Appropriate Use of Lockers

[mmayer813]

I have a 2021 Rubicon. and would like to understand in what situation should the lockers be used? I spent allot of time in 4L on a couple of trails in Arizona, and it got me through some nasty stuff, but would like to learn more about lockers. Thanks!

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[Rubi SoHo]

Everyone has a different take I’m sure. The best answer is that with increased seat time in your jeep while off-road, you’ll know when to lock-up and when not to.

You’ll probably be surprised how little you actually use them, but when you need them, they’re like having a cheat code.

 

[Vatdevil]

For me: when tires have no contact, very slippery conditions, steep hill climbs

 

[davewald]

Having run the Rubicon Trail and a couple of Moab trails (more this summer) as well as some local ORV trails, I've learned that you very, very rarely need front lockers, and only need rear lockers on the sketchiest of climbs and descents. The front lockers make it a major pain in the azz to steer, and don't seem to add much more than the rears alone. Planning to run Hell's Gate this summer, and expect I'll be on rear lockers alone. I'm in a Rubicon, so the gearing is already pretty awesome. YMMV.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Everyone has a different take I’m sure. The best answer is that with increased seat time in your jeep while off-road, you’ll know when to lock-up and when not to.

You’ll probably be surprised how little you actually use them, but when you need them, they’re like having a cheat code.

^^^^ This. You become more preemptive with more experience.

 

[morph860]

This is a great video:

 

[Ratbert]

Can't make it up a steep obstacle? Enable your rear lockers. Still not getting traction (and you don't need to turn)? Enable your fronts.

 

[John VonJeep]

I use the sway bar disco far more than lockers. Disconnect gets used early and often for the improved smoothness on trails.

 

[Rubi SoHo]

I use the sway bar disco far more than lockers. Disconnect gets used early and often for the improved smoothness on trails.

Pretty much this!

I use the disco the moment I hit four low. But I hardly ever use the lockers anymore. I’ve done 6-rated trails without any lockers at all, with no issues whatsoever.

I will say, though, I’m a fan of turning on lockers and crawling a stone obstacle, rather than using throttle and wheel speed to try and manhandle it.

Sometimes lockers can increase your risk of having a breakage, other times they can significantly decrease your risk of breaking.

 

[Ratbert]

I use the disco the moment I hit four low. .

You wait until four low??

 

[Philly_]

In my two door, I use lockers (front and rear) on steep climbs constantly. I feel like the four door owners have the advantage on wheelbase there, because more often than not, their front es will be through an obstacle before the rears are at risk of losing traction.

If it’s not a steep climb, I’ve yet to need the front locker. I’m sure if I manage to max out the articulation and lift a tire, that’s when I’ll need it, but for now, it mostly helps with controlled climbing. I feel like the rear helps with overall traction in most situations, but locking the front isn’t worth it unless it’s a steep climb or I don’t have to turn.

 

[Rubi SoHo]

You wait until four low??

Yes, but to be fair, where I go we usually hit 4Lo the moment we leave the pavement.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

I get ambushed every time I use my locker. I stay away now. LOL

 

[Mocopo]

Another use for lockers is to not tear up the trail. You have a lot of people with sports and open diffs that have to muscle their way up hills and over obstacles. Yes, momentum can often do it, but you increase the likelihood of tearing up the trail, and possibly damaging your jeep as well. Use lockers for a slower, more controlled attack at a hill or obstacle.

Or lockers also help with stuff like this =)

 

[Murphydog]

I use the sway bar disco far more than lockers. Disconnect gets used early and often for the improved smoothness on trails.

Truth!

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