  Since we installed the lockers - EZ Locker front, Detroit Locker rear - we have not been stuck once. This is not to say that lockers make the perfect Jeep, but they do compliment it very nicely. I will never again let my personal Jeep go without lockers. Our lockers were installed by Custom Truck Warehouse in Victorville, California, where we found the best prices and the best service of all the 4WD shops we tried in Southern California. Both axles were even finished the same day. It is now a good time to mention that if you think you'd like to change gearing, you can usually save a few bucks by installing them at the same time as the lockers. And, while products like the EZ Lockers may be installed by an able home-mechanic, we feel that items such as these are best left to the experienced 4x4 shops for installation given the critical mechanical nature of differentials. Installation The installation of the Detroit Locker from Tractech seemed very straightforward, particularly since we chose not to change gearing at the same time. As I only observed these installations, I will try to recall the steps as they occurred.
The rear differential was then drained, the axle shafts removed, and the carrier with ring gear pried out of place. As each carrier fits differently, new shims (large, flat "washers" which lie between the bearings and diff housing, or bearings and carrier depending on model) had to be fitted. This was the most difficult part of installation of the rear differential, as misalignment could cause improper meshing of the ring and pinion gears. The carrier was then pounded by soft mallet back into position, and the axles were repositioned and tested to assure correct function of the installed locker. The diff cover was then replaced and filled with gear oil.
The front differential was much easier, mostly due to the fact that the
EZ Locker (from Tractech) only replaced the spider
gears, and not the carrier as the Detroit Locker did in the rear.
The procedure started much the same, with the removal of the diff cover and axle shafts.
The carrier was removed to allow easier access to the spider gears inside the carrier.
The EZ Locker was installed into the carrier without the springs, since it will not fit with them in place. Next, the springs were placed using a small pick, as shown in photo L2.JPG and L3.JPG. The original carrier with EZ Locker in place was pounded with a soft mallet back into the differential housing using the original shims. Since the carrier was not changed, no realignment of the carrier was necessary. As with the rear diff, the axle-shafts were replaced and the locker was tested for functionality. The diff cover was replaced and properly filled with gear oil.
The Real Testing Begins We wanted to give the "new" TJ a full range of tests to see if lockers really were as helpful as promised. We started with deep sand in California's Mojave Desert, where the lockers proved to be invaluable. Although we have heard that lockers do not work well in icy situations, they worked nicely for us in the snow and on the ice at Mt. Rainier, Washington. However useful the lockers have been so far, they seem to do best on rock and in the mud.
On the road these lockers are barely noticeable, unlike older models which have a tendency to "grab", and can be very noisy. The only downside seems to be that the front locker makes turning a little difficult while still in 4WD, but keep in mind that we have manual steering. Our recommendation? If you are serious about four-wheeling in your Jeep, in our opinion, lockers should be one of the first upgrades made. The difference we have seen in our TJ since installation has shown us that they are well worth the cost, and should be considered along with other primary upgrades such as larger tires and lift. Lockers are available within a wide variety of price ranges. It is not necessary to install front and rear lockers at the same time, which makes it even easier to fit your budget. When you're ready for a serious off-road Jeep, give Tractech and Custom Truck Warehouse a call. The EZ-Locker installation directions may be found here: 
Dirt Road Magazine is sponsored by Turner 4WD Parts Co. |
