DD Locker question

[spctrbytz]

I have been reading up on this forum and others about a rear locker for my 1997 XJ with an ABS D35.

Budget limits me to one of the spider-replacment styles, but I can't seem to find much information on how the EZ locker or other types perform on a DD.

My setup is as follows:

http://www.spctrbytz.org/photos/lift16.jpg
1997 XJ / 4.0 / AW4 / ABS / D35-D30 3.55 / 4.5" lift / 31x10.50


This is a 95% street rig.... but when I wheel, I want to wheel rather than cuss, shovel, drag, or winch.

Any opinions? I will need to install this myself with basic hand tools.

Thanks

 

[KarlVP]

you have an automatic, you wont even notice a locker in the rear.

 

[BrettM]

DON'T lock the D35!

lockers in the front are un-noticeable (aside from a spool or locked ARB) in 2wd, so go for any of the spider replacement ones. I would lean toward the Aussie locker.

 

[cal]

I'm with BrettM, the d35 just isn't going to hold up to it - no matter who says their cousins neighbors friend wheeled his welded on 38's with no problems. I blew mine up on 32's with an open diff.. Find an 8.25, 44 or 8.8 to replace it with, then get the locker.

-C

 

[non-stick]

It all depends on your driving style. I personally had a Lockright in my (not third cousin's) '89 D35 with 31's and never had problems. Of course I wasn't running the Rubicon or other high traction areas and I tend to go sparingly on the skinny pedal. When I went to 33's I did switch to a D44 so as to remove a potential weak link.

If you don't go crazy with the skinny pedal and have an automatic you should be alright with a locked D35. I have had 2 Lockrights in two Jeeps (1st gen in a YJ, current in XJ) and think they are acceptable for light use with reasonable tire sizes. I also currently run an Aussie locker in my D30 and I must say I wish I could have waited for one for the D44. The Aussie is much smoother and quiter.

Just be prepared to pay the price if you push too hard. YMMV

I'm now ready to hear the "Don't even look at a D35, you'll get an incurable disease" responses.

Good luck.

 

[KarlVP]

If you don't have the money right now, lunchbox your D35 and buy some spare shafts.

But for that money, you could buy a dana 44 and drive on that until you could afford a locker.

 

[beakie]

I do much the same as what your looking to do, but with the 8.25 in the rear.
My plans for the near future are to lock the front, until such time as I can upgrade to 33's and a locked d44.
I wonder why you don't just lock the front until your are ready to upgrade your rear axle? Locking the front would do more for you offroad (easier to pull than to push) and be less noticeable on the road.

 

[cLAYH]

I also wheeled for about 3years with a D35 rear with lockright and 31s. Never broke a shaft. Half that time was when the XJ had a manual tranny the other half was after the conversion to auto. With the stick it was very annoying on the street and would sometimes wander on the highway. With the auto it was hardly noticable.

 

[planefixer]

If you're dead set on locking your turdy-5(as others have said,I'd advise against it) the Detroit E-Z locker is a good unit.Mine finally crapped out this past weekend after runnig Pritchett Canyon in Moab. It had at least 40K miles on it and is in its 3rd XJ(all DDs/trail rigs),still using the original springs and pins.

 

[lunchbox643]

dont want to start a new thread or hijack one but oh well...

have a D44 rear, and dont DD the rig, but drive it in bad weather and to trails, etc. 34 or 35in tires.

What would be a good locker for me?

 

[BrettM]

dont want to start a new thread or hijack one but oh well...

have a D44 rear, and dont DD the rig, but drive it in bad weather ant to trails, etc. 34 or 35in tires.

What would be a good locker for me?

ARB or another selectable locker. Having open diffs will be the best for slick roads.

 

[lunchbox643]

damn, i thought it would be like that. selectable lockers are a little more than i can afford right now. what about like a truetrack?

 

[red_01_xj]

i found a great deal on a arb for my 35...it works great i only have 31s and 3.55...i was looking for a great deal otherwise i would have locked the front first

 

[Xj'sR'Creamy]

I am currently waiting on a lock-right for my d30 and lock-right no slip for my 8.25. I've heard good things about the powertrax no slip and cannot wait to get it in there.

I think for the money, if you're on a budget and DD/Trail the XJ, it's the way to go.

Sean

 

[John90XJ]

DON'T lock the D35!

I disagree. With 95% street driving, an automatic, 31's and 3.55 gears, he'll likely never stress it enough to break it.

That said, I would still carry spare shafts as insurance.

While most guys that have opinions worth listening to will stress upgrading the axle as part of an entire system, it's not uncommon to see D35's with lockers and 32/33 inch tires wheeling without breakage.

I've done the Rubicon, Pritchett Canyon, Behind the Rocks, etc. with a locked D35 and a locker with no breakage over 120k miles of driving. It can be done and without taking bypasses.

With this guy's scenario, I wouldn't hesitate to lock it up and go. The tires don't create enough lever to really cause breakage and the auto tranny creates a nice slushy fuse in the drivetrain.

 

[creeperjeep]

IMO ezlok lunchbox whatever you want to call it, go ahead and do it.
Dont spend your money on an expensive selectable locker for a crap axle that will need gears and a setup.

Lock the front with the same, wheel it, upgrade when it breaks.
If you can find a d44 or c825 thats cool too.
Pussyfoot around and youll do fine.

The rear locker is noticable and youll have to get used to it. it just jumps and pings and pushes.

Im one of those guys that had an uncles sisters ugly friends with a D35 that never broke, but im sure if i were to pull an axle it would look like a candy cane.

Youll be fine, and if you break Ill give you mine

 

[ILLXJ]

I do much the same as what your looking to do, but with the 8.25 in the rear.
My plans for the near future are to lock the front, until such time as I can upgrade to 33's and a locked d44.
I wonder why you don't just lock the front until your are ready to upgrade your rear axle? Locking the front would do more for you offroad (easier to pull than to push) and be less noticeable on the road.

If you are going to stay at 33's just lock the 8.25. You have the 29 spline version, it will hold up fine. Carry an spare shaft for extra piece of mind. Unless you want deeper than 4.56's. JIM.