Limited slip in rear or front?

[O.P.]

Hey guys, I've got a dumb question.

I'm acquiring a Trac-Lock carrier for my '76 j-10 and I'm wondering which end would this do the most good in? Would it be more helpful in the front or back? Why or why not? How much better is it to have both ends equipped with limited slip or posi as opposed to only one end?

I've been turning wrenches for seven years, just now getting interested in the off road scene. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
O.P. :D

[linskej]

Since you currently only have one Trac-Lock, then I would recommend installing it in the rear axle. By installing it in the rear your Jeep would benefit from the posi diff both on-road and off-road more so than in the front axle.

However if your plan is to install one posi and then install a locker later then put the posi in the front since a locker would be better suited in the rear axle.

Hope this helps,
John

[Jerk]

don't use a locker in the front unless you have locking hubs or a selectable locker, It will make turning very difficult on pavement if its full time, like a detroit.
I agree, I would put the posi in back too, if your just going with one. it will, I think, (someone will correct me if I'm wrong), cause problems turning on ice or (I read this somewhere but can't remember if it was for a locker or posi) or going down hill and turning. posi still is not a locker, but it will help some on moderate trails and somewhat in snow or ice.

[linskej]

There are pros and cons to Posi traction verses lockers, but from what I read lately posi-traction / limited slip diffs have really come a long way. The units made now last much longer ( > 30,000 miles) and are made with cone shaped clutches that are rebuildable. I plan to run an Auburn posi unit up front and a locker in the rear axle of my Jeep.

Yes indeed, driving on ice and on the side of the hill is a little tricky with a locker. I have not heard of posi / limit slip diffs being affect by this.

[blt2krl]

If you plan on towing with your truck be aware that it will increase the wear on your clutches in the limited slip(if installed in the rear). Other than that I would install it in the rear pumpkin first.

[scotty]

generally,in slippery off road conditions,there is ot really enuff traction availalbe to make a l/s slip,or a locker unlock. on a muddy slippery trail,both wheels will have similar traction and both will spin,just like a locker or a spool. a friend of mine has a trash-lok smile.gif in the rear of his jeep,and hes got both rear wheels spinning prolly 90% of the time,unless one is off the ground.

having said that,prolly the best place for your limited slip is in the rear,since 2 spinning wheels on one axle can lead to sliding on off camber surfaces. you can control the rig alittle easier with the rear fishtailing and sliding than you can a sliding front end. the trac lok,being a limited lip will have fine road manners if you drive your truck on the road alot.another good reason to run it in the rear,is that weight is transfered from front to rear as you accelerate,or climb steep hills,so the rear may utilize the axtra traction alittle more efficiently.

i run an open rear diff with vw turning brakes,and a welded front axle. when its really slick,i could not get around without my open rear and steer brake. on just slightly off camber spots,the front just slides right over,dont matter how the wheels are turned. applying brake pressure to either the right or left wheel actually lets me be able to steer in slippery nasty mud.another plus for me running this set up is that i can pivot on 1 rear wheel :cool:

on the other hand,ive know people to install a tight limited slip or locker in the front because it is transparent when the hubs are unlocked,and they want the rear to remain open for good road maners in their daily drivers.ive seen rigs with an open rear and detroited or arbed front axle tackle some pretty nasty trails.

some food for thot,anyway smile.gif

[ April 10, 2002: Message edited by: scotty ]</p>

[O.P.]

Thanks for all the input everybody. I thought that the rear would be the best place for it to go, but I just wanted some different views from more knowledgable people than myself. Unit should be here in a little over a week so I have a few days to get ready to tear into the rear end! smile.gif
Thanks again everybody!!!
O.P.

[Sambo]

just my 2 cents mine was in the front cause i had a mini spool in the rear :D

[flyboy]

O.P. I'm just down the road from you in Falkville. Good to here of another Jeep in the area.