Is switching to cable lockers really worth it from LSD?

[skinny]

Hello,

I was presented with an opportunity over the weekend to swap my LSDs for Cable locking Diffs, for a fee of course. The cable locking diffs have ~ 80,000 more kms than mine. I guess the big questions is, is the change to Cable lockers really worth it?

And how much are cable lockers worth - $ value? Keeping in mind that that this is an exchange for my LSDs. I am looking for a rough idea as to what might be a fair price for both parties.

Also, are the diffs the same ratio between Automatic and Manual 88 BJ-74s? It may make my decision alot easier if they are not

I appreciate any feedback or input? Anyone currently using cable lockers have any regrets? Lastly, anyone think of why I should not go with cable lockers?

Thanks Guys,
Todd

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

The KEY word in a limited slip is SLIP!

Yes real lockers are worth it depending on what you plan on doing.

You either need them or not based on your intentions with your vehicle.

 

[skinny]

When I purchased the this vehicle my intention is to have it as my daily driver, however it also want it to be a capable weekend off roader.

So it sounds like the switch would be worth it.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

When I purchased the this vehicle my intention is to have it as my daily driver, however it also want it to be a capable weekend off roader.

So it sounds like the switch would be worth it.

Thanks,
Todd

I believe in being prepared. You should at least have a REAR locker.

The last four rigs Ive built Ive thrown in ARB's all the way around. The idea of a cable is very nice. If you cant afford or dont want to do the locker thing then you should at least get a winch.

TB

 

[The Dude]

I love my cable lockers. Not just for the locking ability but the ease and reliability of use.

I have wheeled with many folks with the "other" brand of selectable lockers and there is always somebody messing with an air line or a solenoid... both of which can be overcome with simple upgrades, but I like my ability to lock up using a screw driver/stick/fingers by going under the truck.

 

[crushers]

hummm,
would i spend money to go to cable lockers....
hummm, i went to elec in the HZJ75, why? because it was free and i could install it myself... okay not completely free but close enough for discusion...
for medium duty wheeling then a LSD is fine. heck even open is fine for medium duty running.
for mud then locked front and rear is nice, from what i have heard for rock crawling front and rear locked is nice. (but then for this type of wheeling you want max ground clearence $$$$) for most wheeling the stock setup is fine.
if hte price is right then go for it, if the price is around $6000 installed front and rear then i would pass (but that is because i am cheap when it comes to my wheeling rigs)
i would say put the money out for a wich before ht lockers because even if you are locked front and rear there are times when you will need a winch.
probably not much help
cheers

 

[skinny]

I have a winch already that was an absolute must when I got this truck. Tthe price is no where near $6000 ( I am cheap as well which is why I have posted the question to the group) . I do have to do the labor however (no biggy and actually preferred).

I am trying to get a feel if it is worth the effort, so far it sounds like it is and if anyone out their has any dislikes for cable lockers in general, sound like a no on that one. I like manual (less likely to fail ??) parts as much as possible, which is why I would prefer cable lockers.

 

[crushers]

now we have not had the cable lockers in Canada long enough to make the assumtion that they will be problem free BUT so far they are a good alternative to ARB...
you, being down east, know the problems with the emergency brakes seizing up, right? the cable lockers could have the same problems so make sure you lube them on a regualr basis...
cheers

 

[iron_giant]

my 2 cents. Having limited slip in the rear only I have quickly come to see its limitations. I am fairly new to wheeling and generally don't do anything hard-core, and for the most part the limited slip gets me to the end of the road. That said, I am quickly coming to a point where I can definately see the advantages of a full locker, and can easily see myself in a situation where it would be more than "nice" to have them in both axles. Again, I am sure a lot of the limits of my rig come down to my limits as a driver, but a locked up vehicle can do a lot more than one with limited slip. After all, the LSD clutch only diverts around 20% (or less) power to the other wheel- and moving a 6000 pound truck at 20% power leaves a lot to be desired. If you can wing it i don't think you'll look back
-david

 

[beanz2]

I've been running cable lockers since 1999. I took out an Auburn LSD from the front and an ARB from the rear. I was having multiple electrical connection problems with the ARB pump. The only problem I've run into was a missing pin holding the cable to the mechanism. An 8 mm bolt and nut solved that. No problems with cables gumming up, etc.

Dave

 

[crushers]

here is the advice i give to all my customers, learn to pick a trail then modify the truck. if you can do a serious trail with open or limited slip diff then you are ready to go with lockers.

lockers front and rear on a "newbie" truck is asking for trouble. a Land Cruiser can easily do more than what a "greenie" driver is capable of handling. it makes the harder trails much easier, this is true but if you can pick your trail then you find out the limitations of your truck and learn how to advoid or over come the obstacles in a controlled fashion.
i feel those that have learned to wheel with an open diff'd truck are better drivers all around.
this is not to knock anyone that has a modified rig or to make a generalization of all wheelers.
i have watched greenies with built trucks end up on their side or worse yet rolled because the limitations were not known. you can tell experience from a greenie in a built truck just by the way they wheel. this is not to say all expereinced wheelers are good wheelers, nor is it to say all greenies are lousy drivers. i have watched "newbies' conquor abstacles in a true profesional fashion. Chris (turtle), Dayrl(HJ61), Kevin from 4wheel, all are instincively excellent drivers. they can pick their trail with the best of them.
do you need lockers? no.
are they nice to have? yes.
there are certain trails that you will need lockers front and rear and if you play on these then you best be getting lockers.
for the most part though open or limited slip is more than adaquate.

