Greg

Ya I don't worry about unlocking hubs most times as mine is 99% for off
road it is just to the off road and back on weekends, I only unlock if I am
going to be driving around town.
A freind here has a lockright in the front of his YJ and has no problems
but I just thought I would ask anyway. At $409.00 for a D 30 detroit we
can't go wrong for what it will do, I remeber when I first got my rear
detroit it was like the difference between a 2 wheel drive and a 4 wheel
drive, maybe even more so. Anyway I wont worry about her, will order them
both on Monday.

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:rMGdnWLFG48HIX_fRVn-iw@ez2.net...
> It won't be a problem. My brother has a YJ with a locker in the front, and
> he has no problems at all.
>
> I'm certain that you have used your CJ on at least one occasion with the
> front hubs locked and the tcase set to 2HI. I drive my CJ like this all of
> the time, I mean A-L-L of the time. The only "problem" is that it tends to
> be noisy at parking lot speeds when I pull into a parking spot. Depressing
> the clutch and rolling into the spot makes everything quiet ...
>
>
>
>
>
> "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:iGxEe.23000$s54.19254@pd7tw2no...
>> Thanks, mine's acually a CJ so I will be unlocking anyway so not worried
>> about it, but I was worried about daughter's YJ and no hubs to unlock.
>>
>> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:PMWdnc64HqxuBX_fRVn-iw@ez2.net...
>>>I have the detroit EZLocker in my D30 (in a CJ5) and I leave the hubs
>>>locked all of the time. I can't remember the last time the hubs were
>>>unlocked because anytime I unlock them, I turn around in less than 20
>>>miles and lick them again anyway. I decided that unlocking the hubs was
>>>highly over rated.
>>>
>>> When your YJ is in 2WD, the front will never know that a locker is
>>> installed.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:MbtEe.21401$5V4.14387@pd7tw3no...
>>>> Daughter's 95 YJ has 9" in rear with detroit, she now wants a detroit
>>>> in the front, I read verying opinions on the YJs Dana 30 and putting in
>>>> a detroit locker, I understand if I put one in my CJ and unlock the
>>>> hubs, no locker problems, but what about the YJ with it's vacum, some
>>>> one said the YJ always has one axle engaged or something like that, and
>>>> I also read that something changed with the 95 YJs D 30, passenger side
>>>> solid axle?
>>>> So what's everyones opinion, I'd prefer to here from YJ owners with
>>>> detroits in front, or just opinions on Dana 30 with detroit, I don't
>>>> want to here about axle swaps, or Currie/Dynatrac options. Thanks.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

Steve

The YJ passenger side, 2 piece inner axle is disconnected when in 2WD.
With an open diff, this means the driver side axle rotates only the
spider gears, not the ring, pinion, and drive shaft. With an automatic
locker, you will still have zero steering feedback in 2WD, but the
driver side axle will now turn the front shaft causing a slight increase
in noise and a slight decrease in fuel economy.

Installing an automatic locker up front is not recommended if your
daughter will rely on 4WD to navigate snow-covered roads. A gear based
limited slip (Detroit Truetrac) or manual locker (ARB, Ox) is preferred.

A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.

With the addition of a locker comes increased risk of breaking the
relatively weak 5-260x axle joints found on most pre-1996 Dana 30s. Such
breakage most often occurs when the steering wheel is hard over and or
the front end is spinning fast and suddenly finds traction. Later Dana
30s have stronger 5-297x joints. The vacuum disconnect housing is
limiting when considering options to convert to one-piece axles with
stronger joints. When wheeling with locked 260 axles, it is a good idea
to carry junkyard spares and know how to change them.

Having a locked front end can make tight turns on the trail difficult.
If you keep the YJ D30, consider installing a cable disconnect that
replaces the vacuum mechanism. This will allow your daughter to
disconnect the locked diff while in low range. Buy one for $200 or make
your own:

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
http://xjeep.dyndns.org/posilok/

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Greg wrote:
> Daughter's 95 YJ has 9" in rear with detroit, she now wants a detroit in
> the front, I read verying opinions on the YJs Dana 30 and putting in a
> detroit locker, I understand if I put one in my CJ and unlock the hubs, no
> locker problems, but what about the YJ with it's vacum, some one said the YJ
> always has one axle engaged or something like that, and I also read that
> something changed with the 95 YJs D 30, passenger side solid axle?
> So what's everyones opinion, I'd prefer to here from YJ owners with
> detroits in front, or just opinions on Dana 30 with detroit, I don't want to
> here about axle swaps, or Currie/Dynatrac options. Thanks.

Steve

The YJ passenger side, 2 piece inner axle is disconnected when in 2WD.
With an open diff, this means the driver side axle rotates only the
spider gears, not the ring, pinion, and drive shaft. With an automatic
locker, you will still have zero steering feedback in 2WD, but the
driver side axle will now turn the front shaft causing a slight increase
in noise and a slight decrease in fuel economy.

