Hello-

I am looking for advice on what type of mechanical upgrade makes the most sense. I would like to spend less than $500 and am not interested in lifting at this point in time. I was also thinking a new bumper, but I just had some body work done and have a whole new front end, I also don't want to have to worry about adding new springs for the additional weight of a new bumper.
So, that leaves me with adding a limited slip in the rear, unless anyone else has some input.

I currently have:
245/70/16 Toyo Open Country A/Ts
Full Skids
Hitch
Factory rock rails (renegade)
Open diff

I drive about 90% highway so I don't think a full locker makes the most sense, I was thinking of a limited slip.

I have done some research and I had a couple concerns about adding a limited slip(whether they are warranted or not)

1. My girl drives my Jeep occasionally and I don't want to worry about how it handles if it will handle differently
2. Michigan = snow - I have heard that a limited slip doesn't handle well in the snow... not sure if this is true - see above
3. Will it help at the Sand dunes? - Silver Lake is about the only time it goes off-road.

Thanks for your input,
Sean

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2006 Renegade 4x4

Detroit TrueTrac would make a world of a difference and it would still be good to drive, I have the DL in the rear and I dont have any problems with it driving in the city

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/

Sean, from what you've written, I would suggest the PowerTrax No- Slip Locker (Part # 92-0382-2905) for the Jeep 8.25 rear diff. I suggest this, because it's what I have and I live in the Chicago area. I'm not suggesting it's the best unit, but rather, I haven't had problems driving with one. Mind you, driving habits will become different than the open diff you're both used to, but nothing that cannot quickly be adapted to. Like anything else really. A little common sense goes a long way. As for sand dunes, well a limited slip or locker will be a great aid most anytime you get stuck. Of course you have to realize how these units work in various situations.

On a side note, I've read good things about the Aussie Locker, but don't take my word for it until you hear from someone who actually owns one.

Do you have recovery points? front? and rear? If not, get the Mopar front tow hooks and a shackle for your hitch receiver in the rear. These are important no matter where you go off road.

Are your skids Mopar, as in factory? If so, you'll most likely be okay if you're just going to play in sand, but if you ever decide to do some technicial trails, you'll want better quality skids. You might want to keep in mind, never say never.

Otherwise, again from what you wrote, I'm thinking maybe you're ready for some cool cosmetic's, like off-road lights or a roof basket??

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2004 TJ Rubicon.

A bumper is not a mechanical upgrade so I wouldn't consider it at all.

I would save another few hundred $$ and then go straight for an ARB locker for the rear. You or your lady won't know it is there until you need it and then the difference would be huge. The dunes will beg for mercy.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

lunchbox locker out back, and get better collision and property damage coverage or take the ol' lady off the insurance

Seriously, though, in wet/snowy weather is the only time you have to alter your driving habits.

You want a lunchbox locker, and some MT's...and OME HD's...and a snorkel....and...

i have the Detroit TruTrac in the back and love it. First time out w/it we were at Badlands. After lunch we went back out (i had a passenger) and were cruising the dunes. After about 15 minutes of it i told him it felt a little sluggish in the sand and it seemed odd. Looked down and i had only been in two wheel drive the whole time. The TruTrac was hooking up and getting me through the sand with no problems despite being in 2 wheel drive. Additionally, i have been able to tackle some obstacles i was unable to B4.

Road manners are great. Personally, i don't heare any clicking or other noise i'd heard associated w/LSD's. The other good thing about the DTT is that it is a gear type LSD so smooth performance and no clutch parts to wear out. Also, if you have the manual trans i would stay away from the Power Trax. When i was looking at LSD's a few of the LOST guys who'd tried the Power Trax in the manual trans reported problems. Haven't heard any gripes from those running automatic though.

i probably would have preferred to go fully locked for off road but since mine's a daily driver at present . . .

Would definitely recommend this based on my personal experience. Good luck w/whatever you decide!

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'04 Renny
Mod's: See Avatar
Conquests: Poughkeepsie Gulch, Governor's Basin, Black Bear/Imogene/Engineer/Cinnamon pass, Coal Creek OHV, Badlands OHV, S.M.O.R.R., K-Rocks, Parent's driveway

Remember, he wants to spend $500.00 or less.

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2004 TJ Rubicon.

X2, save your money and buy the best..........

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2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.

I appreciate the suggestions:
From what I have found the Aussie Locker XD-58229 sounds nice and is within my budget, any comment to this?

Also, yes I already have front/rear tow points and a roof rack / lights

http://www.aussielocker.com/item.php/TM352165/b9f4/10/310061/.html

Thanks,
Sean

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2006 Renegade 4x4

Do you have full skids? I would do those before a locker. Especially since you already have traction control.

It should already have the skids its a Renegade. Do you have the trac-lok? bc the Aussie wont work if you do you need an open carrier, if you need an open carrier let me know I have mine in my garage I can sen you.

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/

Skids were not standard on my Renegade however I did buy them all, additionally I do not have the trac-lok, I have an open diff.

Aussie locker sound like the way to go?

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2006 Renegade 4x4