Yes! Lockers Really Do Matter...Here’s Why!

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( www.alltfl.com ) Watch more videos from TFL Studios! In this video, you can check out the hard work David's been doing to dig up the Trenches portion of the onX Offroad course at Tumbleweed Ranch. With four-wheel drive, lockers and a disconnectable front sway bar, the Jeep Wrangler makes it look easy!
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[@JustinKingOffroad]

that left foot brake technique is taught to the offroad recovery team on how to trick your diffs into transferring power to the other axle. it does work with a manual transmisstion too, it's just harder to do.

[@exordis]

Its also very helpful when front and rear are locked in some really technical obstacles. Helps to minimize unnecessary body motion and tire spin, which could unsettle the Jeep.

[@saifuddinahmadable]

Wrangler is the offroad benchmark for a reason 😊

[@joezephyr]

Andre and a Jeep. Fabulous!

[@rjhein]

In order to see the disconnecting swaybar in action it would have been nice to see you run the course with open diffs with just the sway bar disconnected, in an effort to see if the added breakover angle would have helped with front wheel-spin reduction... But we couldn't see that because you had it all locked up. It would be cool to see the course run that way, and then again with just the rear locker, and finally all locked up

[@M.G.jun.]

I couldn't have said it better. That's exactly what I wanted to write.

[@jameshowey9958]

You should have did 4x4 with sway bar disconnected with no lockers, let it flex and probably would have walked up and not needed lockers at all to avoid tire spin. Good video

[@TheNotimprezed]

A rear locker at minimum for anything you take off road, and Ford probably does this better than anyone (on the F150 anyway) in that for about $500 you can option it on any truck and it locks in instantly and with no fuss every time. Yet for some reason people act like adding a locker is a $5k option and manufacturers spend millions on R&D for the purpose of simulating a locker with traction control systems. Then they have the audacity to sell an "off road" package for thousands that cant do what a rear locker can.

[@phild9813]

I agree with you on the F150’s locker. I have one from 2011. However you should price out installing a locker from the aftermarket; you will be looking at thousands of dollars once you include the locker, install kit, gears, and the labor. I haven’t priced them in a while, but I’m guessing $5k wouldn’t be enough for selectable lockers front and rear.

[@TheNotimprezed]

@@phild9813 you would definitely be in for a few grand to retrofit. My main point is Ford offers a rear locker on any trim for next to nothing (I think Ram does too) and GM and Toyota don't. Its only recently they have any lockers in the full size segment and even then you end up buying a $70k truck to have it. Its clearly not an expensive factory option if Ford will slap one on any truck for $420 and I've spent 20 years wondering why others don't. Gm is happy to stuff G80 in, sorry but that is hot garbage vs a locker.

[@IAmTheGuy1477]

I agree with the rear locker however, I have a 2017 wrangler lifted on 35s and with no lockers what’s so ever I still can go just as far as many twin locked vehicles thanks to the 4x4 system. So I would say more like a good traction control or real locker as a bare minimum. Even for some harder stuff.

[@TheNotimprezed]

@@IAmTheGuy1477 i know the modern systems are really good, millions in R&D will do that. But you are probably paying thousands onto the MSRP to cover that when a $500 locker would do the trick. Now from the manufacturers that makes sense, as they add nothing to the vehicle manufacturing cost but increase price. Where if they add the locker they have to buy the parts decreasing the margin. My best example was beach driving and in one section the sand was particularly deep. A Ram with open diffs got stuck. A Tacoma with open diffs got stuck and got itself out with atrac and I went through with the rear locked and only the faintest loss of momentum.

[@jlsgarage872]

I had a 00 gmc 3500 2wd with a g80 locker and it would go places yoy wouldn't expect

[@Chris-ut6eq]

I would have liked seeing a run with just rear locker 2WD and rear locker 4WD. Only dedicated off-roaders like the jeep have dual lockers and sway disconnect, a very teachable moment lost. I did like the video and the two-foot driving part was very good!

