Locking Diff Question

[Rigsurly]

Considering the OB. What am I giving up by not ordering locking diffs? Don't really want Sasq package. Should I order just the rear as it seems optional?
Thanks for the advice

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[angrygrizzlybear]

Rear locker I highly suggest getting, assuming we can with the OB. I have it in my truck and it has come in really handy, not just with off roading. I have used it with towing and dropping a boat. At this point, I would consider a rear locker almost essential but that is just my opinion.

 

[Go_Galt]

A 4WD with open differentials and capable all-terrain tires is more than the vast majority of people will need.

If you have to ask "What do I give up?" by foregoing locking diffs, you definitely won't need them.

 

[Felix808]

You are going to be giving up a stronger front differential & axles by not choosing the lockers from the factory. Aluminum v.s. cast iron diff housings 190 v.s 210 axles on the front.

 

[ekim]

It would b e super helpful to know how smart the Bronco really is. If it's smart enough to put the brakes to one wheel to aid with traction it will go a LONG way to helping an open diff in many situations.

I know that everyone says if you only have one locker then do the rear. Thats true if it's an auto locker. If its a selectable then I think the front is better. My jeep has selectable front and rear lockers and I did rock crawling competitions with it in a class that only allowed one locker. We quickly learned that have a front locker is way more beneficial than a rear - as long as you can turn it on and off. Selectable front is even more important for a street rig - you don't want an auto locker doing some surprise engagement in poor weather conditions...

[edit]
Keep in mind that there have been problems with aluminum diffs in the past. I think some Jeeps had aluminum diffs and I recall people complaining about them. More recently Jeep had a problem with aluminum steering gears and had to go to iron/steel. I don't know how bulletproof the Bronco aluminum diff is, but I'd be a bit Leery of it unless I've seen lots of success stories with it.
[/edit]

 

[BuckeyeinNV]

You are going to be giving up a stronger front differential & axles by not choosing the lockers from the factory. Aluminum v.s. cast iron diff housings 190 v.s 210 axles on the front.

That has nothing to do with the optional rear locking diff.

 

[Felix808]

That has nothing to do with the optional rear locking diff.

Right you are as I saw "ordering locking diffs" as in plural and answered accordingly.

 

[indio22]

You are going to be giving up a stronger front differential & axles by not choosing the lockers from the factory. Aluminum v.s. cast iron diff housings 190 v.s 210 axles on the front.

Are you saying the Bronco base model will have an aluminum center section on the rear axle?

 

[broncobob94]

I think it comes down to a simple question: if your side to side traction is not equal, are you okay with having one driving wheel (front or back, same thing). Look, you can accomplish a lot with applying brakes and throttle at the same time, but if you are not a good driver and THINK you would be in this situation get it... if you are never in this situation probably not worth your money. To the final 5%, who can do it all, lockers are worth their weight in gold. GOLD I SAY.

 

[Felix808]

Are you saying the Bronco base model will have an aluminum center section on the rear axle?

I said nothing of the sort, but I see you read like I do or don't . That pertains only to the front axle.

 

[Locked-n-loaded]

My FJ40 has a detroit in rear & manually locking hubs up front. A system that makes a lot of sense & is proven. Adequate for a vast majority of the people.

 

[Headsong]

You all have confused. The only time I need help is when I get mudded in. What helps then?

 

[Rollerstud98]

A 4WD with open differentials and capable all-terrain tires is more than the vast majority of people will need.

If you have to ask "What do I give up?" by foregoing locking diffs, you definitely won't need them.

I got stuck one time and that was enough for me to know that at minimum I need the rear locker. 1 rear wheel and 1 front wheel spinning on ice, spent the night in the truck lol. Simple rear locker would have had me out of there no problem.

 

[Bmadda]

You all have confused. The only time I need help is when I get mudded in. What helps then?

A winch, a strap, and a STRONG tree

 

[Beachin 74]

I have a Outer Banks reserved and I'll be going with the rear locking dif. You get the most bang for your buck with the rear locker while maintaining good street manners.
Like felix808 says without Sasquatch you are giving up the the cast iron front housing and locker.
I'm not going bigger than 33" tires and just sand/beach running so a rear locker is just fine as I have a factory rear locker in my F-150 and a ARB rear locker in my 1974.
Don't depend on the "nannies" for traction control. I have to shut all that crap off when traversing sand.

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