Steering with a front locker.

[trail mule]

How hard is it to steer with the front axle locked? It is a dana 60 and I am running 37 inch tires. If it is hard, how hard?

[Dmntxn77]

Depends... How big a boy are you??

[wickedwagon767]

It is tough. Detroit lockers will disengage if you're foot is out of the gas,but when was the last time you steered with your foot off the gas? If you wheel on twisy trails,which most of us do...........just imagine driving a big truck with manual steering. I would recommend adding ram-assist to your steering system to help compensate. Or install a selectable locker like the ARB air locker or Ox cable locker to be able to unlock he front axle for turns

[IZwack]

I'm running an Aussie Locker in my front D44 and it takes a few back and forths to make a sharp switchback. Turning the wheel isnt the problem, but the larger radius.

[ajbirken]

Just get your buddies to jump out every turn and unlock a hub. (that sucks)

Selectable lockers, twin-stick transfer case (so you can run in 2 low), hydraulic assist or full-hydraulic, or some combination of the above are the solution.

[Mud Buzzard]

Maybe it's just me but my front is welded and I've never had a problem turning.

[will e]

To be clear, you are talking about on the trail and not on the street?

[Elliott]

I have my case twin sticked and will be running caddy rear discs brakes with separate e-brake handles (cutting brakes). Using a J20 steering box and 2" steering assist ram on top of that, with the SWB my '65 ought to do pretty well with that set up and using Detroits in both ends (D60/14 bolt). Ask me in about 3 years when I get it on trails. :D

[Mud Buzzard]

I have my case twin sticked and will be running caddy rear discs brakes with separate e-brake handles (cutting brakes). Using a J20 steering box and 2" steering assist ram on top of that, with the SWB my '65 ought to do pretty well with that set up and using Detroits in both ends (D60/14 bolt). Ask me in about 3 years when I get it on trails. :D That's basically my combination without cutting brakes anyway and I'm welded up front. Turns great. Never had any problems and only thing I ever break is ears on the slip yoke or u-joints. Haven't broken anything since I went to CTM u-joints and 1410 yokes.

[Elliott]

1410s are in the works here also, so what's that leave for a weak link... the hubs? I think I'd much prefer swapping them out as opposed to a u-joint on the stub shaft.

[Stuka]

That's basically my combination without cutting brakes anyway and I'm welded up front. Turns great. Never had any problems and only thing I ever break is ears on the slip yoke or u-joints. Haven't broken anything since I went to CTM u-joints and 1410 yokes.

Do you do any tight trails though? Or just mud?

[Dmntxn77]

Do you do any tight trails though? Or just mud?

You know the anwser to that.. ;)

[trail mule]

I would drive it on the street but I would have the hubs unlocked. I would be driving it on the trails, it would be kind of technical, but it isn't rock crawling. 70% of the time it would probably be in the mud.

[Dmntxn77]

Its not for everyone.. BUT, if you dont mind getting out to unlock your hubs sometimes out of the 30% of the time that you are not in mud, then welding is the way to go..

It is a lot of traction for VERY little cost..

[trail mule]

I also have 37 inch tires. so how hard would that be?

[jtr]

My 84 GW did not turn at all after I welded the spiders and the hubs locked in. It was hydro assit or go back to open.....it got hydro.

[Mud Buzzard]

The buzzard doesn't see rocks much, I leave that to my XJ. ;)

[fsjeep]

I run an aussie locker in the front with 37's and never had a problem. Turns very easy!

[Mud Buzzard]

1410s are in the works here also, so what's that leave for a weak link... the hubs? I think I'd much prefer swapping them out as opposed to a u-joint on the stub shaft. Yes, the hubs have fuses. I use warn premiums. Offroad I run 44 in. v-treads and on/off road (if I drive to the trail or bog) I run 39 in. Boggers.

[jeepboy69]

it would be easier with a twin sticked t case

[wickedwagon767]

Ask me in about 3 years when I get it on trails. :D

:lol:

right there with ya!