Locker Options for Sport

[ChattVol]

The parts to regear my rubi to 5:13 are about 1k plus fluid. I think with your front axle atleast you might need a new carrier. Not 100%. So the gears will be 1k plus install so for you best case is $1600. While the diff is open you can do your lockers. I’d wait for a selectable to hit the market. Either Eaton or arb would be where I’m going. Best guess would be 2k for arb f/r. Installer will need some for install on that too. Add it all up with 400 for locker install would be about $4k. Now you are set up. Problem is you still have the weaker m186 axle that a locker and big meat are going to be brutal on.

The way I see it you have 3 options.

Wheel your sport and leave it alone.
Try to turn your sport into a Rubi but still always want the Rubi. Invest a lot with zero return at trade
Trade now, pay the piper and get what you want.

You can turn a Miata into a corvette level contender but is it really worth it in the end? There are guys that take a sport and completely rebuild them. 60s f/r atlas tc etc. for them they are building a purpose built machine that will be attractive to a particular clientele when they are ready to sell because it’s a bulletproof turn key solution. Unless you’re ready to go that deep, consider how much wheeling are you really doing and the level of trails you want to tackle

Brett

Yesterday, I talked with a very informative lady at Torqmasters about their recently released Torq Locker(lunchbox style) for the jl sport d30 m186 front axle. It's $400 and she said it does make some clicking noises while in 2wd when turning into parking spaces on pavement. I understand some light noise while turning in 4wd, but not while in 2wd...that's a deal breaker for me.

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[TxJeepers]

ARB has released their air lockers for Sports. See link to press release. They make, what some say, are the best in the industry.

http://arbusa.com/Uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/2018/RD244.pdf

 

[TxJeepers]

I researched the Eaton True Trac and Detroit locker(neither are available for the jl yet)and watched several YouTube videos showing them offroad with JK's. True Track looks like a low maintenance more economical mod for daily drivers who want a unique version of limited slip/almost locker. It doesnt look as effective as a locker and requires feathering the brakes while giving it gas at times to slow a spinning wheel and apply more power to wheel with traction. Feathering the brake while giving some gas with a 6 speed sounds not ideal offroad and could result in stalling.

The Detroit locker could be a solution for the front and add true track in rear to not hear noises daily driving on roads. Regear to 4.10 or 4.56 at same time. I was quoted $300 per axle to add lockers and regear. Thoughts?

If I went Sport, I'd put a True Trac up front and an e-locker in the rear. You'll benefit all the time in 4h or 4l with the True Trac up front, while being able to selectively engage a full locker in the rear when you need it, while maintaining an open diff in the rear for 2h normal driving.

 

[ChattVol]

If I went Sport, I'd put a True Trac up front and an e-locker in the rear. You'll benefit all the time in 4h or 4l with the True Trac up front, while being able to selectively engage a full locker in the rear when you need it, while maintaining an open diff in the rear for 2h normal driving.

Agreed...only issue is there is no true track available for the jl sport d30 or d35 axles and Eaton has no plans to develop as of now. Secondly, the only e locker available is ARB and it's expensive and requires on board air.

 

[Arrowhead]

Yesterday, I talked with a very informative lady at Torqmasters about their recently released Torq Locker(lunchbox style) for the jl sport d30 m186 front axle. It's $400 and she said it does make some clicking noises while in 2wd when turning into parking spaces on pavement. I understand some light noise while turning in 4wd, but not while in 2wd...that's a deal breaker for me.

That lady may have been "informative", but she is not well "informed". In 2wd the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect) is disconnected effectively divorcing the left and right front wheels so the locker would have no effect on turning.

If I went Sport, I'd put a True Trac up front and an e-locker in the rear. You'll benefit all the time in 4h or 4l with the True Trac up front, while being able to selectively engage a full locker in the rear when you need it, while maintaining an open diff in the rear for 2h normal driving.

Maybe it's a sign of our opposing climates, but I would actually prefer the exact opposite setup. I got the OEM rear Trac Loc Dana 44 in my Sport and if I wanted an upgrade I'd elect a selectable front locker. It's nice to have limited slip in the winter so you don't have to lock in 4x4 every time there's a small snowbank. I wouldn't want a constant locker in the front as it would exhibit dangerous under steer when in 4x4 on slippery roads .

