Thank you for this. I knew WHEN to use a rear locker, but did not understand why. Finally got myself a vehicle worth investing in and building onto at 40, and learning all I can.
Great explanation, thank you. I installed both front and rear lockers on my '95 F150. It had completely open diffs. Amazing difference. I hardly ever use the front locker, the rear quite a bit, also in 2WD. I would take a 2WD with a locker over a 4x4 with open diffs.
@@Jason-Samko also like the 2WD low range when the hubs are locked out. Handy when maneuvering into a tight parking spot on an incline, just working the clutch.
My mom bought fore and aft elockers for my 93 bronco when I was 16 and had them installed. I loved it dearly and added a front one to my new Ford trucks as an adult. Mom taught me about the different kinds of tires, 4wd systems, suspension theory and applications, radiator and fan sizing, and when to use all of the above in economy cars, muscle cars, and 4wd full size SUVs and pickups. Tldr don't turn unless on quite loose surfaces while diffs are locked. She also taught me about boats and trailering.
@@hithere7382 I lost mine ‘21 from a rare neurological disease. I was fortunate to have her in my life 45 years. My condolences to you and your family. You will always remember those things she taught you.
Great explanation! Last year I bought a ‘23 Ranger 2wd & had it equipped with the rear locker for about $500. I figured it would be good to have just in case. In order to engage it, the button must be held in for 3 seconds. I’m glad they made it this way!
I had a 2019 f150 with a rear locker. No problems. Got a 22 tacoma and its such a pain in the ass to even get in and out 4low i dont bother. I know youve said the same , im just mentioning it for people that havent watched your other videos.
I occasionally drive on beaches with deep powdery sand so I always engage the rear locker on my Ranger Tremor as soon as I hit the sand. I don’t want to wait until I’m stuck to engage it. 4L + rear locked + aired down = easy sailing. Our beaches have a max speed limit of 10mph.
Hi Jason. Great tutorial. When I did a lot of off roading, my 4X4s didn't have lockers, just limited slip rear differentials. Off road I would keep my drive train in 2WD until I really needed it. The reason is that the front axle would bind up in tight turns. Thinks the front axles were either limited slip or locked. When I started to get some slippage I'd go into 4 wheel high. When the road/trail started getting really rough or very slipery I'd put it into 4 wheel low so I could crawl w/o riding the brakes. With mud a lot of times you just want to blast though it to keep moving and not stall. I did do some mud but not a lot, but I did do a lot of soft gravel and lava rock and I never got stuck with a limited slip rear axle. Sometimes I'd have to back up and give it another try. The one place I never could get to with a limited slip rear axle was a very steep cinder cone in Puu Kuili in Kona on the Big Island about 175 feet high. I tried to get to the top but would spin wheels and slip back down. That's where lockers would have enabled me to get to the top. Of course I never went into totally nuts mud or very deep soft rock. I did have to dig myself out a few times in soft rock and put wood underneath the tires. Many of the pick up trucks I've had in the last 15 years have had lockers, but I've never tried them as I'm done with off roading. I always have had 4x4s though because I got stuck on the side of a highway in Kona in soft lava with a 4x2 and had to dig myself out. And also because I tow and you never know when you're going to get into a bad situation. Since you mention it, next time I'm on an unpaved road I'll not only exercise the 4x4 and 4 low, but engage the lockers to make sure they work. You've got to be in some really slippery or very steep uphill stuff to need the lockers. Side note: It's amazing how many people don't know you have to stop and put it in neutral to engage 4 low. Thanks.
That is the way old school 4x4 systems used to work. I live in snow country, I used to lock the hubs on my '70 Chevy k20, in the fall around the 1st of November, and only shift into 4wd when I couldn't take off in 2wd. Then I would shift back to 2wd when I was moving with enough momentum to not spin the tires. Of course I've managed to pile snow on the hood of several 2wd vehicles driving home from work. The right tires, momentum and some ballast over the drive tires and you re good to go. Now my 2019 Chevy 1500 has a 4wd "auto" feature that works like AWD that is perfect for my wife. No messing around, and can select it and forget it until springtime
Most modern vehicles automatically disconnect the locker at speeds between 7 and 20 mph. Toyota at 7 mph, Ford at 20 mph etc etc. Specifically to keep you from destroying the diff while trying to do burnouts, or forgetting that it’s on at highway speeds. It would be pretty hard to misuse a locking differential on the road, without intentionally disabling the factory safeguards. (Aside from driving on pavement and slowly doing figure 8’s).
@apacheworrier3776 true but sitting at in a parking lot and bumping the locker button on a ford and then backing out and driving around the paved parking lot will be a rough experience. And In 4 low ford and chevy and ram can run much faster than 20 without disengaging. I think for can run fully locked at 60 in 4 low they say in the manual. I love that ford ram and chevy give us easy access to lockers in all transfer case options. But people with these vehicles need to know what it does and when to use it
@@Jason-Samko thanks Samko for info. The more info I can get the better. If I rent a 4x4 truck all this info will be helpful. The rental car place won’t know + there likely won’t be a manual in the glove box for me to read. Much appreciated to everyone’s input on this subject.
That is why most SXSs do really well off-road, fully locked rear differential and optional locking front - also lighter weight and usually more aggressive tires than a truck or SUV would have. However, as the video creator stated, that is why they are a bit “dangerous” on pavement if you aren’t mindful of having a fully locked rear differential. Good video!
Just like limited slip positive traction of the day. My dad had a 1960 Ford Galaxy which had the positive traction rear end which if you don’t know how to use it you’re in trouble. If the road is ice covered the back end will constantly try to pass up the front and you’ll never keep it straight. However if you understand how it works you simply drive with one wheel off the side of the road in the gravel. He drove 50 miles like that one day from IronMountain to Iron River. Passed many cars in the ditch that day. That old Ford even had overdrive, straight six 3 on the tree. The good ole days.