[@Tacosauce81]

While using the "Brake modulation" Method. Hold the brake, then slowly apply throttle. Until you feel the torque converter engage. Then slowly release the brake till you begin to move. Keep the throttle input as constant as possible. From there on in, your brake peddle is now your throttle. This essentially, locks the torque converter. Giving you a "pseudo" center diff lock. The slower you go. The better it works.

[@yoyartube]

In an auto wrangler to shift the t-case lever you should be moving slightly while in neutral and then you won't have to force the lever so much.

[@-Jethro-]

Same for engaging or disengaging lockers and sway bar: Just a tiny bit of motion may be needed to remove any binding torque. You can also try gently switching between forward and reverse (whether auto or manual trans). Sway bar may require a bit more driving on a surface that’s level side to side, or with slight undulations. All of this is annoying if you wait until you’re stuck to try to change these settings. For example, if a front wheel is hanging in the air, nothing is going to get that sway bar disconnect to work. Sadly, this info isn’t obvious to the average driver.

[@TaigaTurf]

Disconnected sway bar often plants both wheels to the ground better than a locker.. That said a rear locker minimum should be required for deep Backcountry

[@yoyartube]

both help a lot. disconnecting the anti-sway bar has a different function but also contributes to traction. Disconnecting allows more articulation of the axle which allows both wheels to stay more in contact with the driving surface. Lockers keep both wheels moving at the same speed. @@TaigaTurf

[@byronlarson5534]

The noise might have been the brake lock differential system - traction control trying to apply braking to the slipping wheels.

[@yoyartube]

To get brake lock diffs to work well you have to stay on the gas consistently. If you let off it won't work well.

[@Moon222]

where did you learn it?

[@yoyartube]

@@Moon222 I've been driving a Jeep Wrangler off-road for nearly 10 years

[@Moon222]

@@yoyartube Alr. So we just have to lightly engage the brakes, while keeping at 1500 RPM?

[@yoyartube]

@@Moon222 actually the whole braking thing it a bit old fashioned; it was for true open diffs which was back in the TJ days. In a modern wrangler it uses the ABS braking system to apply the brakes for you to the wheel that is spinning. this drives torque to the wheel with traction. most of the time you just need to keep on the gas pedal in a moderate and consistent way and the traction control will figure it out. In wranglers this is called BLD or brake lock differential which is just marketing speak for traction control. Many vehicles also have this but the wrangler version works very well.

[@hakankohkoinen8192]

I was thinking this, lockers is often not needed, nor is the left foot breaking, just let the wrangler do its magic :)

[@TaigaTurf]

Disconnected sway bar works just as good as a locker often

[@zmotorpro]

Hey TFL, great video! Now, could we see how much drama your F150 Raptor has with these tests? It would be a great follow up video. Thanks!

[@bostondan77]

Fun to see you guys out there just enjoying the toys.

[@Wezi427]

2dr JK SportS owner: 2 inch lift with KO2's 33in 2 pedal method can work very well in certain conditions. Rear lockers are definitely a better option

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

Excellent episode as always!!! 😁

[@alfa8822]

In a JK you’re supposed to be rolling at about 1mph when shifting into and out of 4 wheel drive. Per owner’s manual. Makes it very easy.

[@jlsgarage872]

As a guy who has had many jeeps i can 100% confirm my 97 jeep grand cherokee stock lift 28" tires will climb way more places with a front locker rear lsd than my 01 XJ did on 4.5 lift 33s and open diffs

[@bearchow1929]

I can't believe this. This is Kindergarden 4x4 stuff. I miss the old days of the magazines and true experts in the field discussing serious subjects.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Wow, countless things about this particular video I could .. comment about.(but I won't) Feels like it must've been an impromptu one. Yep, quality vehicle, condition it is in, lockers, d/c sway bar, tires, gc, approach and departure angles, type of terrain you are on, driver skills, spotters, all that matters. IF you are seriously worried about the terrain being damaged, don't go on it. That's for the EPA fanatics who want everyone to be foot print free on the planet. We all need to live in bubbles elevated above the surface so the planet will out live us all. (which it obviously will)😏

[@ekuryluk]

