rear locker-winter driving?

[99chero]

what tcase did 99 cherokee sports come with?? and which is the best type of locker to get. im doing all my research now so i know wat to get when i do it all.

 

[j99xj]

what tcase did 99 cherokee sports come with?? and which is the best type of locker to get. im doing all my research now so i know wat to get when i do it all.

Np231, and the best lockers are the selectable ones (ox, arb, etc.).

 

[sandmcrew2]

I think all these so called safety systems should be dropped and drivers should be issued lisences so easily. Probably cut insurance claims and prices in half.

WOW, its like you took the words out of my mouth! I thought I was the only one getting frustrated at these systems, and how about that new lexus, that parks itself... Give me a break!!
-Jerry

 

[mjma]

If you're used to driving a 2wheel drive quad on the streets in deep snow, driving a jeep with a locker and MTs is a blast!!

I love driving in the snow with a locker....you just have to be a little more careful.

 

[Goatman]

I'd say locker front, limited slip rear......that's just my opinion though.

On a surface slick enough to slide easily, it doesn't matter if you have a locker or a limited slip. Both can cause both tires to slip and give you the same driving characteristics. A limited slip works by having friction between the two sides, and if there isn't enough traction to overcome the friction in the limited slip, then both tires are locked together just like they would be with a locker in the same situation.

In fact, an automatic locker theoretically could have better handling than a limited slip, since the locker will allow differentiation simply by tire traction with no resistance/friction in the locker itself, unlike a limited slip which has internal friction holding both sides together.

Really, the debate is simply between a selectable locker or an auto locker. A limited slip gains you nothing as far as handling goes on a slick surface, and it won't work as well off road as the locker does, so nothing gained. A decision to run a limited slip or auto locker would only be based on dry weather driving characteristics, not slick surface handling.

Vintagespeed talked about an experience in the 2nd post of this thread, sliding sideways with a locker. I've had exactly the same experience with a limited slip.

 

[boomhauer]

Well with actual wheel time in snow/ice/rocks/mud/highway/city etc... with the XJ locked in the rear (no-slip) and open in the front, and also locked in the front (aussie). I prefer locked up 4 corners. The rear locker takes care of business, and the front is just wicked fun when it chimes in. Getting on/off the gas when fully locked is the most dangerous thing as the XJ will really twitch, and on ice this can prove to be a little hairy. You learn quick and if you can drive and pay attention you're good. But my number one choice would be locked rear, trutrac front in a climate that lives in snow half the year. -B

 

[FatXJ]

If you have a lunchbox, ratcheting, soft locker and you are cornering with your foot off the gas then the axle works like an open diff and neither tire is driving past the other. This is because neither tire is getting power because you are not applying power. When you get on the gas and the locker engages you feel the vehicle pull straight as the tires fight to push the vehicle in a straight line. Since you are redirecting the vehicle from a straight line with the front wheels something has to give. Obviously the tire with the least amount of traction is going to give. This tire is always the inside tire unless your speed is so slow that the traction differential is 0. Since you transfer weight to the outside tire in a turn it is the driving tire in a turn with a locker.

This can be seen by driving in a freshly tarred parking lot in the summer and giving it some gas. The inside tire will leave a black mark as it is the one that is forced to slip. The fun part is trying to get it to walk and leave oscillating marks on the pavement as it transfers the drive traction from one side to the other. There are other variables that effect the way it works like tire pressure, weight, tire type.

 

[Bensride]

I run an Aussie locker rear, open front, with 35" sipped BFG KM's. Mine works awsome! I am amazed at how well it works. You do need to re-learn how to drive it The key is in not mashing the gas! Proper snow driving is about control of wheel spin. The locker actually can add stability by not having a massive spin out, of one tire! You just dont want both to spin when the road is off camber. Good luck have fun.

Ben

 

[CherokeeXJ1996]

Hello all

what about drop some psi in tires will help in winter ?

Thanks all