oh man.... I am having connectivity issues so this is my third time trying to post the answer....
1. We are looking at a limited production of two lockers: front for 10-bolt axle - most of the Isuzus 1987-2004, and rear for Isuzu corporate 12-bolt axle found in all Troopers from late 1987-1997, Amigos and pickups through 1994, and all Vehicross models.
2. It is limited production based on interest of Isuzu owners who wheel; can't blame'em on this...
3. The front locker is automatic. There are no switch panels to install, wires, or additional hardware, except for manual hubs. You WANT the hubs installed with this locker, otherwise you end up with the warthog - excuse this Halo reference
What it means is that with one turn of the knob you can lock and unlock the diff from 2x4 to 4x4 almost instantly. Without the hubs the locker keeps the diff distributing the power to both wheels evenly, which means that if you lift one tire of the ground, the other will have enough power to pull you through. Essentially you want to be in 2x4 while driving on the pavement. Having so much power in front wheels may not be too healthy for the truck, and requires serious adjustment of you driving habits.
4. Front locker and TOD are not meant to work together, so if you make a decision to install the locker you need to remember that. The best solution would be to disconnect TOD, but not everyone wants to do that. You absolutely need the hubs then. TOD will not freak out as much if the front wheels are disconnected. You will see TOD trying to kick in in extreme conditions, just as I saw it when I run through mountains in Colorado, but most of it was the power distribution from the engine. Not much of an issue, since the truck was in 2x4, and the front wheels were not catching it.
5. VXes have limited slip in the back which means you do not need the locker in the rear if you are not an extreme wheeler. A few clicks on the e-brake will immobilize the rear wheels enough to aid the front locker to pull you through the obstacles.
6. Lockers are NOT for everyone. Unless you are thinking about serious wheeling the vx there is no reason to install a locker. Manual or automatic, locker means you will take the rig on the trails where body damage is inevitable. Make sure you are ready to take some harder trails, before you splurge on the locker.
I hope this helps.
Reply With Quote