That Jeep should've had no problem without lockers in 4LO. A couple things - *At 3:32 you're lifting off the accelerator too early for the Jeep's Brake Lock Differential to react to the free spinning wheel. Once slip has started, the driver should gradually apply slightly more throttle once the wheel starts slipping. If the driver eases the throttle, even the slightest, the computer resets the BLD to return to a normal 4Lo driving set-up. Once the Jeep starts moving the driver needs to stay on the throttle, not lift off. Basically, you need to do the opposite of what your brain is telling you to do. *Air-down your tires to 16 psi or lower. Those AT tires need more contact patch on the ground and the tread needs to flex more to release the mud. We have a 2017 JKU Sport on 35s without lockers, and have no problem on trails similar and more difficult to the one in this video. And that's with a manual gearbox. We spend about 20 days a year off-roading and in the past 6 years have never thought we wished we had lockers.

[@terrencehargrave2463]

Andre - I have used the brake trick on manual Toyota's by way of handbrake w/o lockers. It isn't perfect but has been useful on open diff 4x4's. Lockers are still king.

[@robspangler6087]

And this also applies to PC memory as well: "It doesn't matter until it does."

[@patriot5526]

The locking front and rear axles can be a bit finicky on the Power Wagon as well. What I have learned is that you can’t go too long with out locking them. I lock both axles about once a week all year round and drive on dirt for a couple of hundred feet and they will now pretty much lock instantly. I was the guy making S turns and driving forward and backwards to get them to lock, which can end up getting you stuck, but that doesn’t happen anymore.

[@petervandoren2984]

Practice makes perfect Andre. You need to practice the 2 foot driving regularly to keep it up. Just make sure you do it on the company cars. 😉

[@300bhpton]

Left foot braking does not simulate a locker 😅😅😅😅 also you still had traction control enabled. Driving smoothly with and not lifting off as soon as the tcs kicks in like you did in your first 2 runs would make it a lot smoother too.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

I thought you were on a different road with the lockers engaged they worked so good. night and day difference!

[@richardahola692]

Years ago Ford offered a Torsen locker for the 9" diff. I tried one out in a Mustang. It was winter and the roads were clrar. Parked the car with one wheel on dry pavement and the other on solid ice. It did a really nice burnout with one wheel.

[@frankmccue6337]

Gentile momentum and breaking do wonders in my Sahara. Do some nearly trails in Oklahoma. But a rear locker would make things a little easier

[@garyschatz3718]

That’s one reason why I bought an F-150. You don’t have to buy an expensive off-road package on an F-150 to get a rear locker. It is offered at all trim levels. I don’t off-road but there have been times where I needed it, such as going up a steep snowy road or pulling off the road a little to park and then getting stuck because your left tires have all the traction and the right ones are spinning.

[@Jay-me7gw]

Yeah and you can turn it on whenever(except over 25mph) whereas a lot of trucks limit you to only using them in 4Lo. Its nice to just be able to pop the locker on for a second instead of having to go for 4Hi.

[@FreakyT333]

My tuner allows me to lock the rear in 2x4 on my Rubicon. I’ve done some similar testing on snowy trails comparing 2x4 locked and 4 low. I was quite surprised how capable 2x4 locked was on slick surfaces. Soon as the inclines got steeper though 4 low was needed. Anyways, I think they should offer this option from the factory, it has certain use cases.

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

The Jeep is not performing at its best because the tires are pretty worn down. Also, I am not sure of the driver's ability to drive off-road.

[@williamgrayson3239]

The two foot method is intended to be used with a limited slip. The brakes load the limited slip and transfer torque from the spinning wheel. A good limited slip (torsens) can transfer up to 3x the torque of the non gripping wheel to the gripping wheel. If you have a wheel in the air, 3 x zero is zero. Riding the brake will give the lifted wheel some resistance to transfer torque to the side with traction. Say you drag the brakes and put 50 ft/lbs of resistance to the tire in the air. A torsen will transfer 150 foot lbs to the tire with traction. Since that brake is also gripping with 50 ft lbs of resistance. That leaves 100 ft lbs of force for the tire left over n the ground. Without the limited slip, there’s no torque multiplication. So the forces of the brakes are just canceling one another out.

