Where is everyone #5

Guessing you have an LJ since its a 2dr.

Most of the bolt on stuff out there is junk. Always has been. Dont be one of those "me too" bolt on guys that orders crap from the internet. Learn the dynamics of how the suspension works, the hows and whys of upper and lower link length, why keeping a low cog is better than putting some big dumb lift kit on to clear bigger tires. The stock axles wont hold up to much abuse with tires over 35", even going to chromo shafts, you'll just start breaking u-joints.

Pirate4x4 is s great resource, but beware posting up certain questions, you'll get roasted. Its not like here, but its also much more tame than it used to be. Post something dumb, and be prepared to be told to suck start a shotgun, drink bleach, come back and ask your question on tues, etc.

 

Because that can be driven every day with the ac on.

 

I'm just here to learn. I wish I had more mechanical knowledge and access to shop with tools because I have a pretty cool idea for custom fenders but I need a welder and metal working machines. Oh well. I plan to do a full build when I graduate so plenty of time.
I'm a sponge and want too learn as much as I can

 

There are different types of lockers. Electric, air, automatic. A Detroit is a full locker that replaces the entire carrier and locks up your rear axle 100% until you take a turn on pavement then it will unlock and ratchet. More simplified units like a lock-right just replace the spider gears and are more prone to breaking. Arb is an air operated unit that turns the diff into a spool more more or less. Electric lockers act the same for the most part.

 

Detroit locker is locked like a spool until you make a turn...then it opens up and allows the outside tire to turn faster than the inside. When you straighten out, it automatically locks back. Since mine was open from the factory, I went with the air locker so it was locked only when I wanted it locked. Some guys welded the spider gears on their cars, but I would be too worried about axle bind on a 4x4.

 

Detroit lockers are mechanical requiring no switches, neither electrical or air. ARB air lockers require air to engage/disengage.

You can get mini-spools, full spools, Yukon grizzly lockers that are retrofit, posi or limited slip carriers that rely on clutches, there's lots of options

 

Pirate and read, read, read. The knowledge on that site is 2nd to none. The fabrication skills are the same. There are tons of guys that will help out someone who's learning.

 

Wow, not even 5 minutes and the amount I learned is staggering. Once the semester ends in a few weeks I am moving in to the pirate site and reading everything I can.

 

That’s why I like the Eaton Truetrac, it only locks when wheel slip is detected and it’s helical gears without clutches. A definite upgrade from the colossal mistake gm made called the G80.

 

Forgot to mention, some of my friends ran the airbag suspensions for the extra ground clearance only when they needed it. It worked well. That would be a way where you can keep your height down for day to day running, but be able to trail ride with the best of them when you're off the asphalt.