BTW, there is ways of beefing up the LSD to give you much better than 20% traction. all it takes is a weekend and some basic tools.

BTW2, if you do go locked in the front you best be getting good at tearing your front diff apart since you will be breaking a birfeild out on the trails.
cheers

 

[crushers]

I've been running cable lockers since 1999. No problems with cables gumming up, etc.

Dave

curious, how much salt and mud do you encounter?
cheers

 

[Stone]

I love my cable lockers, and they are actually one of the features that I did not want to compromise on when I was looking for a BJ74. Their operation are seamless and reliable. Of course, mine came with my truck and I didn't have to pay separately for them.

Would I pay for them if I had to purchase them separately? Absolutely...I've already had to use them several times on the trail. But like everyone has said...depends on the type of driving that you want to do. I also use mine as a daily driver...and therein lies the greatest beauty (IMHO) of cable lockers: driving without them engaged is driving a truck with fully open diffs. No clunking or banging when you turn corners or try to maneuver into a parking stall.

 

[expat]

I'm with Stone. It was one of the requirements for me when buying a JDM market truck. Mine will also be a pavement driver (but not daily), in which autolockers and LSDs aren't so wonderful in snow and rain. I do not plan on abusing this truck too hard, but making it more of a family expedition vehicle. Lockers for me are more of a "get home" safety factor. OK, plus a certain cool factor...

 

[iron_giant]

here is the advice i give to all my customers, learn to pick a trail then modify the truck. if you can do a serious trail with open or limited slip diff then you are ready to go with lockers.

lockers front and rear on a "newbie" truck is asking for trouble. a Land Cruiser can easily do more than what a "greenie" driver is capable of handling. it makes the harder trails much easier, this is true but if you can pick your trail then you find out the limitations of your truck and learn how to advoid or over come the obstacles in a controlled fashion.
i feel those that have learned to wheel with an open diff'd truck are better drivers all around.
this is not to knock anyone that has a modified rig or to make a generalization of all wheelers.
i have watched greenies with built trucks end up on their side or worse yet rolled because the limitations were not known. you can tell experience from a greenie in a built truck just by the way they wheel. this is not to say all expereinced wheelers are good wheelers, nor is it to say all greenies are lousy drivers. i have watched "newbies' conquor abstacles in a true profesional fashion. Chris (turtle), Dayrl(HJ61), Kevin from 4wheel, all are instincively excellent drivers. they can pick their trail with the best of them.
do you need lockers? no.
are they nice to have? yes.
there are certain trails that you will need lockers front and rear and if you play on these then you best be getting lockers.
for the most part though open or limited slip is more than adaquate.

BTW, there is ways of beefing up the LSD to give you much better than 20% traction. all it takes is a weekend and some basic tools.

BTW2, if you do go locked in the front you best be getting good at tearing your front diff apart since you will be breaking a birfeild out on the trails.
cheers

nicely put. I definately wasn't suggesting that someone build irresponsibly. I was actually trying to convey something similar (just not so eloquant). On my last wheeling trip I found myself "stuck" with both rear wheels spinning and my front not getting any traction either. The front right tire was on a rock and could have had traction with a locker. I only needed a little to push me over a ledge but couldn't find it anywhere. Had I a locker I would easily have climbed over, but I don't, and because i don't i had to back down and try another line. Upon doing so I realized my first line was not a very good choice.
Moral of the story, when you find your driving skills limited by the vehicle, modify. When your vehicle is much more capable than you are, practice.

-david

 

[crushers]

what i find is fun is trying to keep up with the more built up rigs in a "stocker" (very few trucks are stock anymore, even one size larger tire isn't stock) at the end of the day if you do succeed in keeping up then you have a feather in your cap because you know darn well it was driving skill that kept you going.

i enjoy the more capable rigs but this is what i have found years ago, when your truck becomes just a point and go rig, wheeling can get boring. when that happens then take a "stocker" for a run and then wheeling becomes fun once again...

please do not take what i said as a dig, it wasn't meant as such at all.

cheers

 

[skinny]

Thanks guys for all of the advice. I just wanted to ensure that if I did go with cable lockers I would not regret it (after I break my first birfields and upgrade them )

I agree with you Wayne, Easy is boring. A challenge always makes the run alot more fun.

So would anyone have a rough idea how much an exchange between LSD and Cable lockers would be worth $$$ wise that is. Essentially exchanging the diffs.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Turtle]

I agree with Wayne here. It is alot of fun trying to keep up with the guys who have better equiped rigs. My favorite, is to make it through obstacles, with my open diffs, that the guys with lockers took a tug on. The looks on their faces is priceless. That being said, I'm currently (slowly) rebuilding my '40 and I'm contemplating some form of locker. But it's all about the budget for me and I blew the wad on a new tub and modifying that tub. Look here to see pics if you like.
I'm taking suggestions on my next step by the way. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=44687

Cable lockers would be my choice I say Go For It!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C!

 

[beanz2]

curious, how much salt and mud do you encounter?
cheers

Salt, none.
Mud, moderately.
And for how many years have you used cable lockers?

Dave

 

[crushers]

none but i have used emergency brakes in ontario and know what happens to them...
;^)
cheers