Getting ready to have my axles done. Wanting traction aids front/ rear. Looking at mechanical reliability, less parts the better, but something that replaces the stock carrier. Wanted arbs, but got to thinking about the seals, air required to operate them. More things to not work or break. Also, ox lockers seem good, but not around as long as ARB, not proven, plus you have to rely on a cable. Daily driver, looking at a ls truetrac rear, maybe a detroit locker front. I only use 4wd when it's an absolute must, therefore I don't use on ice, only in severe circumstances, a good stuck. I need dependable always there traction. Would a spool for the front be a viable alternative for the front? Twinstick, unlock a hub when not needed? Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks. Cost although important, is not much of a concern.
Thoughts and Opinions on LS Rear, Locker Front Choice.
- Thread starter cbmind
- Start date
int77345
Active member
Hey,
for what it is worth, I have had air lockers front and rear since 1996 and I have never had a seal problem with them. In the summer I use the every weekend. Lately the pressure sensor the controls when the air compressor turns of and on has been acting up, but I tap with the hammer gets it going again. I would really go with the air lockers I am gald I did. For what it is worth my friend had a lock rite with 33x12.50 tires and wheeled it very hard and the lock rite never had a problem either….
for what it is worth, I have had air lockers front and rear since 1996 and I have never had a seal problem with them. In the summer I use the every weekend. Lately the pressure sensor the controls when the air compressor turns of and on has been acting up, but I tap with the hammer gets it going again. I would really go with the air lockers I am gald I did. For what it is worth my friend had a lock rite with 33x12.50 tires and wheeled it very hard and the lock rite never had a problem either….
Chris Pucci
Active member
A would never run a spool in the front, they just aren't worth it.
And I am not a big fan of unlocking 1 hub with a front locker - then all your power goes to the locked side and you break stuff. I've been there and done that when a hub broke on a trail run, and I kept wheeling with only one side operating....
I'm also not a huge fan of ls's for real traction - they tend to let you spin when you need it most. And with all of the weight of a Scout in the front you'd be spinning the rear pretty good hoping the front end pulled you out.
Having driven a lot of miles with a locker in the rear and even a spool in the rear. I wouldn't hesitate to put one in the rear of a daily driver. But if I had unlimited money I would get a selectable locker in the both axles (ARB, electric, cable whatever).
And I am not a big fan of unlocking 1 hub with a front locker - then all your power goes to the locked side and you break stuff. I've been there and done that when a hub broke on a trail run, and I kept wheeling with only one side operating....
I'm also not a huge fan of ls's for real traction - they tend to let you spin when you need it most. And with all of the weight of a Scout in the front you'd be spinning the rear pretty good hoping the front end pulled you out.
Having driven a lot of miles with a locker in the rear and even a spool in the rear. I wouldn't hesitate to put one in the rear of a daily driver. But if I had unlimited money I would get a selectable locker in the both axles (ARB, electric, cable whatever).
Okay, but did you ever drive on ice with a detroit? Guess it's not a big problem until you give it some gas. How did your truck react on ice?
Not really money. Looking at longevity: less parts, less maintenance, less broken parts, and so on. I really want locking differentials front and rear, but worried about parts availability in the future. Have purchase property "down south" and will be moving in a few years, Scout's going with me. I want to do this once and do it right.
Not really money. Looking at longevity: less parts, less maintenance, less broken parts, and so on. I really want locking differentials front and rear, but worried about parts availability in the future. Have purchase property "down south" and will be moving in a few years, Scout's going with me. I want to do this once and do it right.
Chris Pucci
Active member
I lived in minnesota for 3 years with my Scout. It was locked in the rear the whole time and I had a locker in the front half the time.
If you know you have the locker it is no problem - if you haven't driven with it before you might be surprised. Just easy on the throttle, don't hammer it while turning, etc. It actually makes you a better driver as you should be driving that way in the ice and snow anyway.
A true spool on ice/light snow is not safe though. I'm spooled in the rear with my current Scout, and my dodge neon is safer until we have 6 inches or more snow. But my current Scout doesn't see the street anymore so it is fine.
