Rear locker can save a front diff.

[B22-2023]

Well, I took this from my video. I really hadn’t intended to this be a scrutiny of the line I took, but rather that with the rear locker, it (would have)walked up with no drama.

Here is a takeaway, applies to me and everyone: Rear locker thought to be on or not, the spotter could see you struggling and hanging up three different ways. He also seemed a little exasperated. When you as driver and owner of the vehicle said “winch”, that should have been it. No sense stressing everyone out plus the Bronco any further.(Side note I was at HF 2 weeks ago and twisted my rear lower shock bracket on a ledge like that, that little place has some challenges!)

At least a real “stop and assess” meeting when he walked around to your side. Get out and look. And also being assertive matters: if winching, switching drivers, or backing off is what’s called out - by the driver, owner, or whoever is timing out for the sake of safety, then speak up.

I think back to that that lengthy video by @popo_patty with a concise breakdown of his recovery event and lessons learned. It hits on all this.

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[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Here is a takeaway, applies to me and everyone: Rear locker thought to be on or not, the spotter could see you struggling and hanging up three different ways. He also seemed a little exasperated. When you as driver and owner of the vehicle said “winch”, that should have been it. No sense stressing everyone out plus the Bronco any further.(Side note I was at HF 2 weeks ago and twisted my rear lower shock bracket on a ledge like that, that little place has some challenges!)

At least a real “stop and assess” meeting when he walked around to your side. Get out and look. And also being assertive matters: if winching, switching drivers, or backing off is what’s called out - by the driver, owner, or whoever is timing out for the sake of safety, then speak up.

I think back to that that lengthy video by @popo_patty with a concise breakdown of his recovery event and lessons learned. It hits on all this.

This. All of it.

 

[Brian_B]

Another 4.46 M190 bites the dust, I've seen so many I've lost count at this point. Most of em I've seen break in reverse, either very lightly wheeling or stuck in snow/mud. Mine broke with 2200 miles on it, on a 20* decline trying to reverse to straighten up my line. Swapped an M210 in and it has held up through 3 steering racks and tons of abuse, 2 broken CVs.

I have a sneaking suspicion there's a casting issue in the 4.46s or there's just simply not enough meat on the ring gear, in the teeth and overall, to prevent deflection. I've seen and heard of at least 30 4.46 M190s taking teeth off the ring gear.

I'm waiting on mine to grenade as well - last time I changed the fluid it had more metal than oil in it, but it's still holding out.

 

[crenca]

This bronco is my first 4x4 with electronic controls, and I have had a few instances of not being in the mode I thought I was. One example being in 4A when I though I was 4H and wondering why I was bogging in the sand so much in reverse. Another example several times was in 2H when I thought I was in 4A/4H and wondering why I need to use my rear locker to get up a sandy/gravely incline. Once in 4L and in some technical rocks I turned on my front locker and then happily drove another 5 minutes before I realized I had failed to turn it off.

I am now trying to be more deliberate, double check my settings (I tend to ignore GOAT modes and do everything manually), then mentally slow down and check it again.

 

[Rivers90]

The Internet has chimed in that you should have also aired down........


/sarc

What PSI was the tires at?

 

[userdude]

The Internet has chimed in that you should have also aired down........


/sarc

Yeah, plus somebody was like "37's natch" and let's not forget all those who pressed ignore after he said he was shone up by some Jeeps...

 

[Fordified1]

What PSI was the tires at?

16 psi. I don’t have beadlocks so didn’t want to chance knocking a tire off a bead. But after watching the video, I could probably lower them down to 12 and get away with it. I don’t know..

 

[HotdogThud]

Dang, that didn't look that extreme :/

Anything can be extreme with enough throttle.

 

[GeoBig]

I used both front and rear lockers (mostly rear) extensively during the Bronco Off-Rodeo in Tennessee, and boy am I a fan now. Worked great, no issues.

 

[crenca]

I used both front and rear lockers (mostly rear) extensively during the Bronco Off-Rodeo in Tennessee, and boy am I a fan now. Worked great, no issues.

I shower once daily, and brush my teeth at least twice, no issues...not that it has anything to do with this thread

 

[CalvinT]

Nevada Off-Roadeo told us to turn on the rear lockers early, before we need them. Turn on the front only when we need them.

People have different philosophies about this. Some want to challenge themselves. Others seem to want to prove something. I just want to go somewhere.

 

[NC_Pinz]

A rear locker also helps reduce trail damage from excessive wheel spin. It allows you to use less throttle so less stress for the whole drivetrain. I've had lockers front and rear since '99 in a variety of vehicles (one with 2 rear lockers). Rear locker early, front locker when needed. Occasionally you drop the rear.

Sorry for your front diff.

 

[userdude]

Watching the video originally, I actually wondered if you had rear lockers when you pivoted so far at first.

I tend to turn on the rear lockers when I think I'll really need them. So far, haven't necessarily had an issue. The trail damage angle does concern me. I guess there's a balance in the "learn more but don't be a dick" principle.

 

[Fordified1]

Update: Brought Bleaux home a little bit ago all fixed up and ready to go break a steering rack or something lol.
I looked all under it and couldn’t see any damage to any skids. Just dirt marks on the control arm mounts and DV8 shock skids. Even the fuel tank skid escaped damage somehow (maybe because it’s all the way on the passenger side)
I helped remove all the skids up front last night and they still look pristine.

The diff I got was a take-off from a Bronco y’all may have seen at SEMA with Tibus parts on it. He’s helped me out big time twice now.

 

[SierraBronco]

The Internet has chimed in that you should have also aired down........


/sarc

It’s like the standard response to every wheeling video

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