With an open diff, the power goes to the wheel with the
least traction. But in a 4wd without lockers, not all wheels get an equal amount of power no matter what the decals on the fenders say.
snakey said:
By JohnnyO's explanation, the two should be the same.
Effectively, yes. Realistically, in snow I would take a 4wd with opens over a 2wd with a locker because that front axle helping out and where most of the weight is would be better. Off-roading in dirt or mud, the difference is much less pronounced. Note that the Baja 1000 Trophy Trucks are all 2wd with lockers or spools. Although in snow a 2wd with a locker or limited-slip will smoke a 2wd with an open rear.
Front limited-slips or lockers can be the shiznit off-road but in snow and/or ice you're better off with an open front because when you turn a corner you will merrily plow straight ahead into a pole, sidewalk, other traffic, whatever, until you get
very practiced at it. People I know with front lockers simply unlock one front hub when driving on snow covered roads.
Until I got my 08 Trac, I never owned a 4wd
without a limited-slip rear (99 Ranger, 02 Ranger, 05 Trac), even if I had to special-order to get it (dealers hate when you want to do that). 07-08 Tracs have traction control and a limited-slip is not available. But I'm wondering if I could put one in anyway and not screw up the traction control.
Coastiejoe said:
you will never have more than one axle at each end doing work unless you have a locked third member.
You mean one
wheel at each end, right?
