10 Best Lockers For Jeep JK – Review and Complete Guide

It’s not a surprise for a Jeep JK owner to be stuck in a storm at times and finding out that one tire of their Jeep is hanging freely, leaving them wanting a lock desperately.

If you also own a Jeep, agility and maneuverability are sure to be two of the many factors you bought the Jeep for. And luckily, locks are made to fulfill that purpose as they let the wheels spin in independent directions.

Best Lockers for Jeep JK in 2020

There are hundreds of lockers available in the market when it comes to Jeep JK. Given the fact that there are minor differences in several models, both with the aspect of price and specs, it really becomes a headache when opting for one over another.

When deciding one locker over the other, you don’t just need to look at the spec sheet. Rather, you should analyze it according to your needs and your budget, making it a perfect choice just for you.

Hence, a single locker might not be the best option for two different people.

So, we have carried on massive research in order to unveil the top ten best lockers for Jeep JK available on the market, making a easy choice for you. Let’s see down below.

Comparison Table of Best Lockers for Jeep JK

Our Picks of Best Lockers for Jeep JK

We have spent the whole week reviewing the best lockers for Jeep JK, and in the upcoming section, we will provide you with a list of our 10 picks for best locks for Jeep JK.

You can easily decide by reading this as we have mentioned the pros and cons and have briefly described how the locker actually is. Let’s see.

1.       Yukon Gear YDGGM8.5-3-30-1 Lockers for Jeep JK

Yukon is a great option when it comes to lockers. If you have any prior experience with their products, you probably know how durable they are. The same is the case with this locker, as well.

The durability not only helps the locker’s lifetime, but it also adds up to the life or other parts related to it.

The quality with which the locker is manufactured is also flawless. Built with precision, it offers you the option of off-roading as much as you want without inflicting any damage to the locker.

The design includes a positraction using four springs, and the fact that it has a dura grip makes it capable of handling great twisting force without any issue.

Another factor that adds to its strength is the material it’s built with. Boasting a structure made up of steel and chromium, it is extremely hard and tough under even the worst circumstances.

Lastly, the installation is also quite easy, requiring you to put in under two hours. And the fact that it’s not limited to be installed on Jeep JK only makes it more attractive.

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The four spring system is highly recommended for buttery smooth transfer and having maximum torque on the wheels.

On top of that, its unique ability to fit onto any vehicle having the said axle size makes it a possible option for other vehicles as well, making it one of the best products available in the market.

2.       USA Standard Gear SL D30-27 differential-27 Spartan Locker

Easily one of the main contenders for being the most famous locker is a spartan locker manufactured by USA standard gear. They are a great option when it comes to traction control and is not super expensive, as well.

If you had an image that solving the problem of traction and achieving control over it could be out of your reach for being expensive, this locker could easily prove you wrong with its surprising price point.

The company, USA Standard Gear, is already very famous for products that are concerned with vehicles performing off-road. This locker, too, helps a lot in providing off-road control through the traction control system.

Another differentiating factor this locker has over the others is that it is surprisingly easier to install when compared with the others.

It has the typical drop-in kind of process that uses a spring and pin design, making the installation process a matter of a couple of hours at most and not requiring the tiring periods of exertion.

The customers who have experienced this locker have had a good time and haven’t made any complaints that could blur the image of this product. The product comes with a comprehensive installation guide, including pictorial references, as well.

However, there are certain things that you might have to get used to after the installation of this locker.

A sudden pop sound is heard easily whenever you are about to make a sharp turn, and you might have to exert a little bit more force on the steering wheel when making turns.

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We recommend the product to professional users who are often traveling off-road and are looking for traction control at a reasonable price although it takes time being used to and makes some uncomfortable sounds, it’s still worth it.

3.       Detroit Locker 913A481 Lockers for Jeep JK

Detroit lockers, as they have already built up their image in the market of lockers, have created this masterpiece as well, which is not so different than its peers. Being fully automatic, it never gives you the stress to engage or disengage the locker yourself.

The automatic system and the precision is quite top-notch and provides a high level of accuracy as to when exactly the lockers should be engaged or not.

It has been quite a long time since this model has been introduced. And unsurprisingly, they have kept up with the hype they created due to the fact that they are highly durable, keeping the customers satisfied.

Moreover, they are made with helical-gear technology, which basically means that the transitions are very smooth and almost free of any noise, which is comfortable for many customers.

Also, the torques made on the road while making sharp turns are also carried out perfectly using these lockers.

