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The main downside of a front locker is the extra strain it puts on the front axle, but for conscientous users who aren't running massive tyres and aren't trying to get stuck on purpose that's less of an issue.
A full front locker will prevent normal steering. Both front wheels will be turning at the same speed and will attempt to go in a straight line and this promotes scrabbling and this is what generates the extra stresses within the axle assembly.
A locked front diff will make the steering heavier but the car will go where the front wheels are pointing. A locked rear diff will try to push the car straight ahead regardless of which way the front wheels are pointing.
Roger Fairclough wrote: A full front locker will prevent normal steering. Both front wheels will be turning at the same speed and will attempt to go in a straight line and this promotes scrabbling and this is what generates the extra stresses within the axle assembly.
Roger
Yes indeed but only when engaged (eg ARB). As an overlander this will only be used to get out of trouble. Maybe 0.0001% of vehicle life.
And being stuck you will be either in mud or sand or just to clear an extreme cross axle scenario. Neither surfaces going to lock up drivetrain. No one aims to "drive" with front lockers activated for extended period. In my case it is to be used in an emergency only to get out of trouble.
Different aspect for serious offroaders.
But the gen4 with its new traction control system almost equates lockers to a certain extend.
AS IS the gen4 jimny is an incredible and capable 4x4 already and adding lockers you must have money laying around or be a serious offroader to spend that kinda money.
Busta wrote: A locked front diff will make the steering heavier but the car will go where the front wheels are pointing. A locked rear diff will try to push the car straight ahead regardless of which way the front wheels are pointing.
Maybe I should have written "A full front locker, when engaged". I am happy with the rest of what I said and as I pointed out a fully locked front diff. will promote problems if it is necessary to steer whilst driving the hazard. This is why I would fit something like an Eaton Tru-trac in the front as well as the back. Because they do not fully lock up they do not cause steering problems.
I appreciate that they are not available for the Jimny but there are other makes.
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