Front locker.

[VTSTOMPER]

who has done it, and what should one go with? I am thinking about that as a mod when I do my tierods, and other hardware goodies. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I have seen threads talking about an elocker, and that is probably the only why to fly. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Let me know your thoughts!

FYI: this is a wish list I am putting together! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

who has done it, and what should one go with? I am thinking about that as a mod when I do my tierods, and other hardware goodies. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I have seen threads talking about an elocker, and that is probably the only why to fly. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Let me know your thoughts!

FYI: this is a wish list I am putting together! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VernB]

I went with Eaton front locker. from http://www.trailduty.com/

[VTSTOMPER]

this is the one? Looks pretty kewl! I just like the idea of lockers! I have found them to help, and save time when your in the giggle weeds!

http://www.trailduty.com/products/eaton/index.html

[tomp]

I am considering adding the Eaton as well. I will probably install some sort of safeguard switch setup to keep the e-locker from being engaged accidentally at high speeds.

[VTSTOMPER]

isn't there a button you push to enguage it?? would you add another switch of some type?

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by VTSTOMPER:
isn't there a button you push to enguage it?? would you add another switch of some type? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

PM PhilD. He has the Eaton and the upgrade kit you are looking into. I think he has a complete wirte up on his site too.

[VTSTOMPER]

MWAHAHA! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I just pmed PhilD, I will have to send him another. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

{edit I am a dumbass} what does the H2 have for the front now? Open dif, limited slip, or posi?

[tomp]

I would also consider maybe a keyed swtiched for safety.

What is this "upgrade kit" for ?

[KenP]

Can you break a CV? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[HGW]

Has anyone considered the ARB air locker?

I was just "sold" on it by ARB at the PRI show.

Before I jump to start selling these things, I would like some off roaders opinions.

[tomp]

HGW, what would be the advantage of the ARB over the Eaton? A negative would be that you'd have to add another air compressor right?

[31_bandits]

I am interested in an Eaton locker for my H2.

I read the links above: http://www.trailduty.com/products/eaton/index.html
and http://www.*******club.com/tech/eaton.html

And some questions come to mind. The article implies that the locker can't be installed with an auto-off idiot-proof feature like the rear-locker. That's not necessarily bad - you could build a cage in front of the switch to prevent something heinous. But its not ideal, i guess.

I'm not the worlds most experienced offroader but i'm learning. How often do those with a front locker benefit? Does the presence of the device when not in use add strain to the truck? Will it void my warranty, or part of it? I have a feeling that offroading would, in some roundabout way, wind up voiding warranty in any case. "well, that happened because of the time you ..."

And last, is it probably that my tires would become the limiting factor before need for a front locker? (i have the factory A/Ts)

[CslRkH2]

I definitely want a front locker. Anyone know a ballpark installation charge?

[Auggie Mathis]

I put in the eaton locker. The best price I found was at trailduty.My old ARB lockers would corrode and not work when I needed them
Auggie

[timgco]

I definitely want a front locker. Anyone know a ballpark installation charge?

About 1K installed with tax. That was buying it from Phil and having 4WP do the installation.

I plan on doing with WInch bumper first, than the locker.

Phil or others, where did you mount your switch? Pic?

[tomp]

More than once I have had my vehicle in for service & got it ack with switches turned on. Since these places need to move the vehicle, I would strongly consider a seondary switch in the circuit that would prevent them from turning it on without a key.

[h2co-pilot]

About 1K installed with tax. That was buying it from Phil and having 4WP do the installation.

I plan on doing with WInch bumper first, than the locker.

Phil or others, where did you mount your switch? Pic?

Here is Phil's- under the tow/haul button.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13298&highlight=front+locker+button

http://www.h2southtexas.com/tech/images/locker_switch_1.jpg

[timgco]

Here is Phil's- under the tow/haul button.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13298&highlight=front+locker+button

http://www.h2southtexas.com/tech/images/locker_switch_1.jpg




Thank you CP.

