Auto front “lokka” lockers on independent front suspension

[manualhydra27]

I have a Nissan Xterra pro 4x so I have an e locker from the factory on the rear. I don’t want to spend the money for an arb air locker up front so I have looked into the Aussie lokka for the front diff.

I live in Colorado so I need 4x4 in icy and snowy conditions on paved roads as well as off-road. I know there is a self centering effect with a lokka, but does it feel as confident when driving in snow/ice as the open diff 4x4 system?Without the lokka?

I see mixed reviews and am just trying to find if this would be a good set up in a snow/ice state like Colorado.

Also have people had issues with cv axels snapping and other driveline issues created from the lokka.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have searched here and a number of other forums and I just haven’t found a lot of information on them.

Thank you!
Justin

 

[StuntmanMike]

Is that a selectable locker? Meaning, can you engage and disengage it at will?

If it's not, and is an auto locker, I would say that wouldn't be great in the snow and ice, especially the front.

You know how with the rear locked if you hit the gas you fishtail the rear end toward the curb because of the crown of the road? Imagine that happening with the FRONT too.

 

[Smileyshaun]

one of the biggest problems having the front end locked in the ice is you turn but the rig wants to keep going straight , found that out the hard way in my younger dumber days .

 

[manualhydra27]

Thank you for the info! Looks like I will be saving a lot longer for an arb air locker!

 

[smritte]

Ive never driven Colorado roads but, I have had 2 versions or what your looking at, a few clutch type limited slips, a detroit locker and ARB's. Hands down I prefer the ARB. You don't know fun till you try to turn a locked front end with low traction and the vehicle goes straight. In my Jeep, I like being able to turn the lockers on and off as needed. Save up the money, get the ARB and you will not be sorry.

Scott

 

[Desert Runner]

Because of the GM design in their 2500/3500 HD trucks, the question of durability and practicality have been a continuing debate. With no manual hub offerings, everything is automatic it is basically a 4x3, the front end turns all the time on 1 side. Those that own a RAM, do have a expensive alternative that allows owners to upgrade to the older manual hub system for true 4x4 if they put a Limited slip or Locker in. The whole hub system is replaced. People in forums ask all the time what can they do to upgrade traction options in the Chevy/GMC. Only 2 choices with this IFS system seem to have any popularity. The heavy aluminum front diff case can hold up to the stresses with either a Detroit 'True Trac'(geared LSD) , or a Select-able locker like the ARB. In either case judicial use of the GO pedal is recommended. The true-trac loads the diff case slowly, unlike a clutch LSD that engages all at once. The air locker is a 'on or off' select-able, and the unit is very robust and helps support the front diff case in strength. In either case care must taken when using in steering and heavy inputs being applied while turning the steering wheel.....aka....using with the wheels as straight ahead as possible.

In the end, i have determined that the Air-locker is probably the best option as long as people know their limitations in a IFS design. It seems more and more OEMS are offering front locker options in their IFS vehicles. This is the route i plan to go with. Now to save for a $1200 unit and a $500 labor charge, along with the needed compressor $$$.