Locker pumps in Jeep Rubicon 4×4 systems only turn on a low range. To engage the rear lockers, turn the key to the on position and hit the locker switch. The lockers engage easier when slightly rolling, usually with a blip of the throttle. Engage the front locker when clearing obstacles or ledges.
For stock 2021 Rubicon, engage the rear lockers in 4H by pressing the Off Road button, holding the ESC (traction control) button for 5 seconds, and pressing the lock rear button. If you wire them for safety, place the spring on the piston and thread it into the swivel fitting on your shifter. Thread the swivel fitting until it touches the shift rod.
Aftermarket add-on lockers are increasingly popular, and Quadratec offers many options for every popular axle type. One of the most reliable long-term options is the ARB Air Locker, which relies on an on-board air supply set up in the form of a compressor or Power Tank CO2 system. These stout units work well in adverse conditions.
To engage lockers, disconnect the airlines going to the rears, jack up the Jeep, put it in 4W Low range, and activate the locker rocker switch once to engage the rear locker. Wait for the light on the dash to stop blinking. Release both lockers by operating the switch upwards.
If the front locker won’t engage, disconnect the airlines going to the rears and jack up the Jeep. Turn on the key and have someone blow into the front line while spinning the tire. Use super chips to unlock the axles and check the harness under the belly skid.
📹 HOW TO ENGAGE LOCKERS JEEP RUBICON
HOW TO ENGAGE LOCKERS JEEP RUBICON.
Do lockers engage automatically?
When a vehicle turns, the outside tire spins faster than the inside. An open differential lets axleshafts spin at different speeds, but always sends power to the tire with the least traction. If you lift a tire, that’s the side that spins. An automatic locker locks the axleshafts together when the vehicle is moving. The axleshafts can only spin independently when the vehicle is coasting. When turning under power, the inside tire will make a noise and the outside tire will slip. Also, an auto locker will engage or disengage when power is applied or removed, which can cause jerking, banging, and clanging. A manual locker lets you choose whether to lock or unlock the differential. This lets you drive smoothly on the road without losing performance off-road. The downside is that it costs a lot and sometimes it’s complicated to engage or disengage it, like with bulky cables or air lines. Here’s our take on the subject. I’ve tested many different lockers in different vehicles. I have strong opinions about lockers, but no hard and fast rules. My choice depends on my application. Let’s start with front lockers. If my vehicle has locking hubs, I’ll go for an auto locker. They’re simple and I don’t need to remember to turn them on or off. If you bust a shaft under power, you’ll probably damage an automatic locker. So, I’ll factor axle strength and tire size into the equation. I usually go for a Detroit Locker. They can increase the turning radius, but I can turn sharply by modulating the throttle during slow, slinky trail work. If I’m running a vehicle with unit bearings or no locking hubs, I’ll go for a selectable locker. I’ve never had a failure with a pneumatic locker, but I have had problems with seals, air lines, and other parts. It’s made me lean towards electric lockers. I like running wires through the diff better than routing a cable or plumbing an air system.
How do you engage a diff locker?
Axle. How do I engage my diff lock? There are three buttons next to your gear. Selector. The middle button is the diff lock. Press the button for about a second.
How do you engage a differential lock?
Axle. How do I engage my diff lock? There are three buttons next to your gear. Selector. The middle button is the diff lock. Press the button for about a second.
How does a Rubicon locker work?
This locks the left and right sides of the axle together so that if one side loses traction, the other can still grip. It stops them from slipping.
- Start date: Sep 27, 2021
- Watchers: 4
For the latest Rubicon models: how does the Rock-trac system work? The Wikipedia link doesn’t say much about how it works. Does it have a center differential? Does it come with lockers for the center and rear diff? If there is a center diff, does that mean that when 4×4 is not engaged (on-road driving in good conditions), it is an all-wheel drive, not 2WD? Sorry if these are dumb questions. Your other question is about a center differential. This is the transfer case. That engages 4WD. When not engaged, the Rubicon operates in 2WD, not AWD. The front wheels are only driven when it’s locked in 4WD HI or 4WD LO.
