2024 Willys Locker Options

[XL Lunchbox]

Wondering what my best option is to add a front locker to my 2024 JLUW.

I know I can just add an e-locker, but ultimately, I'd like to be able to source out a Rubicon switch panel, and run it like the stock Rubicon, either Rear Only or Front+Rear. Just don't know if it is all compatible, or if anyone like Tazer makes a wiring jumper to be able to.

Also, what kind of locker is in the Willys? I know they used to be air lockers on a 12v pump in the Rubicon, but have no idea what they are now.

Anyone done this? Any thoughts?

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[autotragic]

Wondering what my best option is to add a front locker to my 2024 JLUW.

I know I can just add an e-locker, but ultimately, I'd like to be able to source out a Rubicon switch panel, and run it like the stock Rubicon, either Rear Only or Front+Rear. Just don't know if it is all compatible, or if anyone like Tazer makes a wiring jumper to be able to.

Also, what kind of locker is in the Willys? I know they used to be air lockers on a 12v pump in the Rubicon, but have no idea what they are now.

Anyone done this? Any thoughts?

They're fully electric lockers in the Rubicon now. Most of the e-lockers do not recommend using the factory aux switches to run them something about the voltages aren't quite right or they fluctuate or something and cause issues. Just one of the things I found out.

 

[C.Sco]

I believe the Willys comes with an electronic locker in the rear. Personally I think if I were planning to use the jeep on such hardcore trails that I need a front locker, I would probably buy a Rubicon instead of a Willys. Retrofitting an OEM e-locker to the front would be a giant pain in the butt and might have issues like the poster above me said. I would probably install an air locker because it's cheaper and easier, and arguably better, but then you'll have this wonky combination of a rear e-locker with full integration in the computer, and a front locker that runs on a totally different system with a different switch and no computer integration.

So again, if your plan from the get go is to get a Willys and convert it into a Rubicon, you might as well just start with a Rubicon and save yourself the headache. I'm not sure about the 2024's, but historically the Rubicon adds a lot more than just a front locker and electronic swaybar disconnect above the Willys trim, in most model years it also adds upgraded axle(s), upgraded transfer case, and maybe the gear ratio, which for $6000 is worth it if you're planning on doing some hardcore crawling. For light offroading it's all unnecessary, but since you're asking about front lockers I assume you plan to do some hardcore stuff.

 

[BetOnBlack]

Lunch box it and be done?
Though if you drive around town in 4wd it's not a good option.
When I had my Willy's this was the route I was going to go. It's inexpensive and it engages when you put in in 4wd so no extra wiring, air compressor, sensors etc.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Personally I think if I were planning to use the jeep on such hardcore trails that I need a front locker, I would probably buy a Rubicon instead of a Willys.

This is about as useless as it comes

pretty sure the OP asked this question because he HAS a Willys, not because he’s thinking down the road when he buys his next Jeep.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Lunch box it and be done?
Though if you drive around town in 4wd it's not a good option.

I don’t think this will be as good as what you’d think on the 24 MY Willys. It has the FAD box but no components with it. So the front driveshaft is always spinning and I don’t know what that correlates to inside the diff to be honest. I really hate the design, because now my wife has a DS vibration all the time after lifting it 3.5 inches. I’m 4.5” and I don’t feel the vibes because mine is a 22 and I don’t have that stupid box lol

 

[dapipp]

Put an air locker in the front, onboard air and the ability to run whichever locker you want when you want solved. To me one of the drawbacks to the Rubicon is you can't just use the front locker by itself.

 

[autotragic]

I believe the Willys comes with an electronic locker in the rear. Personally I think if I were planning to use the jeep on such hardcore trails that I need a front locker, I would probably buy a Rubicon instead of a Willys. Retrofitting an OEM e-locker to the front would be a giant pain in the butt and might have issues like the poster above me said. I would probably install an air locker because it's cheaper and easier, and arguably better, but then you'll have this wonky combination of a rear e-locker with full integration in the computer, and a front locker that runs on a totally different system with a different switch and no computer integration.

