Adding front locker to Willys?

[dan_k]

This obstacle, on a trail rated a 7, required a few feet worth of front locker use.

I used the locker before I ever got to this point. I wasn't even using my rear here

Wow, that's really cool to see pictured what kind of obstacle requires a front locker. I wouldn't be doing anything like that.

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[JT1]

Assuming there's a tree or something like it, yes.

There are a bunch of ways to use a winch without access to trees. They make ground anchors for mud and sand.

I have wheeled my lockerless willys in the rocks, on forest trails, crossed rivers and waded through mud.

33's will absolutely stop you before the lack of a front locker.

With a winch, you can also pull downed trees off the path without having to resort to the chainsaw.

 

[dan_k]

There are a bunch of ways to use a winch without access to trees. They make ground anchors for mud and sand.

I have wheeled my lockerless willys in the rocks, on forest trails, crossed rivers and waded through mud.

33's will absolutely stop you before the lack of a front locker.

With a winch, you can also pull downed trees off the path without having to resort to the chainsaw.

Good info, very helpful for this noob trying to make a decision.

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

This obstacle, on a trail rated a 7, required a few feet worth of front locker use.

I used the locker before I ever got to this point. I wasn't even using my rear here

I am highly unlikely to ever encounter something like this. Hence I am hereby self-identified as a poser, just owning the Rubicon with Xtreme 35-inch pack for bragging rights. I’m at peace with myself.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

The humans who say you “need” lockers (i.e., in Utah, where they live & wheel) might simply encounter different terrain than the humans who say you “don’t need” lockers on a dry New Hampshire fire road in July.

For Utah, NH, and any other winter states, IMO a limited slip rear is better than an open dif with a rear locker if your Jeep is also a daily driver. Just throwing that into the mix...haha.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

This obstacle, on a trail rated a 7, required a few feet worth of front locker use.

I used the locker before I ever got to this point. I wasn't even using my rear here

If that is Big Bear I have never had to use my front locker there. With your swaybar disconnected you have to have a lot more articulation than that picture to require a front locker.

 

[Sidewalk]

If that is Big Bear I have never had to use my front locker there. With your swaybar is disconnected you have to have a lot more articulation than that picture to require a front locker.

That was the second waterfall on Dishpan. I'm 100% stock. Definitely no sway bars. I needed the front for a few feet just because of the loose dirt on the rocks. But once I got the front end in position I was able to turn them both off.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

That was the second waterfall on Dishpan. I'm 100% stock. Definitely no sway bars. I needed the front for a few feet just because of the loose dirt on the rocks. But once I got the front end in position I was able to turn them both off.

Tires aired down, sway bar disconnected, and rear locker on should get your through everything and more than Dishpan Springs has to offer. I get it though, if you already have a Rubicon with a front axle locker, you might as well use it.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Another thing to consider is that with a factory front locker, your double your odds to have this message in the future.

"Just pot your locker sensors" comments in 3...2...1...

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Tires aired down, sway bar disconnected, and rear locker on should get your through everything and more than Dishpan Springs has to offer. I get it though, if you already have a Rubicon with a front axle locker, you might as well use it.

Shots fired

 

[cansberry]

Buy a Sport or Sport S, add a winch and a ground anchor. You'd save thousands and it will exceed what you described doing. A stock Jeep Sport will go more places than people who buy Rubicons ever do.

 

[SlickRicksWilly]

I think you will be fine with the Willys if you want at least one locker. I haven't been anywhere extreme but I have been to a few off-road parks. I have only used rear lockers just to see the difference than no locker. It was never a necessity and the 2 Jeeps I usually go with don't have them and they do just fine.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Hey guys,

I posted this on another website but only got one response. Curious what people here have to say.

I'm considering ordering a '25 2-door stickshift. Not sure between the Rubicon and the Willys.

The only thing I really wish the Willys had was an option to add a front locker. Has anyone added one to theirs? How much did it end up costing you?

In all honesty, I *CAN* afford either. But it would be quite nice to save an extra ~$6k with the Willys. The Rubi wouldn't put me in the poor house per se but it's definitely overkill and a bit harder on me financially.

The amount and difficulty of the off-roading that I intend to do is probably well within the capability of the Willys (or even Sport S). I'm talking mostly fire roads, some trails with hard-pack and some with more sandy/muddy/rocky surfaces. No rock crawling and no situations where I risk flipping over a new car. Not likely ever going with tires bigger than the stock 33".

I'm thinking of something like an Ox Locker with a drive-away lock that I could get out and engage manually then disengage when I get un-stuck. Just for emergencies really.

Or am I unlikely to need this given that the Willys has the rear locker? What kind of situation would require the front locker? I'm thinking it would be one where only one front wheel has any traction.

Thanks!

I would also point you to the Rubicon. You can still easily save that $6k by buying used or traveling out of state.

 

[Ratbert]

Not to derail the thread toooo much, but make damn sure you're aware of the significant issues with the 6-speed manual. And be aware that the automatic receives lots of praise with very few issues being discussed.

 

[ArmyRN]

23 JLU Willys XR 2.0T. Came with a clutch type limited slip rear, open front, and a FAD. I'm not a fan of clutch type limited slips, but better than an open diff.

Money was not an issue, I could have easily bought a Rubicon. A few reasons I didn't:

1. I'm not rock crawling this Jeep. The 4:1 Rubicon transfer case to me would be too low, especially coupled to an automatic tranny.

2. With Rubicon lockers it is "all or nothing". Open or locked. Fully locked isn't the greatest in snow packed roads (I live in the PNW). With TrueTracs they're always on, work great, but invisible on pavement.

3. No wires or anything to make them (TrueTracs) work, no added complexity to fail.

4. The money well spent was the XR package. HD axles, mild lift, 4.56 gears, 35" tires, etc. That was the foundation.

Am I correct the newer Willys comes with a Rubicon type rear locker? And no FAD?

In my 23, I swapped in TrueTracs front and rear. Did a Mopar FAD delete plate, and a Tazer so the Jeep doesn't recognize the FAD is missing.

Anyways, to the OP, I would recommend a TrueTrac up front. Much better than an open diff, it is always on, and is invisible driving on pavement.

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