Locker or Lift?

phxdrumpro · 01-04-2009, 08:47 PM

This will be my first purchase for my 01 TJ.
It is stock with 30x9.50 AT's
I am either looking at spending my budgeted $300 on...

Aussie locker for the front
2" Lift

I am pretty happy with the factory clearance and dont plan on running anything larger than 31's. The stock flex disconnected suits me. Stock shocks are a little stiff for my taste.

I am going to lock up the front sooner or later...thought I would do it sooner while I have the money!

Opinions?

abeshures · 01-04-2009, 08:50 PM

trust me you will want more lol. thats a tough choice though. id go with the lift and better tires if you could. a locker would be useless with crappy tires. keep us updated on what you do and good luck

**RnEmOvr** · 01-04-2009, 08:54 PM

save you money and get better tires

phxdrumpro · 01-04-2009, 08:58 PM

I kinda like my tires. Nearly new Coopers...
If I did get new tires, I would get some MT's or XT's...
I just wanted to get the locker done and out of the way considering lifts seem to be a neverending process!

**RnEmOvr** · 01-04-2009, 08:59 PM

then go locked

ca-rj · 01-04-2009, 09:09 PM

Lock it up. It will make the most impact on your wheeling.

CJnaTJ · 01-04-2009, 09:46 PM

Lock it. (Spoken by someone who is currently WITHOUT a locker and new 33" KM2's)

Jeepster83 · 01-04-2009, 09:49 PM

personally it sounds like a case of igottadosomethingtomyjeepitis. save your money a little while longer to get something really good or a few good things. tax season is just around the corner.

97casteeltj · 01-05-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepster83

personally it sounds like a case of igottadosomethingtomyjeepitis. save your money a little while longer to get something really good or a few good things. tax season is just around the corner.

an Aussie Locker is really good

Strizzy · 01-05-2009, 01:09 AM

I'd say skip teh locker for now and put the $300 aside to add to a good quality lift.
Wheeling without a locker will teach you how to wheel better by finding correct tire placement and choosing the right line. I feel people depend too much on their lockers.
Learn to wheel without the locker for now and save for a good spring lift and at least 32's (when your 31's wear out).

97casteeltj · 01-05-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strizzy123

I'd say skip teh locker for now and put the $300 aside to add to a good quality lift.
Wheeling without a locker will teach you how to wheel better by finding correct tire placement and choosing the right line. I feel people depend too much on their lockers.
Learn to wheel without the locker for now and save for a good spring lift and at least 32's (when your 31's wear out).

how often do you use your lockers?

Strizzy · 01-05-2009, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97casteeltj

how often do you use your lockers?

My last wheeling trip I turned them on once on a steep muddy rocky incline. Still couldn't get up after about 10 minutes of trying.
It's also much more fun when the lockers aren't being used.

jumbojeepman · 01-05-2009, 01:38 AM

I say lift first. Getting the vehicle frame up off the obstacles helps so much.

97casteeltj · 01-05-2009, 01:40 AM

he said he was happy with factory clearance (which i'm sure he wouldn't mind a bit more) but i'd say get some armor on it, preferably on the underside.

phxdrumpro · 01-05-2009, 09:30 AM

One factor I am looking at is the used parts market.
I trust used lift parts much more than a used locker (I dont know why...just do!).
Guys seem to be upgrading lifts much more frequently than lockers.
I know this leads to "adopting someone else's mistake" but there is some value in learning what works and what doest by experience as well as learning how much lift you need for YOUR style of wheeling.
Not everyone needs 6" of lift and 40's...I know I sure dont.
So I am keeping my eye on used lift springs, etc and trying to find the best deal on a new locker.
I will end up doing both but just trying to find out which one should be first.