So again, if your plan from the get go is to get a Willys and convert it into a Rubicon, you might as well just start with a Rubicon and save yourself the headache. I'm not sure about the 2024's, but historically the Rubicon adds a lot more than just a front locker and electronic swaybar disconnect above the Willys trim, in most model years it also adds upgraded axle(s), upgraded transfer case, and maybe the gear ratio, which for $6000 is worth it if you're planning on doing some hardcore crawling. For light offroading it's all unnecessary, but since you're asking about front lockers I assume you plan to do some hardcore stuff.

The only real thing the 24 Willys is missing is the 4:1 transfer case, front locker and sway bar disconnect.

It has the same axles (and suspension and tires) with the same 410 gears it just has the rear locker only. I actually had one on order that I didn't take delivery of because I found my Rubicon with only 12,000 miles on it for basically the same money. In the end it was probably about the same thing because I had to put a hardtop on the Rubicon anyway because I don't like soft tops. I could have used the same money and just made the Willys into a Rubicon. The transfer case is a pretty easy swap and the front locker isn't that bad either. As far as sway bar disconnects the Rubicon does make it easy with a push button but that's not the only way to do it.

 

[John VonJeep]

Have you run into situations where you needed a front locker and didn't have one?

Front lockers are a pretty specialized piece of equipment. They make steering very difficult when engaged and are really only used in highly, highly technical trail sections.

 

[JamesWyatt]

The only real thing the 24 Willys is missing is the 4:1 transfer case, front locker and sway bar disconnect.

It has the same axles (and suspension and tires) with the same 410 gears it just has the rear locker only. I actually had one on order that I didn't take delivery of because I found my Rubicon with only 12,000 miles on it for basically the same money. In the end it was probably about the same thing because I had to put a hardtop on the Rubicon anyway because I don't like soft tops. I could have used the same money and just made the Willys into a Rubicon. The transfer case is a pretty easy swap and the front locker isn't that bad either. As far as sway bar disconnects the Rubicon does make it easy with a push button but that's not the only way to do it.

I thought the ‘24 Willys has the previous Rubicon rear axle without the full float, though.

 

[autotragic]

I thought the ‘24 Willys has the previous Rubicon rear axle without the full float, though.

Yeah, it's not full float but it is the wide axle. 2 doors didn't get any extra towing capacity like the 4 doors with the full float got anyway.

 

[XL Lunchbox]

They're fully electric lockers in the Rubicon now. Most of the e-lockers do not recommend using the factory aux switches to run them something about the voltages aren't quite right or they fluctuate or something and cause issues. Just one of the things I found out.

Thanks! Actually had a chance to get under, and didn't find a compressor, so that just confirms it.

And that's why I was hoping someone had figured a work around. Turns out, Tazer actually makes an adapter for aftermarket lockers that fixes the sensor and voltage issues, so you can swap aftermarket lockers in, and retain factory Rubicon switches! Now I just need to find a Rubicon switch panel at a junker or something...

Personally I think if I were planning to use the jeep on such hardcore trails that I need a front locker, I would probably buy a Rubicon instead of a Willys.

I'm not sure about the 2024's, but historically the Rubicon adds a lot more than just a front locker and electronic swaybar disconnect above the Willys trim, in most model years it also adds upgraded axle(s), upgraded transfer case, and maybe the gear ratio, which for $6000 is worth it if you're planning on doing some hardcore crawling.

Already have the Willys. The 2024 comes with a lot of the same options now. The only differences to speak of are the 4:1 transfer case, the sway bar disco, and of course, the front locker.

This is all just a down the road project to build as I start venturing out more. For now, I saved a lot of money, but I'll still have spent less when it's done.

Have you run into situations where you needed a front locker and didn't have one?

Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Besides, why break with tradition, and not spend all my money on parts?

I thought the ‘24 Willys has the previous Rubicon rear axle without the full float, though.