This is good information for novices that don't realize the difference in wheel travel while turning. Now, turning to lock in 4x4 hi or lo you are going to have binding from the axle u-joints in the knuckles, regardless of being open or locked that will "shake" the steering system
But it's good to use it every few months to make sure everything works right. Take it on a dirt road and go into 4 low, drive for a hundred yards, then engage locker and drive another 100 yards, then repeat again. Doing that once in a while will keep everything working good
If i weren't aware of this already then this video would be a great introduction! Very nicely done, very friendly and understandable. Such a good intro. (Cant believe there are people belly aching and nit picking. Guess it takes all kinds).
Years ago I installed a Lock-Right automatic locker in my 93 2wd Toyota pickup, it was the best modification I've ever done, it was awesome and the most capable 2wd with no lift and on 14 inch snow tires. After, i couldn't let any else drive it because it would go sideways unexpectedly on a slippery or just wet surface if the driver didn't know how to drive it properly. If you install an automatic locker you absolutely must know how to handle it !
@@Jason-Samko Thanks! A lot of guys with 4wd, 33's and a lift didn't like it so much when I showed up at partys back on logging trails in the woods in a 2wd 4 cylinder Toyota truck on 14 snow tires with no lift, or at the top of a fairly steep hill in a huge field for a bonfire party with over foot or snow on the ground .
My 1974 Cherokee chief had a big knob inside the glove box that said “emergency 4WD engage only if all other attempts to free stuck vehicle have failed”. My Jeep Rubicon has front and rear works great.
Yep even my yamaha grizzly 700 had a lockout switch over the locker button. But I do lobe thst trucks today allow us to use the lockers in 2wd and 4hi. Just want people to k ow how and when to use it
Thanks for the clear thorough instruction. I needed to go through this. Have a Toyota Rav4 with lockers and my old Ford 1992 1 ton dual...My Ford in 4x4 high on slow tight turns like in a parking lot does that hesitating turn movement.
@xraydelta100 yep anything in 4 wheel drive on pavement Turning is gonna bind and the bind will be much worse with the locker engaged. You want to use both on slippery surfaces so when axles can un bind easier
I installed 33" on a stock oem 97 Sahara. To get back to factory specs, I asked the gear shop for 4:10 gears up from the 3:07's. They installed 4:10 in one diff, and 4:11 in the other with Ox loc in front and limited slip rear. I was pissed with this combo and looking to replace. I was told that this combo is not a problem. Do you agree?
What about the tacoma rear wheel drive on the TRD off road. It comes with a locker also. Does it lock you out or can you use it when you come to a full stop?
The tacoma trd rear locker requires you to be in 4 low to engage it. So that truck doesn't really have a chance of being used by accident or by someone that doesn't know how to
Great info, thank you! Question for you: My mother-in-law has land that's on something of a sharp drop off from a main, paved road. When I have to get back to onto the road, I'm angled upward with my rear tires on grass/dirt and my front tires on gravel. The trick is, I am also making a fairly sharp right or left turn as I'm getting back onto the road, and then accelerate up to 45 pretty quickly. I tried my rear locker one time and still got a lot of wheel spin and tore up the ground somewhat. If I use 4WD High, I can get up and out just fine without doing much if any damage to the grass, but I get that hard bucking and lurching as I'm making the turn and trying to accelerate. Should I try using both? Turn off traction control? Some combination of these three? I have a 2024 F350, so no 4WD Auto, which would probably mostly solve the issue.
@SliderFury1 the sharp turning with 4wd engaged is what's causing the backing and jerking not a big deal as long as it's on a loose surface like gravel or dirt. The rear locker will help as it gives traction to both rear wheels but you will also get binding in the rear on the turn. So I'd leave the rear locker off and let the 4wd do the work
@@Jason-SamkoI got you, so I'm not going to break my truck by making a sharp(ish) left or right turn from dirt and gravel onto a paved road and then accelerating up to 45? Never had a full-time 4WD capable vehicle before so the first time I experienced that bucking and lurching I thought for sure I broke something lol
@@SliderFury1 it's definitely hard on the teuck when it hits the pavement turning in 4 wheel drive. But you made it sound like it was the only way to get out of there.
Mine are usable in any mode..... my fronts and rears work great for pulling out jeeps that think they can go through mud with 32in tires... Next to my sway bar disconnect and near the trail turn button that lets you drag the inside wheel on a trail to make almost a 90deg turn.
That's how it should be for all manufacturers. And love that ford chevy and ram as well as jeep (eith a tazer mini) let you use the lockers in all modes. But people need to know what this button does and when to use it.
I have a 2020 ram 2500 power wagon 1two occasions now I have proceeded to go forward and once I’m going down the road I realize that my locker in the rear has been engaged. So to disengage it takes 150 to 200 feet. The last time I was in a parking lot and I realized it when I pulled out of my spot there was nothing that I could do so I had to make another turn really slow before it would disengage
I drove for a large LTL, and they took the lockers off the tractors because some knuckleheads were using them at the wrong time. For us that did know, it was a pain in bad winter driving without them. Then computer traction control came in, and winter driving got worses. And auto shift transmissions didn't help either. I am now happily retired and do not even go out when Mother Nature is having one of her winter fits. Best solution of all, stay off the roads!
its a pull know on my F250 4X4 truck. yes off road it is a must. on road it can kill you ( others). my cj-7 has a Detroit in the tear and a arb air locker up front. this jeep goes everywhere. but must stay off ice.