If you have any other vehicle and not the Jeep JK, you still don’t have to write this off your list of lockers as it can still fit upon your vehicle only if the axle size is 30 splines.

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The product is highly recommended for people who want a light-weight construction and don’t want to add up much weight to their vehicle. Can work on any vehicle with the axle size of 30 splines.

However, installation may take around a week, so the help of a professional might be needed.

4.       Sylvan Reinforced Automotive Climb Master Second Edition Differential Locker

Sylvian is a brand that is very concerned about its parts being the best and competitive all over the market for being the best in terms of technical implementations and smooth experiences.

This model is particularly very useful when it comes to people who have regular trips uphill or anywhere where they want their wheels coordinating.

The transmissions are made easier, and not only the operator has an easier time operating this locker, but the vehicle is taken off some burden as well.

When you drive on a steep uphill road, the locker reduces the stress off of other parts of the vehicle, reducing your need for engine power. Which, in turn, helps with fuel usage.

The mileage increases, and on the other hand, the wear and tear of your vehicle are reduced. So, this is quite a good option if you want to protect your vehicle as well.

The Sylvian differential also comes with an extremely easy installation manual, which makes it a matter of hours to get it up and running. The average time doesn’t go past 3 hours.

Lastly, the locker is very enduring when it comes to its life. No matter how bad the situations are, it stays tough and doesn’t get damaged in the long run.

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The Sylvian differential could be a great option for people who have regular trips on high altitude areas, and they are keen on protecting their ride and increasing the mileage. The locker comes with extreme ease of installation and is very robust.

5.       Aussie Locker XD-13027 Lockers for Jeep JK

Since the time that Torque-masters, the producer of this locker, started manufacturing products, they have been increasing their quality in every subsequent product, and more customers have been switching over to them.

The Aussie locker is one of the best options when it comes to the available automatic lockers in the market. The precision is quite impressive and has not known to dissatisfy any of the customers.

There are many competitors who have a similar model, but this model boasts a 100% traction performance as compared to around 50% on the other ones like posi.

Not only this, but this model ensures a long term experience as well, which means it’s very suitable if you’re looking for a locker in the long run.

The locker is designed to fit any open differential; however, its obviously incompatible with limited slip carriers. It’s also incompatible with dana 30a but can be used with dana 30.

The installation is not very tricky and is among the lockers with the easier installations in the market. It features a ring or pinion setup.

The installation process is fairly simple, and you need to remove the spider gears and replace them with locker gears. The spider gears can later be re-used.

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The Aussie locker is recommended for the customers who crave for products built with technical perfections. The locker is completely automatic with high precision and offers an easy installation.

However, it does take some time getting used to it and is not completely immune to making noises.

6.       Yukon Gear & Axle (YGLD44-4-30) Grizzly Locker

This locker from Yukon can prove to be one of the best options for you if your vehicle features an axle size of 30 splines with a rear axle Dana 44. As we already mentioned, Yukon is the main contender for making the best lockers for vehicles.

If you are someone who is keen on having the maximum performance by the locker, this locker can be your to-go. With its internal design specs, it offers maximum traction possible.

Moreover, the design is also the reason this locker is tagged for having the lowest chances of locker failure. As a result of both the features, it’s easily the locker giving out the best performance.

The locker is fully automatic and guarantees a locking power of almost 100%. In case your vehicle needs to disengage the differential, it can immediately do so with a high level of precision.

The structure boasts alloy steel, so you don’t have to worry about its life as it’s guaranteed to perform for a very long time.

The brand also offers support after buying, so if you ever run into any issue, you can directly contact the experts at the company and even get financial support if you face any serious damage.

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We highly recommend the product to the users who need maximum performance and want to minimalize the chance of locker failure.

Although it’s somewhat complex to install, it’s still worth it due to the robust design and company support in case of any damages. However, please make sure of compatibility if your Jeep’s model is after 2012.

7.       Eaton 912A585 Detroit Truetac 27 Lockers for Jeep JK

The company manufacturing this locker has been a major shareholder when it comes to the market of lockers for vehicles. It’s not a new contender and has spent rather over 100 years in the game now.

The age of the company is an obvious sign of their quality and shows why people still have trust in them for such a long time. The product can be ideal for anyone who craves for high quality.

The Detroit Trutac was the first locker to be built with a helical gear design, which means it doesn’t have any parts that could wear off, hence it does not need a lot of maintenance.

However, depending upon the mileage, it does require the customer to change the oil every once in a while; however, the traction system it provides is quite decent.

The locker is built for the rear axle of Dana 30 and a spline size of 27 splines. In addition, it does not require any friction modifier on top of that.

