lockers for a 94 wrangler.?

Question

alright, i own a 94 wrangler yj 4.0 straight 6 and i was interested in putting on some lockers, i know it has a dana 30 and dana 35 axels so my question is which lockers are good for occasional off roading, but are also best bang for the buck. im not exactly rich so i like to get a good deal. oh and how hard are they to instal, do i need any other parts. is it a do it your selfer, and how long does it take?

Answer 1

The Powertrax No-Slip is a Lunchbox locker available for the D35 at less than $400. It's a 100% locking differential but is well mannered for everyday driving and is of a design for us shadetree mechanics to install.

Here's a overview on a Wrangler Dana 35 install:
http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/powertrax_tj/index.htm

Powertrax also makes the Lock-Right for $100 less, but harder to install and is said to be noisy and a bit harder on the D35 and eats tires.

I have the Dana Trak-lok (aka Trash-Lock). A limited-slip setup for ~$200. Works well in most situations, exceptions can sometimes be overcome with the e-brake. Must be professionally installed, the clutches will eventually wear-out and requires gear oil additive or it will self destruct.

Answer 2

If you dont wheel very much. I would put a limited slip in the rear, you can install yourself. Its not the best off roading, but is sure makes driving on the road a lot easier. All the other lockers you have to come to a complete stop to lock in. For the front I would use a ARB, which is a air locker, or a OX locker, which is a cable locker. I dont personal like the Eaton's, I think the OX or ARB is stronger. You could do ARB front and rear, that would be the best set up, but it will be about 2500-3000.
The reason I say ARB or OX in front is because it will allow you to maneuver better. When the front is locked in you will not be able to turn as sharply and without it. The ARB and OX allows you to look in and out quickly.
If I were you I would put a limited slip or a truetrack in the rear and leave it. The axles are weak(they are stock) and if the jeep is lifted with bigger tires that will make them more prone to breaking. You could put harden axle shafts in to make them a little stronger. Best of luck

Answer 3

I will echo what the previous person said about the Powertrax. It is a great locker for the rear that is fully automatic and "easy" to install. It won't give you trouble in everyday driving and provides good traction in off road situations. It is marketed as a drop in do it yourself project, but I'd still recommend having a transmission shop do it for you if you're not familiar with working on diffs.

The best in everyday situations is the Trac-Loc. It provides better off road traction in moderate situations, but still keeps your street ride smooth.

If you are only going off road occasionally, skip the front locker. They will cause more problems in everyday driving than in the rear.

Answer 4

For just occasional off roading you can use an Eaton unit in the rear like the one being used on the new Chevy pic-up trucks (see road tests). If you want something in the front a Trac Lock would be sufficient.. You don't want to go to a full on Detroit Locker unless you were going to build a primarily off road rock crawler.. This is a job that you don't do yourself unless you are skilled at setting up rear ends. You have to change your carrier and then set up your ring and pinion. If you don't do it correctly it will self destruct. My friend owns a drive train shop in California and half of his business is fixing do it yourself-ers mess ups...Putting in an Eaton unit in the rear would do you the most good.. about $1500 installed and set up..