front locker question

maybe some of you guys can clear up an argument that i have been having with a buddy of mine, he claims that installing a automatic(lockright, quiklock) type locker in a front axle would harshly effect the steering and its on road manners with the hubs unlocked and in 2wd. as you could guess i stongly disagree. how can it affect it when your front tires freewheel when the hubs are unlocked and if the case is in 2wd no torque is going to the front differential anyway. i know i'm right but he needs proof i guess. he's hard-headed.

 

Only with the hubs locked in will effect steering.
On road will be no diff with the hubs unlocked.

 

yup - now in a newer jeep - like a TJ, XJ, ZJ, they dont have free wheeling hubs - thoes are hubs locked in all the time - so it would have a slight effect... (the driveshaft is still free to turn independant of the rear driveshaft, however the locker has to ratchet to get around the turns)

 

If everything is unlocked you'll never notice it in anyway shape or form, other than the sticker on your dash or windshield that advertise's the brand.

 

The ones I've driven have free wheelin axles since they are locked together with vacuum when you shift into 4wd, at least one and that makes all the difference in the world, since only one wheel is hooked to the driveshaft and it is in neutral it won't make enough difference to even notice, if it does at all.

 

YJs and early XJs had that craparific vacume dissconnect setup. and i have driven an XJ with a lockright in the front. it was a heavier stearing even when not in 4wheel drive. not horrific but you knew it was in there.