Mechanical Locker and SNOW???? (1 Viewer)

[88chevota]

So I am looking at different locking options. I cannot necessarily afford two ARB's so I am looking at a Aussie in the rear and ARB in the front.

Anyone out there running a mechanical in the rear that drives in the snow covered roads??? My rig is my daily driver so if a mechanical sucks in the rear for snow I may just need to go ARB in the rear and what until I can get another one for the front.

I have also thought about putting in 80 series lockers in it. so what do ya'll think?

side thought. I centered my rear diff. can you center a 80 series axle the same way as a 60 series?

 

[LCOwner]

You may not like it. depending on the condition of the carrier it may unload on you at the wrong moment. full lockers at speed on slick roads are unpredictable

 

[Freewheel]

My Aussie arrived 1 day before going away on business for 2 1/2 weeks - I'll let you know how it works in the snow in 2 1/2 weeks and 1 day...

I loved the limited slip diff I had in my old Blazer though...

 

[RockDoc]

I've always thought it would be an issue, but what I've absorbed off the board is that it isn't really an issue with the wheelbase of the 60s, 40s yes. I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread though, I think I might throw one in this summer, and play it by ear once the snow flies. Can't be too hard to change it back if it's an problem.

 

[lonezuk]

Have an 83 Hilux with f/r Detroits.

A true locker will take you where it wants and traction is available.

When it snows and I have to drive it, i never use 4x4 above 8 mpg and one has to be quick on the clutch.

I have driven it on trails in the snow, off camber and hidden ruts can get you into trouble before you know it.

Being fully locked is great going slow over boulders and in the mud, generally off highway usage.


No matter what, snow tires are a must, studded ones are good if they are permitted where you live.


My 85 has open diffs and studded coopers, in the snow on the road it is better then being locked.
So the 83 stays parked in the snow.


PS: Have been driving for over 40 years, 20 years with limited slip and 3 years f/r detroits.

 

[88chevota]

Yeah i have thought about leaving it open for the winter and then just install it when it is not snowing so much. sometime we get freak snow storms in june or even july though. rare but it happens. Snowed in june last year.

 

[CruisinFJ60]

locked front and rear in snow is a bad idea rear only and open front is no big deal.

Ive driven my 60 on snow covered roads with the aussie out back (at the time i was open up front) in 2wd and 4wd and it was great honestly didnt slide like i had expected i think the long wheel base help this ALOT but now that i have auto lockers front and rear (aussie and a detroit rear) i will NOT lock both the front hubs as it locks down and i have no control of the steering.

but i think with your ARB up front (and open or unlocked) and a detroit or the much cheaper aussie in the rear would be just fine maybe be a little more carful round turns but other than that you will be ok.

 

[ARSmay]

Danger, Danger. Lockers and snowpacked roads are no bueno.

 

[RredFJ40]

2 snowy winters with a rear aussie - no problems. As long as you aren't hammering the throttle all the time and TRYING get the rig sideways you won't have a problem. Make sure your tire pressure is always even and your rear end is within specs before you button it up.

 

[brokenparts]

yeah, I usually wheel in the snow with the rear locked and open in the front unless I'm going straight and need the traction, then I lock up the front.

 

[benw4x4]

I have a lockright in the rear of my 60 and have had no problems in the snow even in the deep snow we had last year. I like the locker better than the open diff. I have found that I don't need to put it in 4wd most of the time. It can slide alittle more if you are not careful but with some throttle control it is no problem.If you work it just right turning can be fun.

 

[2damslow]

I leave my arb's open, then if I get stuck I lock them and keep going.

 

[Mace]

You guy's snow must be different than mine.

I have driven F/R locked trucks in the snow countless times. If you take the lockers into account it is just fine.

I honestly prefer the traction..

 

[cfdlighthouse]

You guy's snow must be different than mine.

I have driven F/R locked trucks in the snow countless times. If you take the lockers into account it is just fine.

I honestly prefer the traction..

not alot of snow driving in virginia, but more often then not the driver and the drivers foot has more to do with drivabilty than anything else. ie locked or unlocked the driver and don't forget that foot is what counts. (wish we had snow like you guys out west)

 

[brokenparts]

You guy's snow must be different than mine.

I have driven F/R locked trucks in the snow countless times. If you take the lockers into account it is just fine.

I honestly prefer the traction..

I agree up until a point... I wheel in the snow a lot in the winter months and having the option to switch off my front locker is a very nice thing to be able to do in alot of situations like going between trails downhill (and uphill) and around tight corners... save ya from having to do a 19 point turn or "pushing" your front end around the bend. The rear isnt a big deal locked in snow. there's enough give in snow that the extra traction is nice.

I wouldnt have any reservation about putting a mechanical locker in the rear if snow is a concern.

 

[rover67]

i will be installing an aussie locker in the rear of mine this weekend. i think it'll be fine.

also, icy roads and snow are different. snow=traction ice=sideways.

i-70 can get pretty icy at times. just slow down a bit and get in the right lane... thats what i plan on doing. and doughnuts finally too. jesus i hate doing peglegs in this truck.

 

[rover67]

i live in denver and drive up "the hill" to the mountians every weekend. forgot my sig dosen't say where i live.

 

[wyomingben]

"You guy's snow must be different than mine.

I have driven F/R locked trucks in the snow countless times. If you take the lockers into account it is just fine.

I honestly prefer the traction.."

Yes, the snow up north is different. I've lived in NM, CO, WY and MT. Once you get north of Casper, Wy the roads are more likely to be scary slick in spots (in spots is the key), mostly because of the smaller population of people (less plowing and graveling if at all) , the wind (#1 reason) and it's just plain colder up here (more ice) Not sure locked F/R is good advise. Rear maybe ok if the driver is alert of it and has a death grip on the wheel in these situations. I have been sideways at 60 mph going down the highway in at least 5 different vehicles, only one of which was locked in the back none of which in the front, recovered without a wreck in each case just by luck. I've seen hundreds of AWD suv's in the ditch, upside down, ect. Dozens in one day, No joke. Can't say I ever did see much of that in New Mexico and it did snow there. I think it really depends on where you live and how fast you drive, I can't say I would recommend it even in Denver. Off Road I say lockem if you got em, if you can steer it!

-Wyo

 

[88chevota]

Thanks guys i am going to go for Aussie rear. ARB front with some kinda onboard air tank.

So how hard is it to install that ARB and set up gears?

 

[Mace]

It's not hard to install, you just have to be carefull of the air line routing..


Setting up gears is no a big deal either. Depending on the age/miles on your carrier you might have to replace all of the bearings. Which is a good idea while you are in there anyway..
But if they are fairly new, pull the carrier and install the new one