A lunchbox locker is really a drop-in, light-duty kind of automatic locker designed for most Jeep, truck, and Sports utility vehicle differentials. Lunchbox locker is really a slang expression used to explain this kind of locker because, similar to a lunchbox, the outdoors packaging stays exactly the same although the contents within it are altered. Metaphorically, the differential is the lunchbox and also the locker may be the contents within it.

Lunchbox lockers operate much like their full-size counterparts. They are made to instantly engage and lock both wheels with an axle in the very instant it detects one wheel receiving more torque compared to other.

This locking action applies 100% from the driving pressure to both wheels, basically developing a spool. Once the torque distinction between each wheel is reduced, then your locker can unlock and permit differentiation from the wheels that is advantageous for maneuvering around plastic free lunchbox .

The Lunchbox Locker Has Its Own Benefits And Drawbacks

The primary advantages of these drop-in lockers is they are pretty straight forward units which are made to install right into a factory open differential carrier (or even in factory limited slip carriers). Generally, the carrier doesn't need to be taken off the axle meaning the ring and pinion gears don't need to be reset. Within the couple of instances where it is necessary to get rid of the carrier, will still be not essential to reset the ring and pinion since the pinion is screwed towards the carrier so that as lengthy because the carrier will get reinstalled using the correct shims which were already in position, the ring and pinion backlash will stay the same.

This is extremely beneficial since the expertise and tools essential for establishing a ring and pinion on your own could possibly get costly rapidly. When the time comes that you will no longer would like your lunchbox locker, simply take it off and reinstall the stock differential parts as well as your differential will act just as when it had been new.

The primary disadvantage is they are just as strong because the carrier where they're set up in. For vehicles with smaller sized axles like the Dana 30 and Dana 35 that are well-liked by the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee selection, this will cause some limitations, mainly with tire size. Anything over 33-inches isn't suggested to be used using these small units, however there are many off-roaders who'll testify that the lunchbox locker could turn 37-inch tires with no occurrences. It largely depends upon the kind of driving that's done. Clearly, the greater extreme the terrain and also the bigger the tires installed, the much more likely it will likely be to get a failure.

To sum it up, a lunchbox locker is a perfect candidate for anybody that's getting into to recreational off-roading. The traction they offer for his or her minimal cost (most between $200 to $300) is a big performance gain. A 2WD vehicle having a locker are capable of doing almost in addition to a 4WD vehicle with open differentials. Couple by using the truth that they may be installed through the home auto technician with fundamental garage tools plus you've got your recipe for many serious off-road fun.