Gears and Lockers

[freaknodd]

Just bought our first TJ about a month ago. Took it to an offroad park this week and was pleasantly surprised at how well it did.

Here is what I have so far:
02 TJ 6cyl manual
4" Superlift rock crawler suspension lift
EP.9 Superwinch 9000 lbs
35" tires

I would really like to add gears and lockers in the near future, any input on what type?

 

[BigWill3855]

awesome jeep. you cant go wrong with OX lockers.

 

[DeStroke]

I've got OX lockers in mine, love 'em, pretty expensive though. A friend of mine just installed an Aussie locker, works pretty killer and not very pricey.

 

[STP]

Ox lockers are a good cable operated locker. Havent had any problems with them at all except 1 that took a big hit on the diff cover and it messed up the fork.
Its real hard to beat a ARB locker though. They are my biggest sellers and I have not had anyone complain of issues from them. ARB has redesigned the air lockers to shed weight and be stronger than the previous design.
If you need any pricing, let me know....

 

[daspes]

Just bought our first TJ about a month ago. Took it to an offroad park this week and was pleasantly surprised at how well it did.

Here is what I have so far:
02 TJ 6cyl manual
4" Superlift rock crawler suspension lift
EP.9 Superwinch 9000 lbs
35" tires

I would really like to add gears and lockers in the near future, any input on what type?

Gears: 4.88's or 5.13's, Since you have a stick, I'd go with the 88's.

Lockers: What is your budget? Are you doing front and rear?

No matter what do the lockers and gears at the same time.

 

[freaknodd]

That is what i was thinking for gears. I haven't decided on a budget, but want to do front and rear lockers. Im thinking something in the middle, not real cheap and crappy but doesnt have to be top of the line either. Thanks for the input.

 

[daspes]

That is what i was thinking for gears. I haven't decided on a budget, but want to do front and rear lockers. Im thinking something in the middle, not real cheap and crappy but doesnt have to be top of the line either. Thanks for the input.

With lockers you only have 3 real choices.

Selectable (ARB, Ox, Zip, Ected, E-locker) all will run you about about 700-900. Highly recommend a selectable for the front.

Auto locker (Detroit Soft locker, Grizzly) runs about 460.

Lunchbox locker (Spartan, Lock-right, aussie) run 250-400.

 

[gixxerphil]

hey freak check this out hope it helps.
Jeep Ratio Calculators

 

[02liberty]

Thanks for posting the ratio chart handy little thing there

 

[CT99XJ]

Gears all depend on what size tires you're running. I plan on running 4.56 with 33's, and that will give me some room to boost to 35's eventually.

As to lockers: ARB is great, but there's something inherently wrong with paying almost a grand per axle to lock it. A member of my local club had one, and his compressor failed and his diff unlocked on a hill climb at Rausch Creek, and his rig flipped. I'd rather run a positive lock like a Powertrax or an Aussie, especially since you can't go wrong with the price. I run Aussies in my rig and they drive fine on pavement. The front locker doesn't show itself on the road except for a mild clicking during turns.

If I'd had funds available, I would have gone with a selectable cable locker, but Aussies work beautifully, their customer service is great, and the lockers are super beefy.

On a side note- don't go too deep with gears, the deeper you go the weaker the pinion.

 

[AZ Outlaws]

hey freak check this out hope it helps.
Jeep Ratio Calculators

Your chart is generic and not accurate for all vehicles. I could not find what vehicle your chart pertains to. When considering gears, the chart needs to be vehicle specific with the correct engine, transmission, tire size and speed taken into consideration.

I know we're talking TJ's in this thread, but check out your chart and compare it to the JK specific charts, one automatic and the other manual. Use my JK with a 3.8L engine, manual transmission, 33" tire size and the 4.56 gears as an example to see the differences. Also note the performance difference between gears as shown in the chart I posted and the one you posted.

The generic non vehicle specific chart....

The JK specific chart showing both the auto and manual....

Note: If your chart is for the TJ, I apologize... but it still needs to show the 2.5L and the 4.0L engine as well as being an auto or manual.

 

[SUPERD]

I wouldn't reccomend any thing other than a selectable locker for the front if you see any snow or rain where you are, in a short wheelbase they can get kinda squirrelly when they suddenly lock or unlock on you, not worth saving a few bucks IMO.
Stick with the 4:88's unless you plan on going to a larger tire in your near future, you will be much happier on & off road!

 

[AZ Outlaws]

I'm running 33's on my JK and just regeared from 3.21 to 4.56 and couldn't be happier. Just right both on and off road... a very good compromise.

 

[CT99XJ]

either 4.56 or 4.11 is probably best for said application.

 

[daspes]

either 4.56 or 4.11 is probably best for said application.

I had 4.10's with 33's in my TJ, sucked IMO. With the 35's the OP posted I think even 4.56's wouldn't be to fun.

 

[kickitandholdit]

i have a powertrax locker in my 500HP chevelle and i give it hell all the time and still works great. my ASE master certified technition automotive teacher has run them on the paved and dirt track putting hellashious power to them and hasnt let them down. they use this material thats like 70% stronger than titanium or something. they are pricy though. but you should research them and watch the videos

 

[CT99XJ]

x2 on Powertrax. Full carrier lockers are too pricey.

As to the gears, someone mentioned 4.10 sucked with 33's... It all depends on what you're doing with the vehicle. You can do swimmingly offroad with 5.38 to give you that little extra bit of power, but the pinion will be the size of a pea compared to 4.10 or 4.11. 4.56 is also a good offroad gear, but if the vehicle gets daily driven a lot, the gas mileage will not be great and the engine RPMs will be too high for constant throttle.

To prove the point, here's some numbers from some rigs in my local club:

5.13's with 33's: 2800rpm @65mph

4.56's with 33's: 2600rpm @65mph

4.11's with 33's: 2300rpm @65mph

3.55's with 33's: 1950rpm @75mph

 

[SUPERD]

Don't fall for the hype "70% stronger than titanium",
titanium is only marginally stronger than A5 plate & weaker than stainless, it's benefit is strength to weight ratio.
Don't get me wrong, powertrax is a great unit but not bulletproof, seen several exploded into junk metal, and anyone who has installed one knows they are not light, it's a pretty substantial chunk of alloy, it's just a marketing gimmick to make it sound indestructible.

 

[CT99XJ]

^--- that. However, they're really durable.


As long as they're not in a Turdy-Five :rofl:

 

[XtrmTJ]

To answer your question properly one needs more details:
1. Tire size intended to be used.
2. DD or Trail rig.
3. You gonna keep these axles or you gonna upgrade some day.
General thoughts:
As stated, selectable in the front.
Detroit/Spool in the rear.
"IF" you are gonna upgrade axles some time in the future, a winch may be a better buy right now. My .02