@@Jason-Samko I agree, they definitely make the mobility even more amazing when things get tough. But if I had to pick between 4-wheel steering or locking differentials, I would pick 4-wheel steering. And if I had to pick between steer-by-wire or locking differentials, I would pick steer-by-wire. Alone, either of these two features are amazing, together they have a synergy that must be experienced off-road to understand how they can transform the driving dynamics. The locking differentials are like a get-out-of-jail card when you need them, but these other technologies are more valuable for the kind of off-roading most trucks actually do.
Then you got the mechanical locker boys (Colorado Trail Boss/Z71 and Canyon AT4) with the G80 that doesn't care what drive mode your in and just locks up no matter what. Those will get you into trouble if they lock up and you DONT catch it when things get slick. Really gotta be in tune with what your truck is doing with those. I've had to catch it a few times in corners where I got surpise lockup 😂. I do wish I could use it in 4x4 hi...there's a few scenarios where a locker in 4hi is useful
At first I thought the button you were showing was just for the 4x4 engage. When I saw it was for the locker, I was OH CRAP he is right. That could ruin your day fast if used wrong. I have a Mojave Gladiator and have yet to use the locker, don't want to damage anything.
It's good to use it occasionally even if you don't have to to keep things working well. Hit a dirt road and engage 4 low and drive straight for half a mile. Then engage locker and drive straight a hundred yards or so, disengage locker drive a hundred yards and then engage again. Do that a couple times a year to make sure both the locker and the 4 low are kept working properly
This is what I've found....I understand the physics of lockers and vehicle dynamics and I use my front locker at least five times more often than the rear. Mine are aftermarket so I can lock the front and rear independently. The front locker makes steering slightly heavier but when climbing inclines or over rocks, the front locker is key. The rear locker will cause the vehicle to "push" dramatically and this is dangerous when off road and in difficult climbs and or side hills and off camber. The rear locker can make the vehicle go sideways when you don't want it to. By locking only the front you can pivot around rocks and take much tighter radius corners compared to having the front AND rear locked. Watch John Curries Eaton locker RUclips video demonstrating this. If I could only afford one selectable locker, it would go on the front.
True and the front end has the weight on it. But most vehicles today are rear or rear/front. So many trucks don't give you the option for a front only not even my jeep.
Only on a toyota. Toyota makes you stop, then engage 4 low and rock back and forth until 4 low engages, then engage the rear locker and turn left, right forward and backward or any combo of bs until the locker lights up solid. Then you have the rear locker engaged. To unlock repeat the process. Ford, gm, and jeep and ram you just tough the button and boom it's locked.
My rear left tire was slipping on a inch of mud on my 2015 Ford f150. I could not figure out how to engage the lockers by just pushing the button. Do you know how?
Can you explain the safety feature of forcing you to use rear lockers first? Why can't I just lock in the front locker only like when plowing to avoid fish tailing.?
Front locker effects steering and can rip the wheel out of your hands and oversteer is brutal. So they make the front more of a last resort for safety. Plus the front is harder on the small CV axles on many trucks. They really want you to use the rear first and then if you need more use both. They don't want you to go to the front first.
Can you please make another video with the 4Runner on How to use this in offroad situation in stead of explaining in your drive way. I am not comfortable on using this in my 2023 Tacoma TRD OR
It's my wife's 4 runner and she doesn't want me taking it into the swamp. And I hate cleaning the damn wheels on it after it does hit the dirt. So I'm leaving the 4 runner as a pavement princess for my wife right now. But I have a bunch of videos using my 22 tacoma trd offroad in the swamps if you search tacoma on my channel. Basically switch into 4hi when off road, turn off traction control when encountering mud or soft sand. And when you see a obstacle or hole that might be difficult switch into 4 low and kick on the rear locker. When you are past the obstacle go back to 4 high
@@Jason-SamkoI have zero problems going in and out of 4lo in my ‘21 taco I suggest using 4lo as much as you can under 60 km/h and use the locker if you need it Any other time I use the auto LSD unless it’s winter…. The auto lsd will make you spin on ice lol
So your saying there’s ratcheting. In these new vacuum or Electric lockers. I’ve had lockrites front and rear limited slips no issues Detroit lockers before fine
@dang5553 yep limited slip is designed as open until a certain level of wheel slip is felt them it locks up. Much like a g80 in a chevy. A e locker it's locked and has binding on turns
I owned 1998 Toyota with a factory equipped locker that could only be engaged in 4 low. This “safety” feature could and was defeated by grounding out the system, aka grey wire mod. This mod would cause the system to believe you were always in 4 low. Locker could then be engaged in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. Even at 18 I was smart enough to know when to use.
I had a spool in my 92 Toyota truck handled just fine on and off road all it does is drag the outside wheel around a turn.. cops would look my way when ever making a turn that was the only bad thing
But if you engage it in a mall parking lot and drive around it will bind up and be a mess. Today it's very easy to hit this button where they put them.
..imagine if the day would come that there will exist a "SMART" or 'AI' off-roading rig that detect and auto-switch on/off ur 4H, 4L, diff-lock, traction-control...etc....i know, i'm lazy...just my two cents....😅
I'm 71 years and still living. Lifetime fixing all kinds of shit from race cars to airplanes. I"ll never own or attempt to repair any thing that uses this crap. Hope you don"t either. If you think this is cool stuff- Good Luck.
Cool? Dunno. Guess I'm happy my truck just has a big ass rear axle and a full-time locker. Chirps and shudders in tight turns but whatever 🤷♂️ it's also a 3/4 ton and rides like crap.. is what it is
That’s kinda funny. I have a Chevy with a limited slip dif and it’s nice not having to think about it but there’s been times when I wish I had a true locker because the posi trac just isn’t enough
@@Bertg1982 The gm g80 auto locker is a great system! not quite as good as a true e locker but love that its always available and simple and reliable. Plus the fact that gm gives it to you on so many trims.
You don’t need to lock your differential until you’re stuck. It’s the break glass in emergency button. If you’re driving around with your differential locked you’re a dunce.
