Front locker vs front LSD. Which one? (1 Viewer)

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Mar 27, 2023
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Washington
Background;

Ben doing a lot of exploring in the PNW mountains lately in my 5th gen SR5. In low traction scenarios like deep snow and mud, the open diffs + ATRAC aren’t cutting it. I plan on installing an ARB locker in the rear, which leads to the dilemma of the front diff, either another ARB or a torsen helical LSD, similar to a TrueTrac. I’m leaning toward the LSD for simplicity sake and less stress on the IFS components.
Here are the pros and cons of both that I’ve thought of so far

LSD pros:

cheaper
Little to no maintenance
Automatic engagement (potentially a con)
Easier on IFS components
Locks up hard in the snow, mimicking a locker (from videos I’ve seen)
can be engaged with ATRAC when a wheel is off the ground.

LSD cons:

automatic engagement can lead to wonky handling, torque steer etc.
Becomes disengaged under flexed out wheel off the ground scenarios.
ATRAC + LSD only marginally better in cross axle rock crawling scenarios vs ATRAC alone. (I’m assuming).
LSD Reactive nature vs proactive nature of a locker. Not a true locker.

I know nothing beats a locker, and an ARB has the added benefit of being selectable. The drawbacks are the higher cost, added labor, higher potential of mechanical failure compared to a limited slip, and has the greater potential tobreak parts.

Does anybody have experience with either? Would a front locker be the way to go or would a front LSD + ATRAC be good enough for most trails? I’d rather buy nice than buy twice.
 

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