minimal at best, I never noticed any issues with mine.
A LSD would be better than an open diff but understand how it works.
A LSD would be better than an open diff but understand how it works.
With power steering and Longfields you have ZERO to worry about breaking in the front of your truck. BBS is no longer a worry.
I have been running an Aussie locker in the front of my 40 for years with no complaints. It locks when it needs to and unlocks when you want to turn. No thinking, No switches, No compressor, No air lines..... In a rear axle a selectable locker is a great idea if you drive on the street but in the front axle it doesn't matter if you are in 2wd.
For mild wheelers/ street trucks I would go selectable rear locker and a front LSD. For more hardcore trucks I would run a selectable / spool rear and a ratcheting front ( Aussie , Detroit ). But never a spool or ARB in the front because I don't want to have to disengage every time I want to turn.
I have been running an Aussie locker in the front of my 40 for years with no complaints. It locks when it needs to and unlocks when you want to turn. No thinking, No switches, No compressor, No air lines..... In a rear axle a selectable locker is a great idea if you drive on the street but in the front axle it doesn't matter if you are in 2wd.
For mild wheelers/ street trucks I would go selectable rear locker and a front LSD. For more hardcore trucks I would run a selectable / spool rear and a ratcheting front ( Aussie , Detroit ). But never a spool or ARB in the front because I don't want to have to disengage every time I want to turn.
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Thanks for the input Michael. If I did decide to go with an automatic locker in the front it will probably be a Detroit since I no longer have my stock front carrier assy. Any info on whether the Detroit steers better or worse than the Aussie or Lock-Right units?