[@BadDrivers101]

Coming from a truck with open diffs, I’m always impressed with the ATRACS in my GX insane how good it is without a locker.

[@anthonymrskipt9252]

Left foot braking is really more like modern electronic traction control that locks the opposite brake to send power to the wheel with less traction. I’m not sure it would make a difference on any vehicle that has even rudimentary traction control. I used to left foot brake my Cherokee with a manual transmission and it worked just fine in 1st an 4L - just could not stop without some quick footwork. I had a Volvo 144S with RWD and an automatic as my first car and left foot braking actually helped that one out even more. That was my “rally Volvo” and I learned a lot about driving a low power car with 1wd on some slippery surfaces. I think the military teaches this because you never know when you’re going to be in some rudimentary vehicle on the other side of the world when left foot braking may make all the difference. A useful skill, but you probably have to try it in something with no other assistance to really see the benefit.

[@chriscon8463]

It’d be fun to see how my 2WD ‘23 Ranger XL would do on that trail with the rear locker engaged!

[@ShredGarage]

Were you guys filming on the Saturday of the Air Force vs Army game in Denver?

[@johnmcclelland6872]

Go, Army Aviation!

[@jimmy-buffett]

Jeep added Brake Lock Differential / BLD to most Wranglers in the early 2010's, this Jeep should have it. No need for left foot braking if that's turned on, BLD brakes only the wheels that are slipping rather than all wheels like left foot braking does. It's not as smooth as lockers when climbing a very hard obstacle (like the Poughkeepsie Wall in Ouray) but for 98% of what we see on most trails BLD / ATRAC (Toyota's version) are enough.

[@krover01]

Its called traction control

[@EricCantin]

I often get my JKU Wrangler brake lock diff to engage and climb over obstacles without true lockers. The trick is just a bit of throttle. Give it too much and the brakes do less.

[@cmdr1911]

I'll leave it like this, my wrangler unlimited sport with all Goodyear wrangler AT has served me very well on pipeline and power line right of ways. The extras are nice but good 4x4 and tires will get you almost anywhere outside of trails.

[@mlow42]

It does seem like tires for grip and height for clearance, are the 2 main factors.

[@wallywoods288]

Good tires are key and also a benefit of not having lockers is one your rear end tracks better making it easier to keep it out of ruts and when you dig in with lockers you are really stuck most likely sitting on the frame it's the difference between your buddy pulling you out and a wrecker coming to get you

[@krover01]

@@wallywoods288 Common sense goes a long way. Knowing when to turn the lockers on and off is key. Also knowing when to stop spinning so you dont dig down further.. There is no advantage to NOT having lockers.

[@ricksmith7659]

E-brake for rear open diff works better then 2 foot driving

[@HSstudio.Ytchnnl]

what's the update on David's new project truck?

[@petemiller519]

I WANT YOUR JOB!! ...lol. Cheers from Canada :)

[@cowelk]

Does a Rubicon Wrangler with a rear locker have an open differential when the locker is not in use? My Wrangler has an Anti-Spin rear differential. I don't get that wheel spin when running in 2WD or 4WD (high or low) that I saw when you were running without the rear locker engaged. I would like to see that comparison. I love your comparisons of a Jeep in different modes. Thanks

[@erice4611]

How do u like your Baja Boss a/t tires say vs Falken Wildpeaks A/T3W?

[@chanceneel1]

Depends on the tech in the vehicle because a modern LR has such good electronic controls lockers don't really matter

[@Bleda2002]

Clearly never off roaded beyond a rutty dirt road if you believe that. BLD is better than nothing, but it will never replace a real locker.

[@AtleBjerkestrand]

I have the rear locker in my l322 and it does matter. Without the locker you loose the momentum because it starts to spin.

[@chanceneel1]

@@Bleda2002 I'd agree with any other vehicle but my Discovery doesn't have a front locker and the only time it's been stuck was when it sank in a swamp. I've probably been in more blackland boggy mud then most.