What the hell are you on about?.... lockers are the best....both my fords have front and rear lockers and they are the best.. ohh.. and the Toyota system is a pain... specially getting out of 4 low, forward reverse to disengage...
Toyota won’t let you engage it solely by using the button because most Toyota owners are not real truck owners and would not know a hub from a lug nut 😂😂😂. Get a real truck like my Ford F350 lariat diesel Tremor.
@@Jason-Samko I am so glad you got my point and didn’t take offense. I think that Toyota make good trucks (my wife drives a 2024 4Runner limited and and glad they make you do certain things to use certain features otherwise she would be causing all sorts of havoc with the driveline. Me on the other hand know trucks and have driven the real 4WD systems since the 80s. It’s real easy to create problems when you don’t know your vehicle or what you are doing. In 1985 my mom drove from Keywest to Miami in my dad’s full size bronco in 4WD hi and when she got back she asked why there was a yellow 4WD light lit on the instrument panel. I guess she accidentally hit the switch by mistake. Surprisingly she actually made it 170 miles (at least) driving like that and got home safe but my dad and I had to replace the transfer case and both front hubs…😂😂. But what is ridiculous is that order for me to deactivate the front sensors (so my Tremor doesn’t stop on its own when I am in tall grass or shrub) I have to go thru the 12 inch screen and navigate to the section that lets me turn them off. I think there should just be a simple button to push or maybe it should be automatic when you engage 4WD. Believe me it’s a pain in the butt to go thru the truck’s computer for such a simple thing. It DOES automatically disengage if you are in 4lo tho…..makes absolutely no sense.
@armedprophet3321 yep my brother borrowed my 2015 f150 and did rhe same accidentally switched it to 4 high and drove it for 50 miles like that. Lucky nothing happened. And agree the sensors must have a quick button in an off road truck
These are by far my favorite episodes. They are quick, informative and tremendously helpful!! Thanks Jason.
Glad you like them!
Thank you for this. I knew WHEN to use a rear locker, but did not understand why. Finally got myself a vehicle worth investing in and building onto at 40, and learning all I can.
@@nicholassorensen9035 glad you enjoyed the video
Great explanation, thank you. I installed both front and rear lockers on my '95 F150. It had completely open diffs. Amazing difference. I hardly ever use the front locker, the rear quite a bit, also in 2WD. I would take a 2WD with a locker over a 4x4 with open diffs.
Very nice! And love the 90s 150s
@@Jason-Samko also like the 2WD low range when the hubs are locked out. Handy when maneuvering into a tight parking spot on an incline, just working the clutch.
With great power comes great responsibility 😉
True
My mom bought fore and aft elockers for my 93 bronco when I was 16 and had them installed. I loved it dearly and added a front one to my new Ford trucks as an adult.
Mom taught me about the different kinds of tires, 4wd systems, suspension theory and applications, radiator and fan sizing, and when to use all of the above in economy cars, muscle cars, and 4wd full size SUVs and pickups.
Tldr don't turn unless on quite loose surfaces while diffs are locked.
She also taught me about boats and trailering.
You are mom sounds like an amazing woman
You have an awesome mom!
@@TexasPatriotOffRoadAndOutdoors Had, 1949-2008. I was 19 at the end. Fuck cancer.
@@hithere7382 I lost mine ‘21 from a rare neurological disease. I was fortunate to have her in my life 45 years.
My condolences to you and your family. You will always remember those things she taught you.
Jason does a great job of explaining these small things that needs to be addressed. Aint to small if your a button pusher
@@mikehundley9876 thanks
Great explanation! Last year I bought a ‘23 Ranger 2wd & had it equipped with the rear locker for about $500. I figured it would be good to have just in case. In order to engage it, the button must be held in for 3 seconds. I’m glad they made it this way!
@chriscon8463 yep nice little lock out feature to prevent accidental engagement
I had a 2019 f150 with a rear locker. No problems. Got a 22 tacoma and its such a pain in the ass to even get in and out 4low i dont bother. I know youve said the same , im just mentioning it for people that havent watched your other videos.
Yep many reason I sold my 22 tacoma. 4 low and rear locker engagement was brutal
Learn how to use your vehicle!
I have a 23 Tacoma... I've commented previously. Mine gives me no grief. So, odd.
You just have to turn slightly left and right while moving just a few feet. Engage the locker before you get stuck.
@jeeperwill6262 mine sucked, and the 3 other tacos in my circle are the same. I think you got the golden goose taco if your engages easy
I occasionally drive on beaches with deep powdery sand so I always engage the rear locker on my Ranger Tremor as soon as I hit the sand. I don’t want to wait until I’m stuck to engage it. 4L + rear locked + aired down = easy sailing. Our beaches have a max speed limit of 10mph.
Perfect! And 4 low kicks off the traction control automatically
Thank you - Jason! I learn something new for my new truck. Thanks again Jason! Good job explaining. :)
@@brucemose4079 glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for this video. I was never very clear on this until now.