Installing an automatic locker up front is not recommended if your
daughter will rely on 4WD to navigate snow-covered roads. A gear based
limited slip (Detroit Truetrac) or manual locker (ARB, Ox) is preferred.

A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.

With the addition of a locker comes increased risk of breaking the
relatively weak 5-260x axle joints found on most pre-1996 Dana 30s. Such
breakage most often occurs when the steering wheel is hard over and or
the front end is spinning fast and suddenly finds traction. Later Dana
30s have stronger 5-297x joints. The vacuum disconnect housing is
limiting when considering options to convert to one-piece axles with
stronger joints. When wheeling with locked 260 axles, it is a good idea
to carry junkyard spares and know how to change them.

Having a locked front end can make tight turns on the trail difficult.
If you keep the YJ D30, consider installing a cable disconnect that
replaces the vacuum mechanism. This will allow your daughter to
disconnect the locked diff while in low range. Buy one for $200 or make
your own:

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
http://xjeep.dyndns.org/posilok/

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Greg wrote:
> Daughter's 95 YJ has 9" in rear with detroit, she now wants a detroit in
> the front, I read verying opinions on the YJs Dana 30 and putting in a
> detroit locker, I understand if I put one in my CJ and unlock the hubs, no
> locker problems, but what about the YJ with it's vacum, some one said the YJ
> always has one axle engaged or something like that, and I also read that
> something changed with the 95 YJs D 30, passenger side solid axle?
> So what's everyones opinion, I'd prefer to here from YJ owners with
> detroits in front, or just opinions on Dana 30 with detroit, I don't want to
> here about axle swaps, or Currie/Dynatrac options. Thanks.

Steve

The YJ passenger side, 2 piece inner axle is disconnected when in 2WD.
With an open diff, this means the driver side axle rotates only the
spider gears, not the ring, pinion, and drive shaft. With an automatic
locker, you will still have zero steering feedback in 2WD, but the
driver side axle will now turn the front shaft causing a slight increase
in noise and a slight decrease in fuel economy.

Installing an automatic locker up front is not recommended if your
daughter will rely on 4WD to navigate snow-covered roads. A gear based
limited slip (Detroit Truetrac) or manual locker (ARB, Ox) is preferred.

A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.

With the addition of a locker comes increased risk of breaking the
relatively weak 5-260x axle joints found on most pre-1996 Dana 30s. Such
breakage most often occurs when the steering wheel is hard over and or
the front end is spinning fast and suddenly finds traction. Later Dana
30s have stronger 5-297x joints. The vacuum disconnect housing is
limiting when considering options to convert to one-piece axles with
stronger joints. When wheeling with locked 260 axles, it is a good idea
to carry junkyard spares and know how to change them.

Having a locked front end can make tight turns on the trail difficult.
If you keep the YJ D30, consider installing a cable disconnect that
replaces the vacuum mechanism. This will allow your daughter to
disconnect the locked diff while in low range. Buy one for $200 or make
your own:

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
http://xjeep.dyndns.org/posilok/

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Greg wrote:
> Daughter's 95 YJ has 9" in rear with detroit, she now wants a detroit in
> the front, I read verying opinions on the YJs Dana 30 and putting in a
> detroit locker, I understand if I put one in my CJ and unlock the hubs, no
> locker problems, but what about the YJ with it's vacum, some one said the YJ
> always has one axle engaged or something like that, and I also read that
> something changed with the 95 YJs D 30, passenger side solid axle?
> So what's everyones opinion, I'd prefer to here from YJ owners with
> detroits in front, or just opinions on Dana 30 with detroit, I don't want to
> here about axle swaps, or Currie/Dynatrac options. Thanks.

Steve

The YJ passenger side, 2 piece inner axle is disconnected when in 2WD.
With an open diff, this means the driver side axle rotates only the
spider gears, not the ring, pinion, and drive shaft. With an automatic
locker, you will still have zero steering feedback in 2WD, but the
driver side axle will now turn the front shaft causing a slight increase
in noise and a slight decrease in fuel economy.

Installing an automatic locker up front is not recommended if your
daughter will rely on 4WD to navigate snow-covered roads. A gear based
limited slip (Detroit Truetrac) or manual locker (ARB, Ox) is preferred.

A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.

With the addition of a locker comes increased risk of breaking the
relatively weak 5-260x axle joints found on most pre-1996 Dana 30s. Such
breakage most often occurs when the steering wheel is hard over and or
the front end is spinning fast and suddenly finds traction. Later Dana
30s have stronger 5-297x joints. The vacuum disconnect housing is
limiting when considering options to convert to one-piece axles with
stronger joints. When wheeling with locked 260 axles, it is a good idea
to carry junkyard spares and know how to change them.

