Lockers - Rear only vs both

[BRuby]

So, when would you use just the rear lockers?

We use Lockers once 4L crawl mode fails. Does not happen much in snow as the KO2s grip with amazing tenacity. But once locked front and rear - the Rubi pulls even harder. Only in rare circumstances do we use chains for even more traction.

As noted before - the very high crawl ratio is actually a super important advantage often overlooked - as that in itself allows the Rubi so much extra capability over other models to do its thing. Once you experience the extra power and torque firsthand - it is super easy to understand its benefits. 4L alone in a Rubi is already what many users will ever need. It is that good in snow to keep you going vs other 4x4s. Comparatively 4H slips super easy vs 4L.

The only time we ever use rear only is when needing to turn in a tight area - or descending a super steep pitch. But generally will just use decent control without - and find that perfectly acceptable. We use decent control a lot down super steep bouldered single track. Works a charm and just about eliminates wheel slip due to slide braking.

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[Punkindave]

I've only engaged the rears when anticipating slippage on a steep, rocky/loose climb to protect windshields of those too close behind me. I don't leave hem engaged because most of our trails have very tight turns that require precision steering.

 

[Roky]

See, there's obviously variability between drivers. In this video, I wouldn't use lockers at all if that little slope was encountered on the trail. All that should take is a tiny bit of momentum. B/c they are stopping in the video to attempt to prove a point is why they are having any issue climbing it.

At the end of the day, there’s really no substitute for experience.

 

[BRuby]

See, there's obviously variability between drivers. In this video, I wouldn't use lockers at all if that little slope was encountered on the trail. All that should take is a tiny bit of momentum. B/c they are stopping in the video to attempt to prove a point is why they are having any issue climbing it.

No doubt they were making a very simple point for those very unfamiliar with lockers. But expertise is always key in any endeavour. Minimizing trail and vehicle damage comes to mind. But certainly there are different ways to skin a cat - each with a potentially different outcome.

We prefer slow and steady as the first choice if at all possible. But certainly a bit of momentum and a little bump can work to great benefit depending on the situation. We always try not to run and gun and spew rocks if at all possible. With the Rubi lockers you can avoid this in a lot of situations. As always YMMV.

 

[BRuby]

This is what can happen if you are stuck in a Jeep without lockers. So very painful to watch when it can be so easy with the proper drivetrain and gearing.

 

[Gorilla57]

This is what can happen if you are stuck in a Jeep without lockers. So very painful to watch when it can be so easy with the proper drivetrain and gearing.

Exactly. People out wheeling with rigs that aren’t up to the task cause the most damage and delays. I’m all for basic off-roading skill learning, but open diffs promote people to “when in doubt, throttle out”. Lockers would have allowed her to just walk right through that gully without tearing up her rig AND without tearing up the trail.

Had an 85 4Runner that was locked front and rear. Detroit in the rear and EZ locker up front. My biggest advantage was the Marlin Crawler t-case with twin sticks. It allowed me to wheel in 2Lo for probably 90% of a trail, but the rear was ALWAYS locked due to the Detroit. I’d leave 1 hub locked in up front, allowing me to make turns with it when needed in 4Lo. At major obstacles, traffic always backs up and then I’d turn in my driver’s side front hub to climb with all 4 wheels pulling. If the trail was really difficult and full of obstacles, I’d leave both hubs locked and use the twin sticks to go from 2Lo to 4Lo all the time. Worked great and the rig would rarely spin a tire, minimizing tearing up the trail.

If you think there’s a possibility of spinning, turn lockers on to keep from tearing up the trail. Turn them off when you are done. Why NOT use electric lockers, that’s what they are there for. I didn’t have that choice in my Runner and glad I have the option now.

 

[Squibbles]

I’ve owned/wheeled Jeeps with Aussie lockers, and Detroit lockers (full time lockers) in the front axle. Never had an issue I can recall.

Those are ratcheting lockers versus spooled. I have a Detroit locker up front in my ranger and it makes turning more difficult but not too bad at lower speeds.

 

[Toycrusher]

It all depends on the situation. With lockers engaged, regardless of what direction your wheels are pointing, your Jeep will try to go straight. Only way to get it to turn is through wheel slippage, which accelerates wear on your tires. Terrible situation, but at times that's preferable to being stuck or rolling off a hill. Pick your poison...

