Hey everyone,

Just got thinking, since the differentials on the front axle of our 4X4's are Open. Is there an easy way to make it a LSD or a Locked Diff? I got thinking when in 2wd, the diff/4x4 drive shaft and all of that is free spinning anyways, so having the front diff welded wouldn't hurt anything. Then once you put it in 4wd, the front axle has both wheels spinning equal.

I guess my question is, can they be welded? Or would a Detroit Locker be better since they can engage/disengage?

Thanks!

 

i think in theory you are corect but if you use 4x4 often i dont think it'd last to long or be very happy. i think i would just save my epnnies and buy a locker and do it right/.

 

Detroit, but only if you have individual lockouts.

It can be very squirrelly to drive in full loc mode.

 

look up arb air locker. they made one for front diffs.

 

Locked front axle is not what you want. For one thing, they do not turn corners well.

 

I was just curious to what the easiest thing, if it is possible to do. I just got thinking about it while I was making a path threw some snow in my yard.

Let's just say if someone were to weld the front diff, that shouldn't affect anything in 2wd should it? Like the front left tire, differential and middle axle are spinning, but not locked to anything, correct? Then once put into 4wd (which should be used on slippery surfaces anyways) the front axle would be locked with the rear and all 4 tires would spin?

 

I would imagine it would make it want to pull to the left, since the left tire is now driving the axle shafts, diff, driveshaft and t-case. I'd go with an ARB before running a full locker or spool.

 

I think you are correct. I personally wouldn't do it, but I do have a beater Jeep Cherokee that's set up exactly as you describe with welded front diff. As long as the axle is vacuum actuated the two front wheels will spin independently in 2wd. But, I agree with the others that once you put it in 4wd it will be very hard to steer, even in dirt. It is very hard on the axle shafts for sure.

Brad

 

I would agree with you Brad and Tate on what you have said. I was just curious if anyone has ever done it. Maybe for a truck that runs in loose, soft snow all the time would benefit from a welded diff (if they didn't want to spend the money).

I run in the snow from November/December to March which isn't too long, but it sure would be nice to have a LSD style front axle instead of open

 

Maybe this is just me, but I thought our front axles turned all the time since we don't have hubs...

 

I wouldn't try that without converting to manual hubs first. Personally, if I had the spare cash, I'd go for the free-spin kit then a Detroit Locker. Without the manual hubs, ARB looks like the only good option.

Randy.

 

They do, it's just the front axle is made up of 3 shafts and a differential....I think