[@TheScotro]

Left foot braking works very well. It’s definitely not as easy as a locker (cheating), but it’s a really great skill to have!

[@BillyBobTup]

What year is this Jeep? New enough to have BLD/Break Lock Differential? I thought that system was pretty aggressive at breaking spinning wheels, but this one seemed to be allowing excessive wheel spin. Would this be caused by the 2 foot(or whatever it is called) driving technique, where one foot is kept on the break even while accelerating? Would that sort of driving interfere with BLD? If so, maybe that Jeep in either 2Wd or 4WD (both without locker) could have done a lot better? Of course, a BLD (or A-Trac etc) are simply attempts to do without a locker and still have left to right traction, so even if it had done much better, that would still not indicate a locker( or locker simulator) does not matter. Anyway, fun video!

[@MrStaybrown]

I used to use a Bullydog to control my idle so it just crawls up hill without stopping

[@davidb.turknett4447]

I think I'll stick with my '05 TJR. Nothing fancy, but still goes anywhere I point it, even with the little Walmart AT's the dealer put on it 😂

[@fernandomartin624]

New jeeps have a limited slip diff on the Dana 44s I think at least my gladiator have, so I'd put just a front locker for those special occasions

[@krover01]

limited slip is not a locker. Its better than nothing, but they dont work the same as a locker.

[@Jay-me7gw]

If you have a rubicon its factory locked on both axles.

[@dakotahensen5759]

So question. I have a family of 5. I use my truck to both pull and haul. But am also trying to get something with good mpg that I can also off road with. So should I go New jeep gladiator rubicon recon ecodiesel Or New power wagon Or something totally different ? Thanks

[@bradpittiful7288]

the second shot of those helicopters and the landscape reminded me of a scene from red dawn....WOLVERINES!

[@litfuses7765]

Let's get a civic out there and find out!

[@jsmcdonaldllc]

why in the world would you disconnect the swaybar for lockers but then reconnect for open and two foot method?? swaybar should have been disconnected the minute you hit the trail and stay disconnected until it's road time.

[@kurtsandoval7714]

My zr2 lockers don't have that problem. They connect and disconnect no problem

[@CarnutMM]

Would have been cool to see with. sway bar engaged but no lockers.

[@jamesamick7458]

It wont be long before people are mad at TFL bc they will burn up their torque converter by using "2 foot method" and not watching their trans temp (or unable to.) *Doing this will quickly heat up your tranny. Fyi It has worked great for years with old manual tractors.

[@zachaddington5264]

Whatever happened to the 98 Chevy

[@The_intrepidmale]

Can I put 200,000 mile on a wrangler without any major mechanical faliures? I am considering a rig for overlanding. However, i do not plan on driving any difficult trails. Also, i must be a daily driver because i live in a condo with limited parking.

[@jimmy-buffett]

You'd be better off doing with with a Toyota 4Runner.

[@cookie3266]

Have 58k miles on JLU. It’s been problem free. But I couldn’t imagine doing long hauls with it. I’d choose a 4Runner over jeep for driving far.

[@SanctumOfDreams]

I’ll advocate for Jeep since I like mine. Taking daily driving into consideration, the JL with the 2.0 turbo gets 25 mpg, as high as 30 in the right conditions. Toyota seats might be better comfort, wrangler seats more commanding position with better visibility especially with smaller hood. Jeep is surprisingly agile, turns on a dime. Lift and bigger tires will be simpler and cheaper with a Jeep. As far as mechanical goes, I’ve seen engine failure, transmission melt, suspension breaking on different Toyotas under 100k miles so don’t let anyone tell you they’re invincible lol. My only criticism: solid axle on uneven highway makes it harder to maintain lane. They’re not for everyone but been great for me.

[@The_intrepidmale]

@@SanctumOfDreams thank you. I've been told solid axles are more durable off road.

[@Hoktew]

1000 views an hour not bad guys

[@kenwilliams4086]

Add water for a completely different outcome.

[@AtleBjerkestrand]

I did the brake lock thing on a Range Rover p38 when stuck in snow. The cv on the spinning wheel exploded. I do not recomend this.