@@TribalShark142 glad you enjoyed it
Hi Jason. Great tutorial. When I did a lot of off roading, my 4X4s didn't have lockers, just limited slip rear differentials. Off road I would keep my drive train in 2WD until I really needed it. The reason is that the front axle would bind up in tight turns. Thinks the front axles were either limited slip or locked. When I started to get some slippage I'd go into 4 wheel high. When the road/trail started getting really rough or very slipery I'd put it into 4 wheel low so I could crawl w/o riding the brakes. With mud a lot of times you just want to blast though it to keep moving and not stall. I did do some mud but not a lot, but I did do a lot of soft gravel and lava rock and I never got stuck with a limited slip rear axle. Sometimes I'd have to back up and give it another try. The one place I never could get to with a limited slip rear axle was a very steep cinder cone in Puu Kuili in Kona on the Big Island about 175 feet high. I tried to get to the top but would spin wheels and slip back down. That's where lockers would have enabled me to get to the top. Of course I never went into totally nuts mud or very deep soft rock. I did have to dig myself out a few times in soft rock and put wood underneath the tires. Many of the pick up trucks I've had in the last 15 years have had lockers, but I've never tried them as I'm done with off roading. I always have had 4x4s though because I got stuck on the side of a highway in Kona in soft lava with a 4x2 and had to dig myself out. And also because I tow and you never know when you're going to get into a bad situation. Since you mention it, next time I'm on an unpaved road I'll not only exercise the 4x4 and 4 low, but engage the lockers to make sure they work. You've got to be in some really slippery or very steep uphill stuff to need the lockers. Side note: It's amazing how many people don't know you have to stop and put it in neutral to engage 4 low. Thanks.
That is the way old school 4x4 systems used to work. I live in snow country, I used to lock the hubs on my '70 Chevy k20, in the fall around the 1st of November, and only shift into 4wd when I couldn't take off in 2wd. Then I would shift back to 2wd when I was moving with enough momentum to not spin the tires. Of course I've managed to pile snow on the hood of several 2wd vehicles driving home from work. The right tires, momentum and some ballast over the drive tires and you re good to go. Now my 2019 Chevy 1500 has a 4wd "auto" feature that works like AWD that is perfect for my wife. No messing around, and can select it and forget it until springtime
@@wikolib6821 great points and especially about it being important to engage the lockers every once in a while to make sure everything keeps working
nice informative video. i know way to many guys that have zero clue about off-road driving or what all the buttons and switches in their truck does
@@ceverett68 thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
Outstanding explanation. Thank you! Very informative. I also like that you covered various manufacturers as well.
@sdallas68 glad you enjoyed it
Thanks Samko, most helpful video. I’ve misused the locker button before, watching your video makes using the locker button much easier to understand.
@yardboy3955 glad you enjoyed it
Most modern vehicles automatically disconnect the locker at speeds between 7 and 20 mph. Toyota at 7 mph, Ford at 20 mph etc etc. Specifically to keep you from destroying the diff while trying to do burnouts, or forgetting that it’s on at highway speeds. It would be pretty hard to misuse a locking differential on the road, without intentionally disabling the factory safeguards. (Aside from driving on pavement and slowly doing figure 8’s).
@@apacheworrier3776 thanks for the info.
@apacheworrier3776 true but sitting at in a parking lot and bumping the locker button on a ford and then backing out and driving around the paved parking lot will be a rough experience. And In 4 low ford and chevy and ram can run much faster than 20 without disengaging. I think for can run fully locked at 60 in 4 low they say in the manual. I love that ford ram and chevy give us easy access to lockers in all transfer case options. But people with these vehicles need to know what it does and when to use it
@@Jason-Samko thanks Samko for info. The more info I can get the better. If I rent a 4x4 truck all this info will be helpful. The rental car place won’t know + there likely won’t be a manual in the glove box for me to read. Much appreciated to everyone’s input on this subject.
That is why most SXSs do really well off-road, fully locked rear differential and optional locking front - also lighter weight and usually more aggressive tires than a truck or SUV would have.
However, as the video creator stated, that is why they are a bit “dangerous” on pavement if you aren’t mindful of having a fully locked rear differential.
Good video!
@@TexasPatriotOffRoadAndOutdoors great points
Just like limited slip positive traction of the day. My dad had a 1960 Ford Galaxy which had the positive traction rear end which if you don’t know how to use it you’re in trouble. If the road is ice covered the back end will constantly try to pass up the front and you’ll never keep it straight. However if you understand how it works you simply drive with one wheel off the side of the road in the gravel. He drove 50 miles like that one day from IronMountain to Iron River. Passed many cars in the ditch that day. That old Ford even had overdrive, straight six 3 on the tree. The good ole days.
Thank you so very much, for going over this info, it is very much appreciated!
Very welcome
Twin-stick Dana 300 and ARB lockers front and rear in my CJ7
I like having all the options.
Outstanding
This is good information for novices that don't realize the difference in wheel travel while turning. Now, turning to lock in 4x4 hi or lo you are going to have binding from the axle u-joints in the knuckles, regardless of being open or locked that will "shake" the steering system
Very true. And a great point
Thank you so much for this video. I now realize that I will probably never need this function. You probably saved me a future repair.
But it's good to use it every few months to make sure everything works right. Take it on a dirt road and go into 4 low, drive for a hundred yards, then engage locker and drive another 100 yards, then repeat again. Doing that once in a while will keep everything working good
If i weren't aware of this already then this video would be a great introduction! Very nicely done, very friendly and understandable. Such a good intro.
(Cant believe there are people belly aching and nit picking. Guess it takes all kinds).
Glad you enjoyed it. RUclips is filled with trolls that want to step on anyone everyone every chance they get. All part of the game
Great Video! Thank you 🔥👏💪🫶
Glad you enjoyed it
I had a Detroit locker in my 86 toyota pickup. Fun tines in the rain!
@brianduran6547 😂😂😂 always about half way around the corner you get a wake up call
Good info Jason, Thanks
Very welcome
Thanks for a great explanation and educational video. Carry On.
@@davidshettlesworth1442 glad you enjoyed it
Thank you, perfect explanation
@@wilmerpadron3622 glad you enjoyed it
Just the explanation I needed - thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Years ago I installed a Lock-Right automatic locker in my 93 2wd Toyota pickup, it was the best modification I've ever done, it was awesome and the most capable 2wd with no lift and on 14 inch snow tires. After, i couldn't let any else drive it because it would go sideways unexpectedly on a slippery or just wet surface if the driver didn't know how to drive it properly. If you install an automatic locker you absolutely must know how to handle it !
