Lockers on Snowy roads

[brinker88]

I live in PA, and the roads can get pretty bad around where I live.

My question is, if I put a locker in the rear (Aussie is what I'll get), what, if any, downfalls would I be looking at for driving in the snow with a locker? I've heard from a couple people that it's unsafe. Why?

School me, please.

 

[projectnitemare]

It all depends on how you would handle it. Some would call a locker unsafe due to the fact when a tire slips you will lock the axle in most cases making the other tire spin as well. That in turn will make it more easy to lose control. But on the other hand you will be guranteed to spin both rear tires generating more tractive effort. In most cases a limited slip is enough but if I were to go through the effort to install one; I would choose a locker. Its a double edge sword but as long as you know what to expect from it you would be fine, its the lesser experienced that think they are dangerous.

Matt

 

[4.0B2]

Just get used to driving with it. Only time I was up north in bad weather I was in a TJ with Aussie's front and rear and I never felt "unsafe" bc of the lockers. If anything I was glad when it locked in.

However don't let it get you to cocky on ice... Remember not even 4x4 helps with ice really... And even if you can accelerate; that doesnt mean you can stop!

 

[Gotta_gofast]

What I like about a locked rear in slick conditions is the predictability. You KNOW what will happen. With an open or limited slip you may be stable with one tire spinning through a turn. What happens if the spinning tire catches something like sand or pavement and then suddenly both tires spin? It may catch the driver by suprise. With good all terrains or winter tires combined with a locker you can plow through some serious stuff. My advice is to learn its behaviors on the first snow in country roads and empty parking lots.

 

[06RangerXLT]

lock, learn to drift and your good.

or as said by my friend.

lock, lift and learn to drift.

 

[legoms013]

Once you figure out what to expect and how to react, its not bad at all.

Of course, locked or not, you can't drive on ice without chains or studs.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I've never wished that I didn't have a rear locker or both front and rear lockers in the snow.

 

[rednine4]

I will agree as well. In fact I wish I still had my locker for this coming winter.. very predictable and useful on snowy days.

 

[Sunk]

+1 more for predictability. But I like steering with my right foot.

With one up front it can get iffy sometimes, but even then if you're used to it it's not bad.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Either way you go its all about how you drive and how used to your setup you are. My 84 had L/S so both would spin and once I was used to it it was fun! My new trucks got an open diff and it handles great on the road but when off roading or playing around it sucks.

 

[brinker88]

Okay guys, thanks for the comments. I really appreciate all the help. Aussie will be installed in short order!

 

[1994_4x4]

Why not run a selectable locker?

 

[Hahnsb2]

Why not run a selectable locker?

Cost, reliability, ease of install, ect.

 

[escort_gts]

Why not run a selectable locker?

Price.

Sent from my HTC using Tapatalk

 

[brinker88]

$300 vs $900+