Front Axle Locker

[myemontana]

Looking for peoples input on what locker to put into a front Dana 60. Detroit, OX, ARB, everything I read online never really gives any clear input only bias remarks about what they run or what their friend had fall apart. Thanks for the info..

 

[notajeep]

lol. You expect to get anything different here?

 

[Tacoma]

Exactly....

You are going to get slanted opinion no matter what, because no one's a machine. Listen to the complaints, see if they make sense, make decision accordingly. I would love an ARB, but I'm not sure I would love them enough to shell out. I will probably run a LockRight or a Detroit, because they work and I'm a cheap bastard.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

Spools all the way:greg:

 

[myemontana]

spools offer a cheap option and are solid however I would still like to be able to drive it around town without chirping tires everytime I go around a corner.

 

[RockMonkey]

Without knowing anything about the vehicle or how you use it....

Detroit.

 

[Mainiac]

my opinion

selectable locker is the best for all around drivability and there when you need it. ARB need to make sure you get a good install so you don't have leakage problems. OX you need to make sure you get the cable adjusted correctly to eliminate problems, sometimes this is a pain in the ass.

Lock rite and detroit work very well and usually unlock enough to make turning tollerable.

A spool in the front is nearly impossible to turn in the rocks unless you have hydraulic steering.

If you have the money get a selectable locker. ARB make sure who ever sets it up does a good job so it doesn't leak. OX take the time to get the cable adjusted corretly. I have set them up and run with them the first few runs, but don't know how much tweeking is required to keep them adjusted, but you need to pull the cable all the way out to re-adust them. Usually don't find out they are out of adjustment until you are on the trail.

The lock rite and detroit work well and give you years of reliable service, but you may sacrifice some drivability. Best option for the money if you are on a budget.

The spool is cheep but will sacrifice a lot of drivability and turning radius if you are not running full hydraulic steering.

Just don't get anything that is "limited slip" with clutches. They are good for drivability but will slip when you need them the most.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

You wont notice a locker of any kind in the front while driving on the streets since I would assume your hubs would not be locked in.

If you have hydraulic or at least assist steering I would still run a spool But I dont know anything and am aware of it

 

[Mainiac]

You wont notice a locker of any kind in the front while driving on the streets since I would assume your hubs would not be locked in.

If you have hydraulic or at least assist steering I would still run a spool But I dont know anything and am aware of it

True about the locking hubs on the street, but you don't want to have to lock and unlock the hubs on the trail. The spooled front end would be harder to turn. Very dependant on what kind of wheeling you do, but driving between obsticles when you don't need a locker turning is still a big issue.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

True about the locking hubs on the street, but you don't want to have to lock and unlock the hubs on the trail. The spooled front end would be harder to turn. Very dependant on what kind of wheeling you do, but driving between obsticles when you don't need a locker turning is still a big issue.

that is why I typed the second sentence of that post. if he has hydraulic steering it wont be an issue

 

[notajeep]

I ran a full spool in my toyota for a long time. With the hydro assist it was great. Lock right now in the buggy with full hydro and I really like that too. Neither has broke.

 

[DToy]

I've got a lockright in my D60 front. Works great!

 

[LT.]

I would think that this is going to depend on how you are going to use your rig, such as Rockmonkey has already stated. If you are wanting to run your rig in the snow then I would suggest a selectible locker would be best, you may want one anyways. Lots of advantages to an ARB or OX lockers. I run a detroit in the front for a couple of reasons. First, stout, it is a tough SOB. Second, easy to find and set up. Third, simple. Forth, cheaper than either selectible locker. No lines or cables that will leak or need adjustment. A front spool would also follow these same guidelines but would be even more simplified. When I do run in the snow I just get out and un-lock a hub. Kind of a pain to get out and lock and un-lock but, for me and my rig this is the best way for me. This is just my .02.

LT.

 

[myemontana]

thanks for all the input have been leaning towards the detroit from day one but thought I would put it out there and get a little discussion on the matter.

 

[rholbrook]

If your going to drive it on snowy or icy roads, go selectable. Past that, get what will give you the least maintenance. I have an Auburn Ected and have had zero issues with it. I have know people with ARBs that have had issues and I know people with ARBs that have had no issues. Its going to boil down to what you can afford. OX lockers are more money but I don't know anyone that has had any issues with them either.

 

[neagtea]

I like detroits but everything i own can be ran in two wheel low. I have friends with selectable lockers, ARB's and these give you more options. I am with the LT on unlocking one hub in the snow. It depends on your budget. I appreaciate the imput on the ox from maniac as I have shyed away from them for the last few years. Their ujoints suck IMHO.
Cheers