What is a Lincoln Locker?

[BigBadWag]

I've noticed this term mentioned and people kinda hitting on it, but I haven't really seen a good explanation. I read that this is like a spool, so what's the difference? How do Lincoln Lockers work and how do spools work? Which is better? Are they durable/safe? I'm looking for a rear traction device, so any info would help me. Thanks! -Zach

[kreb]

my understanding is that lincoln refers to the lincoln welding machines. the gears are welded together in the diff. full traction constantly

benjamin

[rockjeep44]

Back in the day, the most popular/common welders were Lincoln welders. Whoever was building a truck and couldn't afford a locker just took the carrier out of the diff, and got their welder and welded the spider gears together in the four spots where the teeth touch and then they weld the spiders to the carrier. If you do it right it makes a very very strong weld that is nearly unbreakable. Also, this puts 100% of power to both wheels 100% of the time and costs next to nothing. Being from the south and what most people would call redneck, my friends and I have welded up more carriers than we can count and have had great luck.

[BigBadWag]

So what are the road manners of Lincoln Lockers(I gotta drive it to the trails after all)? So RJ, when are you gonna weld up my rear carrier? Seriously though, you know anybody that would do it for cheap? I don't have the time or experience for it. 'preciate it. -Zach

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Yup That is Close. However the carriers did not need to be removed. (all rear covered diffs anyhow) Pull cover and Weld the spiders up.

[Highsteel]

Bring your rig over to the shop one Sat. and we'll use it as a Guinea Pig.

[BigBadWag]

My Wag as a Guinea Pig?! Haha, but seriously, do you know anything about differentials and welding them up? Man it would be great to lock that butt end up...

[jeepbob]

Use 7014 rod and a crank up the amps. Weld the side gears to the carrier and the spiders to the side gears. Be sure to clean out all the slag. I do this all the time in my demo derby cars and if you use a 10 bolt GM C clip axle you are almost garrenteed to snap off the pinion in the 3rd derby. I have my D60 welded up in the wag and before that the axle was in a bog truck.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

While welding the diff works well to gain a cheap locked rear Diff. The disadvantages far out weigh the benefits. If your rig is strictly off road then I would go for it. However a welded diff is a bad idea on a daily driver. Hard to steer, rear tires will, hop and chirp while turning corners. Broken axles a good possibility. Wet slippery roads bad handling.

[BigBadWag]

I don't drive the Wag much daily, I have an S-10 for those duties. Are you more likely to break an axle ON the road or OFF? The only time I'll really drive her on the road is to get to the trail. I think I can handle the tire chirping and hopping long enough to get there. Do you gain a lot of offroad prowess from this mod? My rig will mainly stay off the road, so should I go for it?

[64Trvlr]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by BigBadWag:
My Wag as a Guinea Pig?! Haha, but seriously, do you know anything about differentials and welding them up? <hr></blockquote>

Sounds like you had a offer to weld the differental there. If you want to do it call him. As far as the lack of time and experience you mentioned. I don't think the lack of experience will matter as when you do this you'll be getting some. And as for the lack of time, if you want free help you'll just have to find the time. Sounds like you have a good connection for help with your Jeep there locally. Good luck....

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Axles will break more so on high traction surfaces and in tight turns. If you plan to run mostly off road, and can take turns wide whenever possible on pavement, and be careful on sharp curves especially when wet as it will want to push you straight ahead, go for it. Take it slow as it will handle a lot different than it does now.

[Highsteel]

The 7014 rods are in the warmer as we speak

I'm like you Zach I pretty much drive my rig on the road just to get to the trail..However I do travel a good ways towing boat so I'm gonna have to save up for probably Detroit Lockers in the rear..If mine was JUST a trail rig I would have already welded mine.. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[BigBadWag]

I've been searching old posts, but I haven't really found a specific answer. If I drive this thing no more than 30-35 miles on the street to wherever I'm going, will I have problems with a welded rear? I realize it WILL put a little more stress on the axle parts, but how much more at as few miles as I'm driving it? And is the offroad gain really that significant? Also, will the road manners really be THAT bad? I never drive my Wag at more than 50 mph anyway and everywhere I go I take back roads. Is the handling difference more something to get used to or more of a constant nuisance? And how much more tire wear are talking about? Thanks for any input! -Zach