Posted by Ben on October 20, 19100 at 10:16:19:
In Reply to: Re: posted by lotzahp on October 20, 19100 at 07:20:41:
Front limited slip and lockers are dangerous on slick roads at speed.
The fronts travel at greater differential speeds than the rears and provide the steering. If the front diff should decide to lock up, one or both tires will slip.
I know from experience. Had a 1970 Toyota FJ40. Gleason rear and limited slip front. First time skiing at Tahoe, slid off the road and into a ditch that I couldn't get out of, even with 4x4 lo/lock. Winch was buried in mud/snow.
Tow truck operator who pulled me out said I most likely have locking front, as he see's this all the time with "city" folks and their nice shiny occasional and expensive 4x4's. He was wrong on the "city" folks, but right on about the limited slip front diff. Researched with my 4x4 buddies & reference material and it's well documented that it's not advisable to put lockers and only a "maybe" for limited slip on fronts, unless you are a serious offroad racer who knows the limitiations for paved road usage.
One reasos air lockers were invented. That would be nice to have on the front. Only initiate them when off road.
-Ben