How do I properly use a front locker?

The question is hopefully straightforward. I finally gave in and am getting a front air locker installed and want to know when NOT to use it. I know if you’re smart about front locker use then there’s nothing to worry about. If you’re dumb then you grenade CV’s, or worse. I want specific examples of that.

When SHOULDN’T I have it engaged to avoid carnage? Lets say I am making my way through some large rocks and my tires are at full lock. Can I safely engage it then?

I know a lot of people are timid with front lockers in these trucks because “the ifs can’t handle it.” But I want to hear first hand success stories of examples of when you have safely used it and if applicable, your carnage stories as well. Thanks all.

 

@6 gearT444E @Subway4X4 (you’re the only ones that come to mind that I know of with front lockers)

 

I've only seen CV axle housings break and usually from wheel speed. Keep the wheel speed down is my only piece of advice. I have no first hand with driving them, only repairs and the stories from owners.

 

Engage beforehand on the line

 

I’ve seen that as well, usually open diff. One tire is in the air spinning rapidly, comes down and gets traction, and kaboom. RIP CV axle.

I’m in agreement, and am all for not spinning tires when it’s not necessary.

Great point and something I meant to bring up in post 1. Whether to engage it beforehand or wait until you can’t make it and need it.

 

Sub’d for answers. Im interested for future knowledge.

 

@theesotericone

 

I’m hoping this thread helps others too. I always only seem to see “don’t act like an idiot” as what not to do, but I honestly don’t know what all that entails.

 

Don't hop. Don't try powering over anything at full lock. Watch bind at full droop. Limit strap the front just before bind occurs.

My rigs dual cased and these all happened in lo/lo. No wheel spin, all bind.

Carnage:








No more carnage:

 

That makes sense, full droop or lock, worse angle on the CV axle, and 4lo x2 means mega torque.

 

I bet that made some lovely noises when it finally gave lol thanks for the thread input.

 

What's the difference between a rear locker and a front locker in regard to what NOT to do? What makes the front more susceptible to damage?

#estfan4life

 

Rear is a solid axle and you can’t steer it (obviously). So you’d really have to try hard to ruin something back there. Up front it’s a bit easier due to ifs/cv axles/steering.

 

check this out, not much spinning - boom! post 267

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...g-overland-outdoor-buzz-search.676840/page-14


still trying to figure what went wrong there... @tacoma16 is the winner of that day

 

I thought you were not supposed to engage when the wheels are turned? I know nothing though.

@HolyHandGrenade might have some insight whenever he gets back on

 

The best one was Dusy 2 years ago. I'm just starting up Thompson Hill. About 100 yards in there's a line that I took to climb a 28" high tree root mass on driver side. I had to turn full lock driver to avoid another large boulder with the passenger side. I was looking right at my front drivers side tire to line up. Full lock and lined up my rig barley started to climb. Then it stopped. Then I heard the gunshot and got to watch a ball bearing from outer tulip go flying out of sight. Yep. I'll never forget that one. lol

 

Roger that, perfect sense makes sense.

Naturally, you know I'm asking for a friend

 

Damn that’s some carnage. I already carry a spare cv, tie rod, and a “get home kit” aka a cut up CV and just keep the two end of it, but now I may actually have to use it

 

We estimated around 5K Canadian in repairs so far, everything is completely blown... Good thing between our group there is no lack of spare parts, shafts and tools. Now we may start carrying front differentials too

 

Seems like turning at full lock is very very bad.