Noob Questions

Alright so I have some dumb questions to ask before I break things.


How should I use the rear locker? I've had people tell me to never spin the tires with the locker engaged and then others telling me that your supposed to use it in the mud. I'm not really sure how you would make it through some mud in low range. I thought that you would just get bogged down without the tires spinning out the mud but that's beside the point. It's a no brainer for rock crawling type stuff when your a tripod but when else should it be used and how can I avoid breaking things?

The other thing is how to do basic recoveries. I got a 16000 lbs recovery strap for Christmas should I beef up the front recovery points on the front of my truck or should they be okay? Then for the rear you can't use a hitch so I was going to buy a proper recovery hitch point. Hypothetically, if someone is stuck in the mud what should the recoverer be doing and what should the person being recovered be doing? Should the truck slowly pull or should they lightly jerk/ heavily jerk? What should the car being pulled do? I know every recovery will be different but just some general guide lines to follow so no one gets hurt would be really appreciated.

 

You've got some good questions here.


First off, the rear locker. People have a couple of different opinions on when to use it. I'll give you mine. For locker use, I break it down into two categories: Rock Crawling and Low Traction (mud or snow).


1. Rock Crawling - Though there are some who lock it up at the start of the trail and leave it, I am of the mindset that I use the locker where the combination of my truck and driving skill can't get me over an obstacle without it. When I rock crawl, I try focus on picking a line that will get me over open. I picture where my tires will go and how that will flex my suspension. Sometimes it will take me 2 or 3 tries to get over an obstacle, but I find that much more rewarding than simply locking it up, pointing in a given direction and hoping for the best. In the end, I believe that will approach makes you a better driver.


2. Low Traction - Again here, I use a locker sparingly. (In Colorado, we are usually in snow instead of mud, so that is my background.) When I'm snow bashing or just running snowy trails, I tend to run open as far as I can. If I the snow stops my truck, I am careful not spin the tires if I'm not making forward movement. (you don't want to dig yourself into a hole) Instead, I'll back up a bit and hit the drift again. Now, if I notice that the same two tires are spinning every time, then I'll consider locking it up. This can drive you through the drift, but you should be cautious. If you in an off camber situation a locked diff will cause both your tires to break free at the exact same time. This means that your back end will kick out once you loose traction, potentially sliding you off of the trail.


As far as breaking things goes, as long as you stop to engage your locker you should be fine. It is rare to break a rear axle, but I generally try to avoid binding the rear axle through sharp turns while in good traction.


Finally, recoveries... I used my stock recovery points for a few years before my bumper build and they worked well. But, again, there is a caveat. I use a kinetic jerk strap or a snatch strap every time... NOT a tow strap. A kinetic strap (like the ARB or a Bubba rope) stretches under load. This means that, when you are getting towed out, you won't shock load your rig and cause it harm. Now, for a simple towing recovery, a tow strap is great. I just wouldn't use is for a kinetic jerk recovery.


As for recovery technique, I usually begin to spin my tires just before the recovery truck applies the load to my truck. This way, my truck can utilize any traction the jerk give me immediately.


So, that's what I do. I hope that helps!

 

Thank you that does help a lot.

 

For recovery info youtube bill burke and watch some of his instructional videos. Very safe and good recovery techniques used.

Reppin 604!

 

I second both comments here. I only use my locker 1) when i need it for an obstical after having failed the first time due to wheel spin or 2) its obrious that i'm going to need it and/or having the extra traction will reduce the likelihood of sliding and breaking/denting something. I never use it for situations where you want greater speed like mud or snow. Though, it would help in mud if you mod your truck to use it in high range. Best thing for mud (or snow), is having a buddy with you, preferably in a bigger truck!