 

[ChattVol]

That lady may have been "informative", but she is not well "informed". In 2wd the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect) is disconnected effectively divorcing the left and right front wheels so the locker would have no effect on turning.

Not true according to their testing. I specifically asked about how there could be noise in 2wd and she said they were surprised that they still heard some clicking in 2wd making slow sharp turns. They are releasing a youtube video soon showing how it does daily driving and exemplifying the clicking.

 

[ChattVol]

That lady may have been "informative", but she is not well "informed". In 2wd the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect) is disconnected effectively divorcing the left and right front wheels so the locker would have no effect on turning.



Maybe it's a sign of our opposing climates, but I would actually prefer the exact opposite setup. I got the OEM rear Trac Loc Dana 44 in my Sport and if I wanted an upgrade I'd elect a selectable front locker. It's nice to have limited slip in the winter so you don't have to lock in 4x4 every time there's a small snowbank. I wouldn't want a constant locker in the front as it would exhibit dangerous under steer when in 4x4 on slippery roads .

@TxJeepers @Arrowhead
Check out these showing the new torq locker for m186 jl sport axles:

 

[Boothorp]

@TxJeepers @Arrowhead
Check out these showing the new torq locker for m186 jl sport axles:

I’m installing mine Sunday. I’ll let you know. I’ve read that the heavier the tires there will be no clicking in 2wd. I’ll let you know next week.

 

[ChattVol]

I’m installing mine Sunday. I’ll let you know. I’ve read that the heavier the tires there will be no clicking in 2wd. I’ll let you know next week.

Awesome...I'm on the verge of ordering. My only concern is wandering if the occasional ratcheting in 2wd is going to get annoying. You cant beat the price..

 

[WXman]

Thanks...which locker did you put in the rear and could you hear it driving on road?

The only time you hear them on the road is in a turn. Sounds like a roller coaster that's climbing that first grade before being released. A ratcheting noise. In a straight line you never hear it.

The Powertraxx seemed most finnicky in operation, but most quiet also. The Aussie was loud but worked best.

 

[ChattVol]

The only time you hear them on the road is in a turn. Sounds like a roller coaster that's climbing that first grade before being released. A ratcheting noise. In a straight line you never hear it.

The Powertraxx seemed most finnicky in operation, but most quiet also. The Aussie was loud but worked best.

Thanks...I assume you arent referring to the new torq locker(for front diff in the jl)daily driven in the YouTube video above? This locker apparently only makes an occasional subtle ratcheting noise in 2wd when making a slow tight turn on pavement. It's only barely audible in the video when turning sharp into a parking spot.

 

[WXman]

Thanks...I assume you arent referring to the new torq locker(for front diff in the jl)daily driven in the YouTube video above? This locker apparently only makes an occasional subtle ratcheting noise in 2wd when making a slow tight turn on pavement. It's only barely audible in the video when turning sharp into a parking spot.

No, I was referring to the ones I've used in the past which I mentioned earlier in this thread. My assumption is that the Torq locker in the video is very similar in design.

 

[ChattVol]

No, I was referring to the ones I've used in the past which I mentioned earlier in this thread. My assumption is that the Torq locker in the video is very similar in design.

I ordered takeoff JLUR axles/lockers/4.10 gearing with brakes today! They had 3000 miles on them and hadnt been offroad. It was $3600 delivered to me and friend is installing for $500. I found a used auto parts place that offered $1500 for my d30/35 axles. Should be doing the swap on Sunday! Thinking of adding a 2.5 RC spacer lift to the rubi suspension to run 315/70/17 tires. Dont have money for a full suspension lift just yet and mainly want a little more height to add clearance for rocks. Is there cost effective underbody protection/armor you recommend to protect critical components?

 

[XJrider]

Hopefully this cures op’s obsession with lockers ...

 

[Moto_21]

Hopefully this cures op’s obsession with lockers ...

God you are posting everywhere being a dick arent you

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