Mine's got a Dana 44 HD on the build sheet, but I'm not sure if they all do. Just got what was on the lot that had what I wanted, with the price I could barely afford. Lol

 

[GrayWolf.Overland]

@XL Lunchbox There are a couple of ways you can do this. (I had a 2020 Sahara with front and rear lockers - speaking from that experience)

You are already on Wide track M210 fronts which is fantastic, unlike years before when the Willys came with M186 narrow track axles.

You need to make a choice on the type of locker, and then pick a route on how you want to wire up the locker and if you still want the canbus control to adhere to rules on when you can engage front locker (4lo and rear+front only).

Once you picked the type of locker you want to run. You have a couple of routes on the wiring and making sure its as good as stock like on rules and canbus control.

• Get a replacement part for the Rubicon locker switch assembly and try to retrofit that. if you go this way you are probably better off sticking to e-lockers to make the wiring and connectors harness the same as stock rubicon. Ref: Rubicon locker switch | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com
• Replace the stock switch panel with Lasfit Aux panel that is tied to canbus and allows you to operate the lockers just like it were stock rubicon. REf: Lasfit Locker Switch Panel - ARB Air Lockers | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

Apparently there is a Z-Automotive solution for the stock locker switch panel for non rubicons
New Z Automotive Wire Harness stock locker switch and after market lockers | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

 

[autotragic]

Thanks! Actually had a chance to get under, and didn't find a compressor, so that just confirms it.

And that's why I was hoping someone had figured a work around. Turns out, Tazer actually makes an adapter for aftermarket lockers that fixes the sensor and voltage issues, so you can swap aftermarket lockers in, and retain factory Rubicon switches! Now I just need to find a Rubicon switch panel at a junker or something...



Already have the Willys. The 2024 comes with a lot of the same options now. The only differences to speak of are the 4:1 transfer case, the sway bar disco, and of course, the front locker.

This is all just a down the road project to build as I start venturing out more. For now, I saved a lot of money, but I'll still have spent less when it's done.



Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Besides, why break with tradition, and not spend all my money on parts?



Mine's got a Dana 44 HD on the build sheet, but I'm not sure if they all do. Just got what was on the lot that had what I wanted, with the price I could barely afford. Lol

I had a 2024 Willys on order but then I found a Rubicon with only 12,000 miles on it for basically the same money. Otherwise I would have bought the Willys. It actually came in about a week after I picked up the Rubicon. Maybe 2 weeks but yeah.

 

[XL Lunchbox]

@XL Lunchbox There are a couple of ways you can do this. (I had a 2020 Sahara with front and rear lockers - speaking from that experience)

You are already on Wide track M210 fronts which is fantastic, unlike years before when the Willys came with M186 narrow track axles.

You need to make a choice on the type of locker, and then pick a route on how you want to wire up the locker and if you still want the canbus control to adhere to rules on when you can engage front locker (4lo and rear+front only).

Once you picked the type of locker you want to run. You have a couple of routes on the wiring and making sure its as good as stock like on rules and canbus control.

• Get a replacement part for the Rubicon locker switch assembly and try to retrofit that. if you go this way you are probably better off sticking to e-lockers to make the wiring and connectors harness the same as stock rubicon. Ref: Rubicon locker switch | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com
• Replace the stock switch panel with Lasfit Aux panel that is tied to canbus and allows you to operate the lockers just like it were stock rubicon. REf: Lasfit Locker Switch Panel - ARB Air Lockers | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

Apparently there is a Z-Automotive solution for the stock locker switch panel for non rubicons
New Z Automotive Wire Harness stock locker switch and after market lockers | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

Oh man! Thanks! These are exactly the solutions I was looking for. Plug and play, stock look, and all compatibility issues solved.

I'm definitely leaning towards an e-locker. A little worried about the reliability issues of the Eaton that I've seen online, but I can't tell if that's as big a deal as the internet makes it seem.

I found the Z-Automotive solution for a stock switch today, but that Lasfit panel looks like a great solution. Seeing as there are two seperate switches, would this allow you to run the front and rear lockers independently? It's not a deal breaker, but would definitely be a bonus.

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