 

[Halstem1]

I'm still learning to use lockers since I've never had them before now. I could be completely wrong but have the understanding that you should lock the rear anytime in 4-low and only lock the front if you get stuck. It worked for me so far. Could be completely wrong like I said. So far I've never used my front locker because I haven't needed it.

 

[wolfdog]

What's really painful is she went back in!!!

Go Jeep!!!

This is what can happen if you are stuck in a Jeep without lockers. So very painful to watch when it can be so easy with the proper drivetrain and gearing.

 

[Squibbles]

I'm still learning to use lockers since I've never had them before now. I could be completely wrong but have the understanding that you should lock the rear anytime in 4-low and only lock the front if you get stuck. It worked for me so far. Could be completely wrong like I said. So far I've never used my front locker because I haven't needed it.

It’s probably not necessary unless you’re lifting a wheel or in deep thick mud. With a lot of wheel spin a locker actually increases the chance of breaking an axle but I broke a locker and drove on the street a few weeks with the rear completely spooled with no issues, I wouldn’t be weary of it unless you’re running 37’s and really on the gas.

 

[Halstem1]

It’s probably not necessary unless you’re lifting a wheel or in deep thick mud. With a lot of wheel spin a locker actually increases the chance of breaking an axle but I broke a locker and drove on the street a few weeks with the rear completely spooled with no issues, I wouldn’t be weary of it unless you’re running 37’s and really on the gas.

Are you talking rear locker?

 

[BRuby]

What's really painful is she went back in!!!

Go Jeep!!!

Haha! Glutton for punishment.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Exactly. People out wheeling with rigs that aren’t up to the task cause the most damage and delays. I’m all for basic off-roading skill learning, but open diffs promote people to “when in doubt, throttle out”. Lockers would have allowed her to just walk right through that gully without tearing up her rig AND without tearing up the trail.

Had an 85 4Runner that was locked front and rear. Detroit in the rear and EZ locker up front. My biggest advantage was the Marlin Crawler t-case with twin sticks. It allowed me to wheel in 2Lo for probably 90% of a trail, but the rear was ALWAYS locked due to the Detroit. I’d leave 1 hub locked in up front, allowing me to make turns with it when needed in 4Lo. At major obstacles, traffic always backs up and then I’d turn in my driver’s side front hub to climb with all 4 wheels pulling. If the trail was really difficult and full of obstacles, I’d leave both hubs locked and use the twin sticks to go from 2Lo to 4Lo all the time. Worked great and the rig would rarely spin a tire, minimizing tearing up the trail.

If you think there’s a possibility of spinning, turn lockers on to keep from tearing up the trail. Turn them off when you are done. Why NOT use electric lockers, that’s what they are there for. I didn’t have that choice in my Runner and glad I have the option now.

It’s the obstacle chosen that tempts people to “throttle out” whether they have lockers or not. Lockers don’t precluded damage from poor judgement. Should we regulate equipment??

Though the lockers may have helped her, she may have still done “damage” to the hole in the ground via inexperience as she was getting sideline coaching.

I do agree lockers can help. I do also think people should have the freedom to wheel on a trail they are sincerely trying to just navigate rather than destroy. We can’t regulate poor judgement though.

 

[BRuby]

I'm still learning to use lockers since I've never had them before now. I could be completely wrong but have the understanding that you should lock the rear anytime in 4-low and only lock the front if you get stuck. It worked for me so far. Could be completely wrong like I said. So far I've never used my front locker because I haven't needed it.

Hey if you always lock the rear when in 4L you are probs adding driveline wear unnecessarily. We only lock the rear when we get rear wheel slip. Then will lock both when the fronts slip. Once past the problem will unlock. Generally 4L in the Rubi is plenty enough with its crazy massive crawl ratio advantage. It will idle up a steep incline with zero on the go pedal. Yes it will simply walk up on its own. It truly is amazing just like in this vid. Absolutely zero slip. Any stock Rubi with stock KO2s can do exactly what is shown in this vid. Super impressive. Piece of cake.

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