Jeep TJ Flat Tow with Front Auto Locker

[Mike H 2004 Dolphin 5342]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience towing a jeep or other vehicle equipped with an automatic front locker such as an "aussie" locker. I've seen posts stating it was fine and others that indicated it could be a problem.

Actual experience from someone would be appreciated as I'm not looking for speculation.

The jeeps transfer case would be in neutral with the transmission in park as per the owners manual on a 2004 Wrangler TJ.

Thanks,
Mike

[afrank1971]

I'm not familiar with an "aussie" locker, what kind of locker is it? Is it truly automatic, or something you can turn on or off? I have a Rubican with front and rear lockers and it tows just fine, but of course the lockers are turned off. I also had a 93 Wrangler with ARB air lockers, which also towed fine, but again, the lockers were turned off while towing. Not sure if this helped at all. Good luck!

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Mike:

As long as you have the Locker disconnected the differential will act as an open differential. Even if you have a Detroit Locker or something similar you should have no problems. The only time you might cause problems is if you have a spool in the front differential and did not have hubs to disconnect the front differential. Do Not laugh I have seen a spool in a front differential and the owner could not understand why it was always braking, Dah!

[mlmurrah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike H 2004 Dolphin 5342 I'm wondering if anyone has experience towing a jeep or other vehicle equipped with an automatic front locker such as an "aussie" locker. I've seen posts stating it was fine and others that indicated it could be a problem. Actual experience from someone would be appreciated as I'm not looking for speculation. The jeeps transfer case would be in neutral with the transmission in park as per the owners manual on a 2004 Wrangler TJ. Thanks, Mike

I assume you are probably referring to an ARB air locker, which is not automatic like a Detroit locker (actually an automatic unlocker). I can't imagine having an automatic locker in the front. Anyway the ARB is activated with a switch. I have towed my 97 TJ with an ARB for several years without any problems.

[MuckSavage]

I have a Powertrax No-Slip in the rear of my Cherokee. I think you'll be fine with the Aussie Locker for the same reasoning that played out in my head when I thought of installing my locker.
My thought process went like this;
Since there will be no torque coming from the driveshaft (engine), the locker won't want to engage.
I've towed my CJ7 with F & R Lock Rites with no problems, even before I installed my full-floater/locking hub axles in the back.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The Aussie Locker is not an ARB - different animal. Read about it here:
Aussie Lockers: Lockers, aussie lockers, torq-masters technology, automatic positive locking differentials, automatic precision locker differentials, off road, off-road
I'd suggest calling Torq Maters for tech support on the Aussie and see what they say.

In theory, the "automatic" function would read the situation fine and never engage. Glad its YOU who get to test the theory and not me!