Having a locked front end can make tight turns on the trail difficult.
If you keep the YJ D30, consider installing a cable disconnect that
replaces the vacuum mechanism. This will allow your daughter to
disconnect the locked diff while in low range. Buy one for $200 or make
your own:

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
http://xjeep.dyndns.org/posilok/

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Greg wrote:
> Daughter's 95 YJ has 9" in rear with detroit, she now wants a detroit in
> the front, I read verying opinions on the YJs Dana 30 and putting in a
> detroit locker, I understand if I put one in my CJ and unlock the hubs, no
> locker problems, but what about the YJ with it's vacum, some one said the YJ
> always has one axle engaged or something like that, and I also read that
> something changed with the 95 YJs D 30, passenger side solid axle?
> So what's everyones opinion, I'd prefer to here from YJ owners with
> detroits in front, or just opinions on Dana 30 with detroit, I don't want to
> here about axle swaps, or Currie/Dynatrac options. Thanks.

Earle Horton

"Steve" <steve@xjeep.dyndns.org> wrote in message
news:D_6Fe.64943$Ph4.2038426@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
....
> A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
> existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
> when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
> bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
> out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.
>
If this operation is performed correctly, and the axle was set up correctly
in the first place, the pinion depth and pinion bearing preload will not
change. For this reason, it is possible to change the carrier without
disturbing the pinion settings. In my experience, once you get the carrier
bearing preload and gear lash set, you are good to go. Of course, a prudent
mechanic would check the gear contact pattern before driving off.

You do need shims, and you might want new carrier bearings, unless you have
the bearing puller to get the old ones off the old carrier, but the master
rebuild kit is not necessary.

Earle

Earle Horton

"Steve" <steve@xjeep.dyndns.org> wrote in message
news:D_6Fe.64943$Ph4.2038426@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
....
> A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
> existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
> when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
> bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
> out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.
>
If this operation is performed correctly, and the axle was set up correctly
in the first place, the pinion depth and pinion bearing preload will not
change. For this reason, it is possible to change the carrier without
disturbing the pinion settings. In my experience, once you get the carrier
bearing preload and gear lash set, you are good to go. Of course, a prudent
mechanic would check the gear contact pattern before driving off.

You do need shims, and you might want new carrier bearings, unless you have
the bearing puller to get the old ones off the old carrier, but the master
rebuild kit is not necessary.

Earle

Earle Horton

"Steve" <steve@xjeep.dyndns.org> wrote in message
news:D_6Fe.64943$Ph4.2038426@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
....
> A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
> existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
> when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
> bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
> out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.
>
If this operation is performed correctly, and the axle was set up correctly
in the first place, the pinion depth and pinion bearing preload will not
change. For this reason, it is possible to change the carrier without
disturbing the pinion settings. In my experience, once you get the carrier
bearing preload and gear lash set, you are good to go. Of course, a prudent
mechanic would check the gear contact pattern before driving off.

You do need shims, and you might want new carrier bearings, unless you have
the bearing puller to get the old ones off the old carrier, but the master
rebuild kit is not necessary.

Earle

Earle Horton

"Steve" <steve@xjeep.dyndns.org> wrote in message
news:D_6Fe.64943$Ph4.2038426@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
....
> A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
> existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
> when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
> bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
> out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.
>
If this operation is performed correctly, and the axle was set up correctly
in the first place, the pinion depth and pinion bearing preload will not
change. For this reason, it is possible to change the carrier without
disturbing the pinion settings. In my experience, once you get the carrier
bearing preload and gear lash set, you are good to go. Of course, a prudent
mechanic would check the gear contact pattern before driving off.

You do need shims, and you might want new carrier bearings, unless you have
the bearing puller to get the old ones off the old carrier, but the master
rebuild kit is not necessary.

Earle

Steve

Earle Horton wrote:
> "Steve" <steve@xjeep.dyndns.org> wrote in message
> news:D_6Fe.64943$Ph4.2038426@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> ...
>
>>A Detroit is stronger than a 'lunchbox' locker that fits inside the
>>existing carrier, but note that ring & pinion need to be set up ($$$)
>>when replacing the carrier and a 'master rebuild' kit to replace
>>bearings and shims is recommended. Lunchbox lockers can be swapped in or
>>out in a matter of minutes in the driveway.
>>
>
> If this operation is performed correctly, and the axle was set up correctly
> in the first place, the pinion depth and pinion bearing preload will not
> change. For this reason, it is possible to change the carrier without
> disturbing the pinion settings. In my experience, once you get the carrier
> bearing preload and gear lash set, you are good to go. Of course, a prudent
> mechanic would check the gear contact pattern before driving off.
>
> You do need shims, and you might want new carrier bearings, unless you have
> the bearing puller to get the old ones off the old carrier, but the master
> rebuild kit is not necessary.
>
> Earle

Yes, you are correct. Pinion does not need to be reset and one therefore
does not need all the bits in a master kit. Still, installing a lunchbox
locker is easier than replacing the carrier, and less expensive for a
DIYer who is otherwise afraid to mess with side bearings & shims.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org