Help me lock my GF's '03 KJ!

Kaiser · **Joined:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:40 pm **Posts:** 13

Hi all - I tried a bit of searching but I'm on dialup right now and it's killing me... hope this hasn't been gone over a million times... I apologize if it has.

Here's the situation: I've gotten into some hardcore offroading in my Xterra in the last few years (PIC) and my girlfriend has enjoyed the heck out of it.... so much so that when we went looking for a new vehicle for her last year she absolutely insisted on getting a 4WD truck. I almost had her talked into an X - but she liked the ride and comfort of the Liberty better and got a nice used '03 base model 4x4.

She's been wanting to start modding it since she got it but hasn't been able to afford anything yet - I just helped her get some 245/70R16 Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo's (a pretty good AT in my opinion... a little less agressive than the BFG AT - but nice)

I LOOOOVE my ARB air locker and was thinking of getting her a Lock Right (can't afford another ARB

) if one exists for the Liberty for Christmas. I've seen a few sigs on this board that mention Powertrax - but I haven't found the Liberty in any of the selection guides I've come across... is the Powertrax unit that people have here one of their regular LSDs (as opposed to the Lock Right?). Are there any other mechanical lockers out there for it - or is it ARB or nothing?

If that doesn't work out, she'd be thrilled with a lift (she might like that better anyway because it looks good :roll:

). Any particular brand/model that you guys recommend for that?

Thanks a ton,
Glen

Kaiser · **Joined:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:40 pm **Posts:** 13

Oh hey... just came across THIS... that looks pretty promising!

skrracing · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 11:12 pm

If youo plan to go with the powertrac...Please go with the Powertrax No Slip. The lock right is not a good everyday combo for the KJ. The No slip works great. yes I kniow it cost a few more bucks...But well worth it. Hope thT helps. later...Clint

Kaiser · **Joined:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:40 pm **Posts:** 13

I'm kind of confused about the difference between the two... is the no slip a full locker (i.e. when one wheel is completely off the ground does the one on the dirt get power)?

1calkid · **Posted:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 11:53 pm

Yes it is like a full locker. But, it's more user friendly and a little more forgiving on the road. I have had mine in for about 2 years now and live in MA and we get a good amount of snow and it hasn't given me a bit of problems. I would recommend it to anyone that can't afford the ARB, such as myself.

Good Luck

jpzkj · **Posted:** Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:27 am

NoSlip is in my wifes daily driver...no complaints about it either.

GoodLuck

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:22 am

I can't comment on the locker as I don't have one yet, but I see you're in Texas. What part?

Kaiser · **Joined:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:40 pm **Posts:** 13

FreedomKJ wrote:

I can't comment on the locker as I don't have one yet, but I see you're in Texas. What part?

North Dallas (Allen specifically). Would like to move to Austin one of these days though.

Thanks for the advice everybody... if I decide to go through with this the No Slip looks like a winner.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:28 pm

Detroit tru-trac is a little more money.

http://www.tractech.com/WhatsNew.htm

Good luck with the "lunchBox" locker. :lol:

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sat Nov 05, 2005 12:43 pm

The Powertrax No-Slip is by far the easiest locker to install (unless you have an LSD...then it's a bit more difficult, but still easier than the other options).

There's some stuff here that may help you:
http://www.youngs.org/kjparts/default.asp?category=3

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

Strait from power-trax website

Synchronization mechanism eliminates ratcheting sound typical of locking differentials
Backlash effects are minimized because of special spring/saddle design
Rapid, smooth engagement and disengagement

It is well worth the extra dollars over the lock-rite.[/list]

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2005 12:10 am

ok, so which axle would an 02 Liberty have? the Dana 35, or the 8 1/4? also, what's the spline count on whichever axle it would have?

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:55 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie wrote:

ok, so which axle would an 02 Liberty have? the Dana 35, or the 8 1/4? also, what's the spline count on whichever axle it would have?

If you have a 3.7L it most likely has the Corporate 8.25" in the rear. I say most likely because we've seen one with a Dana 35 in there rear, but it may be a fluke. The 8.25" is a 29 spline axle.

When ordering a locker for your KJ be careful as the 8.25" in the KJ is different from the 8.25" found in other Jeeps and the lockers are not usually interchangable.

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:51 am

rock on, dude, thanks:D

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

FreedomKJ wrote:

ThunderbirdJunkie wrote:

ok, so which axle would an 02 Liberty have? the Dana 35, or the 8 1/4? also, what's the spline count on whichever axle it would have?

If you have a 3.7L it most likely has the Corporate 8.25" in the rear. I say most likely because we've seen one with a Dana 35 in there rear, but it may be a fluke. The 8.25" is a 29 spline axle.

When ordering a locker for your KJ be careful as the 8.25" in the KJ is different from the 8.25" found in other Jeeps and the lockers are not usually interchangable.

I think that has more to do with the if you are getting an ARB (or any carrier replacement) due to the a toner ring used for the ABS. If you are just going with a lunch-box it should be the same. I got mine from a guy that was about to put it in his Durango, but decided he didnt want it.

Kaiser · **Joined:** Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:40 pm **Posts:** 13

After wheeling this past weekend it's clear that she needs a lift and armor much much more than she needs more traction (for the time being). The clearance on her '03 (I understand that Jeep lowered it an inch from previous years) is appalling.

Thanks again for all the good info... I'm going to start searching the lift threads (I'm sure there are plenty of those).

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:15 am

Eddo wrote:

I think that has more to do with the if you are getting an ARB (or any carrier replacement) due to the a toner ring used for the ABS. If you are just going with a lunch-box it should be the same. I got mine from a guy that was about to put it in his Durango, but decided he didnt want it.

no ABS, so no tone ring:D

BTW, Kaiser...nice shot of your XTerra. I thought about gettin one, but I thought my money would be better spent on a Liberty.

Oh, and if it's the inch lower liberty, then that just means you have that much more lift, right?:D

Edwin · **Posted:** Tue Nov 08, 2005 8:32 am

Kaiser wrote:

After wheeling this past weekend it's clear that she needs a lift and armor much much more than she needs more traction (for the time being). The clearance on her '03 (I understand that Jeep lowered it an inch from previous years) is appalling.

Thanks again for all the good info... I'm going to start searching the lift threads (I'm sure there are plenty of those).

I like the OME HD or the Frankinlift. I don't think much of Rusty's because of the problems people have had with the rear shocks.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Wed Nov 09, 2005 2:21 pm

The stock KJ has perfectly capable clearance, at least mine did while I wheeled it when it was stock. Besides its not like the Xterra is any better, they are essentially the same in my opinion, just different styling and company. I have a buddy with an Xterra and I think my KJ wheels a million times better. :wink:

Guest · **Posted:** Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:19 pm

yeah, you also have to remember that ground clearance isn't entirely the name of the game either.

approach, breakover, and departure angles ain't far off between the XT and the Liberty...the liberty's just smaller, so being lower is almost excusable:P

Help me lock my GF's '03 KJ!

Who is online