Front auto locker with ADD

In need of some opinions. I already have a rear locker and need some more info on a front locker. The Front axle is ADD and I've heard some mixed opinions on an auto locker up front. Will the t-case be ok? I'm not worried about cv axles. I drive several hours to trails but wheel it hard enough to want a front locker. How is street driving with an auto locker in the front?

 

If you have the money, go selectable:
Harrop
TJM
ARB

I offroad with a crawlbox and for the most part, run open/open and get through tons of obstacles without engaging my lockers.

 

Do not go auto locker in the front. I've been abusing a front Eaton E locker and have no issues.

 

You want a selectable locker up front with ADD

You do not need it locking while on the hard surface .

 

With ADD, in 2WD the locker will be locked continuously, which will cause the front driveshaft to spin, but otherwise cause no ill effects. The RH CV axle is decoupled from the driveline by the ADD. The front driveshaft is decoupled in the T-case in 2WD.

The risk is high-speed driving in 4hi, say taking a sweeping turn on a gravel road at 60 mph. There the auto locker will unlock and lock unpredictably and unbalance the vehicle. If you plan to never drive in 4hi at high speeds, then an auto locker will be fine. Noise in 4WD when turning at low speeds will be horrid by design.

 

Thanks that's some good info. I heard that spinning the front drive shaft won't lubricate the t-case and destroy it. Any truth to that? I don't plan on any high-speed 4wd it's mainly for crawling. My powertrax is actually pretty quiet once it broke in. As long as there's no extra risk to the t-case or it locking up in 2wd I'm all for it.