Triple Lockers and Why Would I Need Them

[ncjeep]

2004 LC100 non AHL with new BFG KO3'S and would like to go offroad at Uwharri in NC. I read a lot about triple lock upgrades. What are they, what do they cost and do I really need them. Any opinions would be appreciated. TIA

 

[Coin]

If you don’t know, you don’t need them.
Most who do know, don’t need them.

You have a great, capable offroad truck. Enjoy it. If you find it’s limitations then consider the cost of lockers. FYI, it ain’t cheap.

 

[Mark W]

Just to put things in proper perspective.

You have a stock road rig on street tires that you want to visit a national forest with.

You are so far from needing lockers that it is hard to explain how far you are from needing lockers without sounding purposely harsh about it.

Enjoy the rig that you have, doing the things you want to do. No need for lockers.


Mark...

 

[Kabanstva]

Triple lockers installed etc you’re looking at well over $5k

 

[Trapper50cal]

That rig is already overly capable for what's required. You're good. Plus it's an '04 so you already have a 4-pinion front differential
(One of the arguments for locker install up front is to shore up/strengthen 2-pinion front diffs in '98-'99) and you have the 5SPD auto
trans (that came in '03 and up). Good looking 100

Triple-locked just refers to having front and rear differential lockers (mechanically connecting the two axles) and a center diff lock
for the transfer case.

 

[newbielx470]

Triple-lock would be useful for Jeep Wranglers to do hard-core rock crawling in Moab or heavy mudding in southern swamps. But generally speaking, Land Cruisers are too heavy and bulky for that type of offroading anyway. The stock 100 series is capable enough to do many difficult trails already. (Pictures from previous Hundy-in-the-Hills events can prove this )

 

[Hoserock]

Get to know your ATRAC system, it will get you out of a lot, but I say got for it... think of the glory

 

[Malleus]

You might get more detailed responses in the NC clubhouse forum, from people who have actually taken their 100s through Uwharri.

 

[Dparo]

I'm not a fan of locking the front diff on a 100. I only did the rear.

 

[MongooseGA]

You might get more detailed responses in the NC clubhouse forum, from people who have actually taken their 100s through Uwharri.

Been there, done that.

A 100 with ATRAC can do most of Uwharrie, except for (IIRC) Daniel and/or Dickie Bell.

The first time I used my lockers was at Uwharrie. The truck did great except for a slick rock section. That's where I learned how ATRAC can be better than a front locker in slippery sections.

 

[excessive]

You can do any trail at Uhwarrie (except Daniel) with your vehicle as is.

 

[FamilyCamper]

You can do any trail at Uhwarrie (except Daniel) with your vehicle as is.

Did all of Daniel with just ATRAC and CDL no winching. Good spotting needed for sure. GX on 33s also made it! @Svensk120

Get sliders first and a winch which probably means a new front bumper if you will go that route in the end anyways.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

To answer your original question, a locker is something that keeps a wheel (or axle) from spinning, it distributes power equally. There's tons of good Youtubes that explain differentials and lockers. You already have a center diff lock. If you're not sure what that is, I'd spend some time reading your owner's manual so you understand when to use it and when not to (pavement). You also already have the ATRAC system which is great, also good to brush up on in the manual. As for cost, couple mentions already and it depends on the type of locker - air, electric - and then install costs.

As with anything, I'd suggest using your truck as is and if you identify a problem, address it then. Whether it be lockers, sliders, a winch, etc.

 

[Broski]

I think you should just skip the locker and sale it to me

 

[Hokie LX]

Come check out the ONSC forum for the local NC cruiser club. I have taken my LX470 through a lot of Uwharrie in stock form with 33" tires. You'll be fine.

NC- Olde North State Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[J1000]

ATRAC works awesome. IMO lockers aren't needed until you go 35s or make some serious suspension upgrades.

 

[Patassa]

Best reason to get lockers is so that you can tell people you have lockers. "Triple locked" or something.

 

[Jarred]

If you don’t know, you don’t need them.
Most who do know, don’t need them.

You have a great, capable offroad truck. Enjoy it. If you find it’s limitations then consider the cost of lockers. FYI, it ain’t cheap.

Too bad he already heard about it.

 

[MongooseGA]

Best reason to get lockers is so that you can tell people you have lockers. "Triple locked" or something.

Like marathon runners and Marines.

You'll know they are because they'll tell you.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Driver mod first, then LC mod.