[MarineHawk]

Does the presence of the device when not in use add strain to the truck?
(emphasis added)

Definitely, when locked your front driveline may be under much more stress, use with care.


Phil, I think he was asking a different question. I think you answered the question of: "Does the presence of the device when [...] in use add strain to the truck?"

I don't know the answer to his question, but I assume that it does not add any stress when not activated. I can't see why it would. Phil will know. If he just takes the time to read the question.;)

[31_bandits]

Definitely, when locked your front driveline may be under much more stress, use with care.

.

When un-locked, is more stress present on the drivetrain or is it just a nothing when not in use?

The only place i can find one of these is trailduty.com, and eatons website doesn't list anybody within 200 miles of me as a "dealer". Is the installation impractical for my situation as a result of these things? i could venture 200 miles, but that wouldn't be ideal. The cost as shown here: http://www.trailduty.com/products/eaton/index.html is really very reasonable.

Possibly/probably my off-roading skills are insufficient to need all that much performance, but life is long & i am interested in one of these.

Its slowly coming to be apparent that paying for the extended warranty was probably a massive waste of money, as its likely that one way or another i'll have voided mine before it expires anyway. oh well, live and learn.

:mad: :D :eek:

[31_bandits]

I don't know the answer to his question, but I assume that it does not add any stress when not activated. I can't see why it would. Phil will know. If he just takes the time to read the question.;)


thanks much, hawk. I guess i can't see it causing all that much carange when just sitting there either. hopefully that's the case.

thanks also, PhilD for the detailed response. i forgot to mention that above.

[MarineHawk]

The cost as shown here: http://www.trailduty.com/products/eaton/index.html is really very reasonable.


That's surprising. The owner usually jacks the prices way up there.;)

Just kidding. That's a primo operation. The owner will treat you very fairly and honestly (he's also the guy who just gave you all that good info below). He also stands by what he sells and will give you a lot of cool free stuff from time to time.

[31_bandits]

That's surprising. The owner usually jacks the prices way up there.;)

Just kidding. That's a primo operation. The owner will treat you very fairly and honestly (he's also the guy who just gave you all that good info below). He also stands by what he sells and will give you a lot of cool free stuff from time to time.

well i'll be dipped, i had no idea.

hmmm... i guess now that you mention it, that explains this one thread that i read where a war-of-words broke out about trailduty.

well double thanks, then, that was a pretty non-commercial response. :)

[Screeper]

I have had ARB"s front and rear in other vehicles and it worked alright. That was before Eaton came in with their version. Today I would go with Eaton without hesitation. The ARB was not completely dependable as there is alot to break and it often developed leaks and compressor problems. Never broke one inside the diff though and it was always driveway repairable. I also would like to think there has to be a way to wire the Eaton in to the rear locker so it could only be turned on second to the rear locker (stereo shop?). I know thats how they did it with my ARB's. I never had an occasion to lock my front and leave the rear open. I think that is just asking for breakage. Hope the info helps:)

[31_bandits]

hey screeper, thanks for the input.

you'd trust your H2 to a stereo shop for something that didn't make noise? i guess that might be worth a shot, but, well, if your deck goes bad, no biggie, front diff goes bad, no truck.

[cow boy]

Hi, how much weight does the Eaton locker add to the front of my H2 ??

[Screeper]

hey screeper, thanks for the input.

you'd trust your H2 to a stereo shop for something that didn't make noise? i guess that might be worth a shot, but, well, if your deck goes bad, no biggie, front diff goes bad, no truck.

I know it sounds funny but my understanding of the locker is it is basically its powered (locked) or not powered (unlocked). When it comes to messing with wires under the dash for the switch I have found stereo shops no more about electronics then gearshops. They also have the convertors/voltage reducers and relays to get the job done. In a perfect world, gear shop for the locker work running wires up to frame. Stereo shop takes it from there. Good luck and my advise is do not allow the drivetrain guys to get under the dash. Some experiance and also my two cents.:)