A-TRAC vs front locker?

Curious if anyone that has A-trac (and used it) has compared it to their front locker. I’ll admit, I forget the A-trac button is there most of the time, and if it’s that hairy I usually have already pulled the winch, gunned it, or turned around. Trying to decide if a front locker is worth it when I regear. It could have helped in a few instances thus far, especially since I’m trying to limit the skinny pedal these days.

 

My opinion: If you're doing all the work (or paying) and you're on the fence, then you may as well just add a front locker. I have been in at least one scenario of a super flexy and also muddy wash out where A-TRAC wasnt quite enough, but I think a front locker might have been. As it was some digging, rock stacking and Maxtrax did the trick. But yeah..

Also I do agree with you about sometimes forgetting A-TRAC even exists haha

 

Good point. I’ve already got air, too so that’s one less thing. Just curious if anyone that has both can tell me how much difference it actually is.

It doesn’t help that you can barely see the switch down there either haha.

 

One of the "problems" with atrac is with the rear locked its only good up to 5mph till it gets disabled. I have had it help me absolutely get through things where rear locked no atrac would of been rather not pleasant.

That stated, there is no substitute for a full locker.

Now the real question is, can font axles handle a locker.

 

A-TRAC is far better than an open differential. It is no substitute for a locker. Applying the brakes to transfer power between wheels will never be on par with applying power to both wheels.

As to the question of our front differentials handling a locker - I snapped a chromoly axle shaft with my front locker engaged. Differential survived unscathed.

 

Between now and regear time I think I’ll play more with A-trac and see if it’s sufficient for me. I could see it being decent in mud, but not so much crawling on solid surfaces. Is that the general consensus or no?

 

I have found it helps the most when you are real flexy light on the tires in opposite corners and the rear is on a slippery surface. Once you start giving her the beans like stated it will shut off at 5mph with the rear locked

 

I have used Atrac a ton and it works damn well. I have a front locker on one of my fjs and i dont use that often because sooner or later you will bust an axle, and changing an axle on the trail sucks. At the end of the day these are all tools that are useful depending on the situation but there is no substitute for experience and good judgement.