How do automatic lockers work?
An auto locker replaces the gears in a vehicle’s differential housing, allowing the diff to be locked, even if a wheel is spinning. A diff lock is essential for off-roading. Thinking about installing a differential lock on your 4×4? Another option is an auto locker, which is often affordable. What is an auto locker and how does it work?
In our November issue (issue 151, page 98), we talked about differentials and diff locks. We looked at how diff locks work and why they’re useful off-road. We didn’t talk about auto lockers in general, even though they could be called a kind of automatic diff lock. Let’s talk about them here. Not all 4x4s have diff locks. They’re less common in modern vehicles, but you can get an aftermarket model if you want to go off-roading. An air locker is a very popular option. ARB makes a good one that you can see online. An air locker is a diff lock that can be engaged with a compressor. The compressor sends air into a locking system inside the differential. Once installed, it works like a factory-fitted differential lock. Press a button, and the lock is on. The downside is that it’s complex and expensive to buy and install.
When to lock differential rubicon?
A Rubicon or other selectable locker works best when it’s on for the few feet on the trail when you need it. When it is on, you have full lock all the time, not just when you press the throttle. Cornering is hard on the vehicle, even on dirt. You can’t drive on the street. Don’t use it the whole time. When to use lockers is a matter of trial and error. The best time is just before a challenging section. If the Jeep is bouncing, spinning tires, and hopping up and down, you are in danger of snapping an axle.
Lockers are great, but using them wrong can be expensive. It’s a pay-to-play sport. The harder you play, the more strain your axles, steering, and drivetrain experience. It’s worth it.
How to engage lockers on TJ Rubicon?
On the trails. It’s hard to stop. To turn it off, just push the button. The lights flash until the device is disabled.
Can you engage diff lock while driving?
When can you participate? You can choose when to engage optional locking differentials. Locking the differential in off-road and extreme weather is helpful and recommended. Don’t engage the locking differential in the middle of a turn. This will make the problem worse and may damage your vehicle.
With auto-locking differentials, you can’t choose when they’ll engage. If the conditions are extreme, your vehicle will lock the differential. When should you turn it off? The locking differential helps drivers in extreme conditions. When you’ve passed low traction or extreme conditions, release the locking mechanism. When you release the locking mechanism, stop or drive slowly. This prevents problems when breaking away from the technology.
How to use lockers on a Jeep?
Pressing the toggle switch locks both the front and rear differentials. To turn off the system, press the button to the left of the toggle switch. This unlocks both lockers.
How do you turn a locker lock?
Turn the dial right until you get to the last number. Now, pull down the lock. If it doesn’t open, take a deep breath.
How do you use a locker lock?
Turn the dial clockwise and push up on the handle. Open your locker.
How do you use the axle lock on a Jeep Rubicon?
To lock or unlock the front axle, push the bottom of the switch again. To unlock the axles, push the button to the left of the switch.
📹 How To: Use Jeep Axle Lockers | Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator
In this video I show you how to use the axle locker system in your Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator. This process should work forĀ …
Just one additional important comment for shifting into 4L (applicable for the JK Wrangler). It was already mentioned, that one should not pull that hard on the lever trying to bring it into 4L. Always let the car roll a bit while doing it. This is especially important because there is a weak plastic part involved in the force transmission line of that lever towards the transfer case and if you pull too hard, it can break. On top of it, that tiny plastic part is almost not accessible and you have to disassemble parts of the exhaust system to get access to it. In Germany, we have some 4×4 companies, who are offering Jeep Wrangler specific garage training sessions over the weekend, which I can highly recommend. You will not only learn a lot about your Wrangler and the parts which often break (especially if your are offroading), but also what you can repair on the trail and what to take with you in order to do it.
Very useful information. The only thing I think that could help is an explanation of a scenario you would use the lockers, Rear, Front and Rear and Off Road functionality.. This one of only a few websites that actually takes the time to go through the process though so I’m very happy I stumbled on your website. It can be a bit nerve racking when using all the functionalities as tearing up a brand new Rubicon could be a pricey endeavor. Subscribed and Liked. Thanks again.