Question about Chrysler 8.25 Open vs. Limited

[Tim_MN]

This is almost as dangerous as a front locker on snowy/icy roads.

Please explain further?

On Minnesota roads, summer and winter, my rear locker behaves practically the same as the Limited Slip it replaced.

 

[CMNCHE]

A locker rear diff will want to bring the backend around faster in icy conditions....an automatic locker like a lock right is also unpredictable until you are used to them. If you're partway through a turn and hit the throttle causing it to lock up it could cause the rear to come around unexpectedly

 

[Tim_MN]

Rear axle automatic lockers are not unpredictable, they are locked, until they unlock. As I stated previously, with a rear auto-locker, the driver must adjust their driving habits a little bit. Making a turn from a stop is easy, press the gas to get moving, ease off gas pedal (locker un-locks) and go gently around the corner, then ease back onto the gas. The auto-locker unlocks, and locks again, predictably based upon driver input.

18 years later and I still prefer my rear auto-locker to the limited slip the Jeep Factory installed when winter driving in Minnesota. The locker adds directional stability, and additional traction, very predictably.

 

[CMNCHE]

Rear axle automatic lockers are not unpredictable, they are locked, until they unlock. As I stated previously, with a rear auto-locker, the driver must adjust their driving habits a little bit. Making a turn from a stop is easy, press the gas to get moving, ease off gas pedal (locker un-locks) and go gently around the corner, then ease back onto the gas. The auto-locker unlocks, and locks again, predictably based upon driver input.

18 years later and I still prefer my rear auto-locker to the limited slip the Jeep Factory installed when winter driving in Minnesota. The locker adds directional stability, and additional traction, very predictably.

The original poster is a college student who, no offense to them, is learning to understand the basics of differential operation. I can practically guarantee you that they are going to hit the gas mid turn, not only that but when you let off the gas even going straight on the highway and hit the gas again the rear will lock, sometimes unpredictably. For the OPs intended purpose and skill at this time a front ARB would be way better. Once he develops his skills driving off road he can revisit a fulltime locked rear.

Only once one learns to drive.

This^

 

[Evan03]

I dont know if a grizzly would behave the same in front or rear application but i do know on my front grizzly i never feel or hear it lock
No racheting clunking or any kinda noise. Seems to be more of spool ounce transfercase is driving it.
In 2wd its a normal open diff and is never noticed.

For this reason im unsure a grizzly rear in icy snowy applications would be a good idea for 99% of people driving jeeps. It may be more spool than auto locker.

Also with that in mind i dont feel 99% of people should be able to drive and definitely not on the snow

 

[Ol Blue]

Rear axle automatic lockers are not unpredictable, they are locked, until they unlock. As I stated previously, with a rear auto-locker, the driver must adjust their driving habits a little bit. Making a turn from a stop is easy, press the gas to get moving, ease off gas pedal (locker un-locks) and go gently around the corner, then ease back onto the gas. The auto-locker unlocks, and locks again, predictably based upon driver input.

18 years later and I still prefer my rear auto-locker to the limited slip the Jeep Factory installed when winter driving in Minnesota. The locker adds directional stability, and additional traction, very predictably.

Glad this works well for you. However, most people are going to disagree with you on this. For the average person a limited slip is way better than an autolocker in the snow. People don't want to relearn to drive by not using the throttle in a corner. Or have the locker lock up when you aren't expecting it. Just not good idea for the average driver. You will never notice a limited slip while driving, but you will for sure be aware you have have an autolocker.

 

[CMNCHE]

The other issue is, with an auto locker you may be able to adapt, but you really can never let anyone else drive your vehicle. May not be an issue for everyone but its something to be aware of.

 

[Tim_MN]

A Detroit TrueTrac Limited Slip or clutch based Limited Slip would fit most of the requirements of the OP, except for the $500 budget part. I have not argued that a Limited Slip does not have very mild pavement manners, or does not have better manners than an auto-locking differential.

A lunchbox locker fits the OP's budget, is easy to install, and can be easily removed if the pavement manners are unpleasant. Some of the guys in my local Jeep club daily drive their Jeeps, and remove the front axle lunchbox locker for winter, and re-install it for the other three seasons.

I am taking issue with claims about auto lockers being dangerous, or that people cannot learn to drive appropriately/intelligently/safely if a rear auto locker is installed. I would hope that the driver of a modified XJ is a better driver than just average. One should always exercise proper care and concern for safety when driving.

By those arguments, nobody should ever modify an XJ's suspension or install over-sized tires because it alters the center of gravity, and creates the risk of a roll-over.

 

[Bent]

By those arguments, nobody should ever modify an XJ's suspension or install over-sized tires because it alters the center of gravity, and creates the risk of a roll-over.

This^. As i went up, I also went wider. Sometimes I dislike having 13-1/2" tires on 10" wide rims; it just feels a little wide. On the other hand, I really like the reduction of the COG.

 

[Evan03]

A Detroit TrueTrac Limited Slip or clutch based Limited Slip would fit most of the requirements of the OP, except for the $500 budget part. I have not argued that a Limited Slip does not have very mild pavement manners, or does not have better manners than an auto-locking differential.

A lunchbox locker fits the OP's budget, is easy to install, and can be easily removed if the pavement manners are unpleasant. Some of the guys in my local Jeep club daily drive their Jeeps, and remove the front axle lunchbox locker for winter, and re-install it for the other three seasons.

I am taking issue with claims about auto lockers being dangerous, or that people cannot learn to drive appropriately/intelligently/safely if a rear auto locker is installed. I would hope that the driver of a modified XJ is a better driver than just average. One should always exercise proper care and concern for safety when driving.

By those arguments, nobody should ever modify an XJ's suspension or install over-sized tires because it alters the center of gravity, and creates the risk of a roll-over.

Why on earth would you think xj owners are better drivers than the rest? For the most part i find jeep owners to be lazy sloppy corner cutters like the rest of the world maybe even worse.

Those on forumns putting forth the effort to learn do not fall into the norm but arent enough to counter the average jeep human.