[@Tony-hf9mv]

So basically the 2 foot method is what toyota uses with A trac

[@kevinstarski1598]

I don't get why it seems to hard to shift into 4h or 4l in Jeeps...even Toyota can be finicky and not engage. No issues with Frontiers as far as I can tell...

[@Costanza009]

New Channel idea. TFL Air or TFL Flight.

[@g.fortin3228]

I want to see only rear locker.. we need to see the different levels not just nothing or all. next time please :- )

[@kennak476]

I wonder, could a Toyota Prius with full lockers make it up that? LOL

[@myauctionaddictionestatesa7451]

Power Wagon same way. They need to fix locker engagement ( I paid 2k to install an override kit for the front to work, and have never used the sway bar disconnect as it dies the first time you hit a mud puddle) frustrating

[@M.G.jun.]

Hello André, have you ever thought about a second source of income as a comedian? It was great again. Thank you.

[@BobNob1]

lockers are only for breaking parks

[@georgeborders9686]

My suggestion is to ask BF Goodrich for a set of KO3's, so you can do a long term tire test with the JK.

[@erice4611]

BFG sucks compared to Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T or Falken Wildpeak A/T3W.

[@Jay-me7gw]

I hope the KO3's are better than the KO2's because I have not been super impressed with my two sets.

[@erice4611]

@@Jay-me7gwKo3 isnt too much better!

[@mikefoehr235]

The Civic can do this to.

[@Ultrafrozen]

Only if it has the 1/2" (13mm) lift kit and studded tires.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Sure about that?

[@dennisl6198]

looking at the video, BLD works exactly as advertised. its not a locker. but its good enough for 99% of situations. so do lockers matter? yes, in 1% of situations. and since you actually have to engage them, youre already in the 1% before you realize you need them.

[@krover01]

It all depends on what kind of driving you're doing. You dont need them if all you do are gravel roads. If you run the Rubicon trail twice a month, they're not optional.

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

"anybody who's been stuck in the mud in Alabama knows....you step on the pedal, one wheel spins and the other does nothing"..... Nice Chinook overhead.

[@juanthelawnmowerthief1641]

Why not 4 high first?

[@krover01]

4 high is for faster sand or loose surfaces. Any kind of controlled 4wheeling should be in 4 low for control and torque.

[@Kenneth_R]

You just dug up the trenches with the Jeep a few more inches...yikes!

[@jetcitykitty]

But the Honda Civic has VTEC, which I can use on the roads that I am driving on 90% of the time. I'm not exactly sure what the title is supposed to mean because who's driving Civics offroad? Just doesn't sound like it's that high of a bar to clear for the Jeep.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Is it just me or was he letting off gas just when the vehicle was gaining traction? It certainly appeared like that several times...maybe not on purpose but still...

[@kennethjinkins8967]

good thing Jeeps are good off road they suck elsewhere

[@Travisj9935]

Thanks Captain obvious 😂

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

why do you keep stopping!!!! so frustrating!!! Ever time you start to go forward you stop momentum!!!! Its a JEEP!! Not a car! Drive it like one. You don't pay all that money to be genital on it!!!

[@knightscape]

Constant throttle will also allow the BLD to do its job. Pulsing the throttle lowered the RPM difference and prevents it from doing its job. I’ve had to coach folks snow wheeling to use that system. Slowly increase the throttle until the brakes start pulsing you forward. Same physics as the two foot braking, but more targeted to the slipping tire. Watch Tommy’s slip tests to see that system in action.

[@mikeyc7072]

“genital”🤣🤣🤣 Unintentional or not - really funny😆

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

​@@mikeyc7072😂😂😂😂

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

@@mikeyc7072 yea I goofed LOL

[@kevinstarski1598]

That's exactly what I was thinking...With all the offroading he's done, it was odd unless you wanted to sell us on the idea of "lockers"

[@Papershields001]

I got a bronco badsquatch and I’m so glad I’ve got front and rear lockers, sway bar disconnect, all kinds of 4 wheel drive modes. It makes all the difference