Does It Make Sense to Add Rear Lockers to a Daily Driver?

[Y2Dre]

I've combed through this forum and the internet looking for the pros and cons of lockers. Since I still can't decide, I decided to bite the bullet and ask the people for their opinion.

I am set on getting a Big Bend with the 2.7 engine. My future Bronco will replace my 2012 Ford Fusion Sport as my daily driver. While I have no plans on doing any off-roading, I must admit that I'm thinking about hitting a few trails for the hell of it..just because I'd be able to. Living in SE Michigan, I'll have snow to deal with a few months out of the year. But, from what I've been reading, using lockers in the snow isn't a good idea. Four-wheel drive will be enough for that.

So...do I accept the fact that I'm not going rock crawling any time soon and forget about the lockers to save some money? Or, do I add the rear locker now just in case I need it later. As everyone knows, it's better to have an option you might not need vs needing an option you don't have because you were too busy counting pennies.

Thanks in advance for your feedback...

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[saban]

since it's only $495 extra on big bend, just get it now. it'll be disengaged when on pavement and doing it later won't really save you all that much. actually, 495 is probably saving you money...buy the diff and install is going to be over that

 

[Megawatt]

If you got the coin then do it. Most vehicles don’t even offer a rear locker. It’s nice to have when off-road. Even if you find yourself driving on a muddy road, trail, etc.

I lock in the rear to get over or past an obstacle and then it’s unlocked. Makes for little to no drama.

 

[indio22]

I've off-roaded many years with open diffs, including 10 years in Colorado hitting mountain trails. That's my CJ7 (see profile pic) going up some slickrock on a trip to Moab. It has open diffs. You likely don't need open diffs - would be a waste of money. To be fair though, I'm not into buying just in case or to imagine using something like some people. Either way, take your new Bronco to explore some trails, it's a lot of fun.

 

[Y2Dre]

If you got the coin then do it.

That was my initial thinking. But, then I started looking at the Bimini top and asked myself if my money would best be spent on that rather than something I may not use. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Y2Dre]

I've off-roaded many years with open diffs, including 10 years in Colorado hitting mountain trails. That's my CJ7 (see profile pic) going up some slickrock on a trip to Moab. It has open diffs. You likely don't need open diffs - would be a waste of money. To be fair though, I'm not into buying just in case or to imagine using something like some people. Either way, take your new Bronco to explore some trails, it's a lot of fun.

I appreciate that honest feedback and I'm pretty sure I'll take your advice and go exploring. I have to admit y'all are getting me hyped up for it!

 

[Hkak45]

I've off-roaded many years with open diffs, including 10 years in Colorado hitting mountain trails. That's my CJ7 (see profile pic) going up some slickrock on a trip to Moab. It has open diffs. You likely don't need open diffs - would be a waste of money. To be fair though, I'm not into buying just in case or to imagine using something like some people. Either way, take your new Bronco to explore some trails, it's a lot of fun.

How did you compensate for the fact that if you get one wheel going in the air you won’t have traction as the other wheel won’t spin? Generally curious as I’ve never not had a locker off road and figured if your wheel gets in the air with nothing underneath the other side wheel won’t have enough torque to pull through.

 

[wordstew]

A Locker is a good thing to have....trust me

No lockers.... get out your boots, recovery tracks, your shovel and be prepared to spend some time getting muddy

 

[Headsong]

One day, you're going to sell it. The next guy wants the locker.

 

[Y2Dre]

One day, you're going to sell it. The next guy wants the locker.

Valid point.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I appreciate that honest feedback and I'm pretty sure I'll take your advice and go exploring. I have to admit y'all are getting me hyped up for it!

You'll be amazed at how far open diffs and 33's can take you!

 

[Bronco4lyfe85]

Idiot moment, I’m a sports car guy. What exactly does a locking differential do? Lol. What benefit does it serve?

 

[Megawatt]

How did you compensate for the fact that if you get one wheel going in the air you won’t have traction as the other wheel won’t spin? Generally curious as I’ve never not had a locker off road and figured if your wheel gets in the air with nothing underneath the other side wheel won’t have enough torque to pull through.

You gently apply the brake to slow down the free spinning wheel. That should help stop sending all the power where you don’t want it and hopefully start sending power where you need it.

Jeeps have BLD brake lock differential where the computer applies the brakes to the problem tire in that situation. It helps nonlocker trucks.

 

[Yukon65006]

You'll be amazed at how far open diffs and 33's can take you!

And hopefully bring you back.

 

[Randy92Fox]

That was my initial thinking. But, then I started looking at the Bimini top and asked myself if my money would best be spent on that rather than something I may not use. Decisions, decisions...

In your case, the Bimini top will cost the same amount to add later. As someone else mentioned the locker will be much more to add later. Install alone for a set of gears in one axle was $400 for me letalone the cost of the locker unit.

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