LSD vs lockers vs nothing

[UKTJ]

An ECTED is not a true locker. It's technically a limited slip differential that has a way to more firmly connect its clutch pack together to make it less likely to slip. But get enough pressure on one side and it will slip... which could occur at exactly the worst possible time.

Not to mention you have to send it back to the factory to be rebuilt when its clutch pack fails and it costs nearly as much to do that as to buy a new one. The very last traction-aiding device I'd ever (not) go with is an ECTED.

So, what would be the order of recommendation for a traction aid? Is it the same or different for front and rear?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

So, what would be the order of recommendation for a traction aid? Is it the same or different for front and rear?

There's no particular order of recommendation since different wheeling/driving conditions dictate different traction aiding devices. For many trails, lockers are the only effective device. On slick or icy streets or some relatively flat slick or icy trails, limited slip devices like the Truetrac are great solutions.

 

[Apparition]

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'm beyond sick of seeing him being used in countless mind-numbing memes now. This got old the second time I saw him in yet another meme. Don't be surprised if it "accidentally" gets deleted.

 

[Apparition]

I'm beyond sick of seeing him being used in countless mind-numbing memes now. This got old the second time I saw him in yet another meme. Don't be surprised if it "accidentally" gets deleted.

I needed a popcorn comment for this potential shitshow

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Make no mistake, popcorn memes are never appreciated by anyone.

 

[Blackjack]

So, what would be the order of recommendation for a traction aid? Is it the same or different for front and rear?

This is all dependent on the type of terrain you engage in, location, budget, and whether you have the trackloc in the rear to start. If what you wheel in is easy to moderate then a rear LSD is a good choice since it is available to you in 2wd as well. If you have the tracklok and it is in good working order and feel you need more traction then add something to the front. When you start moving towards more difficult terrain then start looking at more aggressive solutions. For terrain that I have and that I also drive my Jeep year round meant that selectable lockers was for me the best choice. That does not mean that is is the best choice for everyone.

 

[UKTJ]

There's no particular order of recommendation since different wheeling/driving conditions dictate different traction aiding devices. For many trails, lockers are the only effective device. On slick or icy streets or some relatively flat slick or icy trails, limited slip devices like the Truetrac are great solutions.

Fair comment, I get that there isn't a one size fits all solution.

 

[UKTJ]

This is all dependent on the type of terrain you engage in, location, budget, and whether you have the trackloc in the rear to start. If what you wheel in is easy to moderate then a rear LSD is a good choice since it is available to you in 2wd as well. If you have the tracklok and it is in good working order and feel you need more traction then add something to the front. When you start moving towards more difficult terrain then start looking at more aggressive solutions. For terrain that I have and that I also drive my Jeep year round meant that selectable lockers was for me the best choice. That does not mean that is is the best choice for everyone.

Thanks for this, most helpful. I guess the advice of try what you have and see what others in the area use holds very true.

One phrase in your reply does jump out is "trackloc and it is in good working order". Are there any relatively simple ways to check if it is working short of taking it apart?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

One phrase in your reply does jump out is "trackloc and it is in good working order". Are there any relatively simple ways to check if it is working short of taking it apart?

Jack up the rear axle so both tires are off the ground. Spin one tire and if the other tire spins in an opposite direction then the clutch pack is toast. If it spins in the same direction there's at least some LSD action. Its clutch pack only lasts 45-50k miles so if your mileage is much more than that odds are the clutch pack is shot.

 

[UKTJ]

Jack up the rear axle so both tires are off the ground. Spin one tire and if the other tire spins in an opposite direction then the clutch pack is toast. If it spins in the same direction there's at least some LSD action. Its clutch pack only lasts 45-50k miles so if your mileage is much more than that odds are the clutch pack is shot.

That's brilliant Jerry many thanks.

The mileage on my Jeep is a little above 40k and it has pretty much had exclusive summer on road use, so I am hoping the LSD has not been required much and fingers crossed it is still functioning. Presumably the clutch pack only wears when it is activated (if that is the right word), so if a car fitted with an LSD is only driven conservatively on dry roads the LSD would see little if any use and the clutch pack would not wear. Is that fair?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

That's brilliant Jerry many thanks.

The mileage on my Jeep is a little above 40k and it has pretty much had exclusive summer on road use, so I am hoping the LSD has not been required much and fingers crossed it is still functioning. Presumably the clutch pack only wears when it is activated (if that is the right word), so if a car fitted with an LSD is only driven conservatively on dry roads the LSD would see little if any use and the clutch pack would not wear. Is that fair?

That's a reasonable way of looking at it.

 

[never monday]

That's brilliant Jerry many thanks.

The mileage on my Jeep is a little above 40k and it has pretty much had exclusive summer on road use, so I am hoping the LSD has not been required much and fingers crossed it is still functioning. Presumably the clutch pack only wears when it is activated (if that is the right word), so if a car fitted with an LSD is only driven conservatively on dry roads the LSD would see little if any use and the clutch pack would not wear. Is that fair?

not always true. Dry roads are high traction environments. So the LSD would be working more on tight turns. Since the wheels turn different radius circles.

 

[Blackjack]

Thanks for this, most helpful. I guess the advice of try what you have and see what others in the area use holds very true.

One phrase in your reply does jump out is "trackloc and it is in good working order". Are there any relatively simple ways to check if it is working short of taking it apart?

There is a specific breakaway torque that you can measure but the quick check is just chock the front wheels and with the Jeep in neutral jack up one tire and try to spin it. If the tracklok is doing what it is supposed to it should require a fair amount of effort to make the tire turn.

 

[gosborne]

I was just reading about the Eaton Detroit Truetrac's. Are there ones that fit our Jeeps?

Eaton's website mentions how they work, and they sound like they might be a decent alternative to full lockers.

I put a Detriot Trutrac in the rear of my TJ and a Eaton E-locker in front. I'm loving it. For me the Trutrac is the way to go on snow packed roads.

 

[Pete the Kiwi]

Yes but all you have to do is go look at the axle to see if that tag is there.

From my experience previously working for a Jeep dealership, those tags are often lost or removed by previous owners or techs, hell I have even discarded a couple myself over the years.

 

[AndyG]

I was just looking at the thread title. Just the flashbacks from LSD are enough that you might want to reconsider.