01f1502wd

would a locker help with off-roadin in a 2wd?

gr8dane

absolutely! traction is the name of the game. Two wheels spinning is always better than one. Lockers are budget friendly but some can be noisy going around turns. posi units (beefed up limited slip) make no noise but don't last as long and never really "lock". Both are better than stock. I have a ford racing posi and I love it. I think it once it wares out though, i'm switching to a locker. I wouldn't recommend off roading in a 2wd without one

01f1502wd

is it always "locked"? and whats a good brand?

mitchalvin

Detroits are about the best you can get. There are also selectable lockers that give you an option between locked or open/limited slip. The most common selectable are the Detroit e-locker and the ARB Air Locker. The e-locker is a limited slip with the ability to spool the axle when needed, the ARB is open with the ability to spool the axle. ARB require plumbing in a compressor and air lines to the axles, while the e-locker just requires running a electrical line to the axle.

01f1502wd

e-lock sounds the best for me. what do you mean by spool? in motion lock it up?

midwestoffroad

spool will lock the shafts together which is fine on a strictly offroad truck but will really hinder street driving and tend to brake axle shafts on the street.

best choice is selectable for on/offroad a ABS is a good example

detroits are strong mechanical locker (like a heavy duty posI)

and as for locker helping in 2wd. well with both tires spinning you loose steering control with the rear pushing the front where ever it wants to go. so a locker is a great addition when in 4wd to help with control.

mitchalvin

The selectable locker spool ie lock the spider gears together as opposed to the automatic lockers that allow one axle to overrun the ring gear. Spooling is not as much of a problem with the selectable locker simply due to when you lock them is in low traction conditions and you will unlock them before you hit the pavement.

01f1502wd

ah i see......looks like theres a lot of science into this.

mitchalvin

Not really, the automatic lockers, Detroit and such, use a ratchet mechanism similar to that of the tool. Selectable locker use a locking sleeve that connect both spider gears to the carrier.

01f1502wd

so what would be best for me ya think? mostly on road but will go off road a lot too.