@johnossendorf9979 yep axle bind will swing her sideways on ya quick fast and in a hurry . Sounds like an amazing truck!
@@Jason-Samko Thanks! A lot of guys with 4wd, 33's and a lift didn't like it so much when I showed up at partys back on logging trails in the woods in a 2wd 4 cylinder Toyota truck on 14 snow tires with no lift, or at the top of a fairly steep hill in a huge field for a bonfire party with over foot or snow on the ground .
@@johnossendorf9979 love it
My 1974 Cherokee chief had a big knob inside the glove box that said “emergency 4WD engage only if all other attempts to free stuck vehicle have failed”. My Jeep Rubicon has front and rear works great.
Yep even my yamaha grizzly 700 had a lockout switch over the locker button. But I do lobe thst trucks today allow us to use the lockers in 2wd and 4hi. Just want people to k ow how and when to use it
Thanks for the clear thorough instruction. I needed to go through this. Have a Toyota Rav4 with lockers and my old Ford 1992 1 ton dual...My Ford in 4x4 high on slow tight turns like in a parking lot does that hesitating turn movement.
@xraydelta100 yep anything in 4 wheel drive on pavement Turning is gonna bind and the bind will be much worse with the locker engaged. You want to use both on slippery surfaces so when axles can un bind easier
I installed 33" on a stock oem 97 Sahara. To get back to factory specs, I asked the gear shop for 4:10 gears up from the 3:07's.
They installed 4:10 in one diff, and 4:11 in the other with Ox loc in front and limited slip rear. I was pissed with this combo and looking to replace. I was told that this combo is not a problem. Do you agree?
honestly can not help much there. But i dont see why that combo wouldnt work.
What about the tacoma rear wheel drive on the TRD off road. It comes with a locker also. Does it lock you out or can you use it when you come to a full stop?
The tacoma trd rear locker requires you to be in 4 low to engage it. So that truck doesn't really have a chance of being used by accident or by someone that doesn't know how to
Ive used rear lockers on wet boat ramps its a handy to have feature but as he said dont use it unless you need it
Agree. Have made videos on this channel about using 4wd on boat ramps and other safety precautions like windows down etc.
Useful info. Really appreciated
Glad you enjoyed it
Great explanation Jason.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great info, thank you! Question for you:
My mother-in-law has land that's on something of a sharp drop off from a main, paved road. When I have to get back to onto the road, I'm angled upward with my rear tires on grass/dirt and my front tires on gravel. The trick is, I am also making a fairly sharp right or left turn as I'm getting back onto the road, and then accelerate up to 45 pretty quickly. I tried my rear locker one time and still got a lot of wheel spin and tore up the ground somewhat. If I use 4WD High, I can get up and out just fine without doing much if any damage to the grass, but I get that hard bucking and lurching as I'm making the turn and trying to accelerate. Should I try using both? Turn off traction control? Some combination of these three?
I have a 2024 F350, so no 4WD Auto, which would probably mostly solve the issue.
@SliderFury1 the sharp turning with 4wd engaged is what's causing the backing and jerking not a big deal as long as it's on a loose surface like gravel or dirt. The rear locker will help as it gives traction to both rear wheels but you will also get binding in the rear on the turn. So I'd leave the rear locker off and let the 4wd do the work
@@Jason-SamkoI got you, so I'm not going to break my truck by making a sharp(ish) left or right turn from dirt and gravel onto a paved road and then accelerating up to 45? Never had a full-time 4WD capable vehicle before so the first time I experienced that bucking and lurching I thought for sure I broke something lol
@@SliderFury1 it's definitely hard on the teuck when it hits the pavement turning in 4 wheel drive. But you made it sound like it was the only way to get out of there.
@@Jason-Samkoit is. Hopefully it's actually built Ford tough and can take it a few times a year haha. Thanks for the info.
@@SliderFury1 I bet it will be just fine
Great refresher course 🙂
@@evancontos2267 glad you enjoyed it
I heard you need to use the lockers every few months to keep it lubricated. What’s the best way to do that if you don’t do any off roading?
@apexcapital1328 it is a good idea. Just hit a dirt road or a dirt parking lot and engage, drive a few feet and disengage it a couple times
Mine are usable in any mode..... my fronts and rears work great for pulling out jeeps that think they can go through mud with 32in tires...
Next to my sway bar disconnect and near the trail turn button that lets you drag the inside wheel on a trail to make almost a 90deg turn.
That's how it should be for all manufacturers. And love that ford chevy and ram as well as jeep (eith a tazer mini) let you use the lockers in all modes. But people need to know what this button does and when to use it.
If someone wants to race me at a stop light, should I lock my rears or no?
@@tdtommy196 no. Lockers disengage about 20mpg on most vehicles as a safety feature. I would not use lockers in a race.
@@Jason-Samko so just 4wheel high and deactivate advance trac then. Cool
Excellent info....thank you sir.
@@MADMAX353 glad you enjoyed it
Learned something thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
I lock up while sitting in traffic on my way to work just for sh*ts and giggles.
I have a 2020 ram 2500 power wagon 1two occasions now I have proceeded to go forward and once I’m going down the road I realize that my locker in the rear has been engaged. So to disengage it takes 150 to 200 feet. The last time I was in a parking lot and I realized it when I pulled out of my spot there was nothing that I could do so I had to make another turn really slow before it would disengage
I drove for a large LTL, and they took the lockers off the tractors because some knuckleheads were using them at the wrong time. For us that did know, it was a pain in bad winter driving without them. Then computer traction control came in, and winter driving got worses. And auto shift transmissions didn't help either. I am now happily retired and do not even go out when Mother Nature is having one of her winter fits. Best solution of all, stay off the roads!
Awesome video
Thanks
its a pull know on my F250 4X4 truck. yes off road it is a must. on road it can kill you ( others).
my cj-7 has a Detroit in the tear and a arb air locker up front. this jeep goes everywhere.
but must stay off ice.
The Dual Motor Cybertruck has rear and front lockers. They work well.
@ZipZoomZip glad tesla added them
@@Jason-Samko I agree, they definitely make the mobility even more amazing when things get tough. But if I had to pick between 4-wheel steering or locking differentials, I would pick 4-wheel steering. And if I had to pick between steer-by-wire or locking differentials, I would pick steer-by-wire. Alone, either of these two features are amazing, together they have a synergy that must be experienced off-road to understand how they can transform the driving dynamics. The locking differentials are like a get-out-of-jail card when you need them, but these other technologies are more valuable for the kind of off-roading most trucks actually do.
Then you got the mechanical locker boys (Colorado Trail Boss/Z71 and Canyon AT4) with the G80 that doesn't care what drive mode your in and just locks up no matter what.
Those will get you into trouble if they lock up and you DONT catch it when things get slick. Really gotta be in tune with what your truck is doing with those.
I've had to catch it a few times in corners where I got surpise lockup 😂. I do wish I could use it in 4x4 hi...there's a few scenarios where a locker in 4hi is useful
Yep g80 is a great design. Requires 100rpm of wheel spin to engage. And it works in 2wd, 4hi and 4lo
At first I thought the button you were showing was just for the 4x4 engage. When I saw it was for the locker, I was OH CRAP he is right. That could ruin your day fast if used wrong. I have a Mojave Gladiator and have yet to use the locker, don't want to damage anything.
It's good to use it occasionally even if you don't have to to keep things working well. Hit a dirt road and engage 4 low and drive straight for half a mile. Then engage locker and drive straight a hundred yards or so, disengage locker drive a hundred yards and then engage again. Do that a couple times a year to make sure both the locker and the 4 low are kept working properly
This is what I've found....I understand the physics of lockers and vehicle dynamics and I use my front locker at least five times more often than the rear. Mine are aftermarket so I can lock the front and rear independently. The front locker makes steering slightly heavier but when climbing inclines or over rocks, the front locker is key. The rear locker will cause the vehicle to "push" dramatically and this is dangerous when off road and in difficult climbs and or side hills and off camber. The rear locker can make the vehicle go sideways when you don't want it to. By locking only the front you can pivot around rocks and take much tighter radius corners compared to having the front AND rear locked. Watch John Curries Eaton locker RUclips video demonstrating this.
If I could only afford one selectable locker, it would go on the front.
True and the front end has the weight on it. But most vehicles today are rear or rear/front. So many trucks don't give you the option for a front only not even my jeep.
Great explanation for people 5hat don't know
@@davidstokes9706 thank you
Good video thank you sir
Glad you enjoyed it
Is it true that we need to turn left or right slightly in order to get the rear locker to fully engage?
Only on a toyota. Toyota makes you stop, then engage 4 low and rock back and forth until 4 low engages, then engage the rear locker and turn left, right forward and backward or any combo of bs until the locker lights up solid. Then you have the rear locker engaged. To unlock repeat the process. Ford, gm, and jeep and ram you just tough the button and boom it's locked.
My rear left tire was slipping on a inch of mud on my 2015 Ford f150. I could not figure out how to engage the lockers by just pushing the button. Do you know how?
@@SubUrbanNinja-EDC bet on a 2015 you had to go into 4 high first.
@@Jason-Samko my f150 is not 4 wheel drive.
Can you explain the safety feature of forcing you to use rear lockers first? Why can't I just lock in the front locker only like when plowing to avoid fish tailing.?
Front locker effects steering and can rip the wheel out of your hands and oversteer is brutal. So they make the front more of a last resort for safety. Plus the front is harder on the small CV axles on many trucks. They really want you to use the rear first and then if you need more use both. They don't want you to go to the front first.
Can you please make another video with the 4Runner on How to use this in offroad situation in stead of explaining in your drive way. I am not comfortable on using this in my 2023 Tacoma TRD OR
It's so hard to get in and out in 4low in tacomas it's not even worth it in my imo. And you can use a locker in a tacoma with out it in 4low
It's my wife's 4 runner and she doesn't want me taking it into the swamp. And I hate cleaning the damn wheels on it after it does hit the dirt. So I'm leaving the 4 runner as a pavement princess for my wife right now.
But I have a bunch of videos using my 22 tacoma trd offroad in the swamps if you search tacoma on my channel.
Basically switch into 4hi when off road, turn off traction control when encountering mud or soft sand. And when you see a obstacle or hole that might be difficult switch into 4 low and kick on the rear locker. When you are past the obstacle go back to 4 high
@@Jason-SamkoI have zero problems going in and out of 4lo in my ‘21 taco
I suggest using 4lo as much as you can under 60 km/h and use the locker if you need it
Any other time I use the auto LSD unless it’s winter…. The auto lsd will make you spin on ice lol
@@jarod144 I used 4 low and my locker almost daily in my 22 taco for 68k miles. Never once was an easy experience. It's why I sold it
So your saying there’s ratcheting. In these new vacuum or Electric lockers. I’ve had lockrites front and rear limited slips no issues Detroit lockers before fine
@dang5553 yep limited slip is designed as open until a certain level of wheel slip is felt them it locks up. Much like a g80 in a chevy. A e locker it's locked and has binding on turns
Those loc rits ratchets ok. So the no lockers are like a spool
I got a super duty 4wd with no push button crap.
I owned 1998 Toyota with a factory equipped locker that could only be engaged in 4 low. This “safety” feature could and was defeated by grounding out the system, aka grey wire mod. This mod would cause the system to believe you were always in 4 low. Locker could then be engaged in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. Even at 18 I was smart enough to know when to use.
Very nice. Always hated how toyota makes you go to 4 low to use the locker
Thanks
@@davidd1395 very welcome
I had a spool in my 92 Toyota truck handled just fine on and off road all it does is drag the outside wheel around a turn.. cops would look my way when ever making a turn that was the only bad thing
People who own real tractors know all about locking differentials. Their lawn will explain it.
@@TheMonkdad 😂😂 especially at the turns
I have a rear locking diff. on my '13 2WD F-150 PLATINUM.
@SpicyRok7482 very nice. Love when they put a locker in a 2wd. Doubles your traction!
@@Jason-Samko I have really never needed/used it since new.
My 17 F150 has that. It's not a problem. At 20mph it will disengage itself.
But if you engage it in a mall parking lot and drive around it will bind up and be a mess. Today it's very easy to hit this button where they put them.
@@Jason-Samko You ain't wrong. However the button on my F150 isn't near other buttons that would cause me to accidentally engage it
@gregbrooks3577 very true. But today in many new vehicles the locker button is very easy to hit and it easy to hit places
@@Jason-Samko I have to plead brain damage. My F150 has a rotary dial. Very hard to accidentally activate.
The only button similar to that one truns on my head ligts.
When the K5 Blazer first came out it would jump forward in a turn in full time 4WD until they figured it out.
Tell me you have too many vehicles without telling me you have too many vehicles....😂
@@nolangillentine773 just 2 right now!
@Jason-Samko That's pretty good. I'm up to four again. Keeping them all running and Legal is the trick for me lol.
I think I got that in my Tacoma trd pro
You should. I have it in my Off Road.
You do. You have the same exact stuff in your trd pro. Rear locker, mts and crawl control.
All pros have it including the 2015 Pro with the 4.0. Aka the best Pro ever made
@@JohnnyLightningV10 love the 4.0!
@Jason-Samko The best Tacoma in modern era.
..imagine if the day would come that there will exist a "SMART" or 'AI' off-roading rig that detect and auto-switch on/off ur 4H, 4L, diff-lock, traction-control...etc....i know, i'm lazy...just my two cents....😅
Being a retired amateur gynecologist, I don't understand any of this !
I'm 71 years and still living. Lifetime
fixing all kinds of shit from race cars to airplanes. I"ll never own or attempt to repair any thing that uses this crap. Hope you don"t either. If you think this is cool stuff- Good Luck.
Cool? Dunno. Guess I'm happy my truck just has a big ass rear axle and a full-time locker. Chirps and shudders in tight turns but whatever 🤷♂️ it's also a 3/4 ton and rides like crap.. is what it is
Took forever to tell us what you were going to talk about. Good info, slow throughput.
I thought the intro stuff would pretty important to many people, otherwise I would not of said it
Only 4x4 at low speeds when you have to use it. Above 20mph 4x4 isn't doing anything for you besides risking damage lol
@PotatoeJoe69 very true and many manufacturers disengage the locker above 20mph.
Who’s getting lockers that don’t know how to use them? lol
I bet more than 70% of buyers would be my guess
That’s kinda funny. I have a Chevy with a limited slip dif and it’s nice not having to think about it but there’s been times when I wish I had a true locker because the posi trac just isn’t enough
@@Bertg1982 The gm g80 auto locker is a great system! not quite as good as a true e locker but love that its always available and simple and reliable. Plus the fact that gm gives it to you on so many trims.
You don’t need to lock your differential until you’re stuck. It’s the break glass in emergency button. If you’re driving around with your differential locked you’re a dunce.
@Jeff-ib7wc many vehicles like toyota are impossible to lock up once stuck. It's better to lock up before the obstacle then unlock after the obstacle
Interesting that this vid has to be made.
@@Notthistime2.0 ture but times we live in. And important info for those that don't know. And many that are not offroaders don't know.
What the hell are you on about?.... lockers are the best....both my fords have front and rear lockers and they are the best.. ohh.. and the Toyota system is a pain... specially getting out of 4 low, forward reverse to disengage...
not sure how you came to the conclusion I dont like lockers. But cool.
Toyota won’t let you engage it solely by using the button because most Toyota owners are not real truck owners and would not know a hub from a lug nut 😂😂😂. Get a real truck like my Ford F350 lariat diesel Tremor.
@@armedprophet3321 love that domestic brands let us use the lockers in 2wd and 4 hi
@@Jason-Samko I am so glad you got my point and didn’t take offense. I think that Toyota make good trucks (my wife drives a 2024 4Runner limited and and glad they make you do certain things to use certain features otherwise she would be causing all sorts of havoc with the driveline. Me on the other hand know trucks and have driven the real 4WD systems since the 80s. It’s real easy to create problems when you don’t know your vehicle or what you are doing. In 1985 my mom drove from Keywest to Miami in my dad’s full size bronco in 4WD hi and when she got back she asked why there was a yellow 4WD light lit on the instrument panel. I guess she accidentally hit the switch by mistake. Surprisingly she actually made it 170 miles (at least) driving like that and got home safe but my dad and I had to replace the transfer case and both front hubs…😂😂. But what is ridiculous is that order for me to deactivate the front sensors (so my Tremor doesn’t stop on its own when I am in tall grass or shrub) I have to go thru the 12 inch screen and navigate to the section that lets me turn them off. I think there should just be a simple button to push or maybe it should be automatic when you engage 4WD. Believe me it’s a pain in the butt to go thru the truck’s computer for such a simple thing. It DOES automatically disengage if you are in 4lo tho…..makes absolutely no sense.
@armedprophet3321 yep my brother borrowed my 2015 f150 and did rhe same accidentally switched it to 4 high and drove it for 50 miles like that. Lucky nothing happened. And agree the sensors must have a quick button in an off road truck
So many words, so little information.