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The Detroit Trutac differential is built with the revolutionary design of helical gear. It does not require much of your efforts as it demands a very low maintenance and is among the best for multi-purpose, especially street drive.

However, it’s not the best option out there for old vehicles or the ones not having rear axles of Dana 30.

8.       Detroit Locker 912A585 Trutac Differential

Detroit has been known as the hub for the manufacture of vehicular parts, and it is well known for its quality. They are a bit out of the manufacturing game at present, but they still hold a very strong reputation among the jeep owners.

The above-mentioned locker is specially manufactured with a sturdy design. It is only put to the test under sheer stress. Due to this, it is great for off-road jeep users. On top of that, they are quiet & lock up fast but act as open diffs when traction is good.

When it comes to Detroit Lockers, there is no question on quality. The steel used in production is top-notch. This is a necessity when it comes to lockers, as the purpose is to provide great strength.

With great specifications, comes great cost; the Detroit lockers are a bit expensive but provide the quality according to the price tag. So if price is not a major factor for you, don’t hesitate to buy this masterpiece and install it in your jeep!

The lockers can be easily installed on the wheel axles. A plus point about these is that it does not affect the road driving too much. The lockers kick in when you need them, other than that they are almost invisible in everyday driving situations.

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The Detroit lockers may be suitable for you if you are a person who craves for quality. With the Detroit Locker 912A585 Trutac Differential, you can wheel better and prevent traction loss. With this product, you can have a powerful off-road experience.

9.       Eaton 19559-010 Eaton Posi Limited Slip 30

Eaton has been the best seller for decades now. It is not a surprise, considering the quality of equipment they produce. They know what the customers require, and they make sure that their manufacture is up to the mark.

The Eaton Posi LSD is the best way to control traction in jeeps. It kicks in effectively and automatically, preventing tire slip and increasing the overall performance of the vehicle. The product is not only limited to jeeps but can be installed in race cars and lightweight pick-ups as well.

The Eaton LSD comes with pyrolytic carbon clutches, rebuildable design, net-forged gears for optimal strength and smart operation, works in both forward and reverse.

The design of the product is rebuildable. It can be tuned in with different features and are highly compatible.

The positraction; Posi Limited Slip Differential prevents the wheel from slipping before it can even start. It is made possible by calculating the torque increase and the load on the clutch packs. Thus it is really efficient.

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The Eaton Posi LSD is a must if you own a race car/jeep. We highly recommend these lockers as they are really efficient in what they do.

They are optimized to give the best performance in both forward and reverse drive. The automatic locking even before the slip can greatly increase the vehicle’s overall performance.

10.    Powertrax 9203822905 Lockers for Jeep JK

Last but not the least, powertrax is also amongst the main contenders for the best lockers available for your Jeep JK out there in the market.

The lock, however, fits Jeep only if the axle size is 27 splines.

The locker can prove to be a really good option if you are someone who does off-roading often and wants something really durable.

Being great for the off-road performance, it provides your vehicle with maximum traction control and being built from zytanium; It provides you maximum durability as well.

The locker comes with a style that makes its installation very straight-forward. It basically implements a lunchbox style that uses a drop-in approach so you can just put it in without needing any special tools.

The traction level provided is almost 100%, so you can easily expect the locker to give you a very reliable job in tough and even the worst conditions.

However, a problem considered by some customers is that they claim to hear some noise while making turns, which does not seem to be a high price to pay for such strength and robustness.

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The powertrax locker, known for its great traction control, provides a very durable and robust structure made out of zytanium. We recommend this to the customers who need more power in their vehicle while off-roading and want warranty too.

However, they need to compromise a bit on the noises heard while making turns. Moreover, the reasonable price compensates for such a small drawback.

Read Also: 10 Best Brake Line Flaring Tool review

Things To Consider When Buying Lockers for Jeep JK

If you don’t have any prior experience in buying lockers for Jeep JK, it could be a bit challenging at the start as things are new, and unlike anything you have experienced before.

Analyze each and every factor given below in our guide in detail before making up your mind to buy a specific locker. Let’s see what the factors actually are.

Automatic / Selectable

Automatic lockers, as the name suggests, are the ones that engage themselves automatically whenever needed, and vice versa. They basically stay engaged since the turning on of the vehicle.

However, whenever a turn comes, they disengage themselves automatically to make the turn smooth. Automatic lockers come cheaper when compared to the selectable lockers.

Selectable lockers, on the other hand, are the ones that manually need to be engaged. They put all the pressure on the driver, and it wholly depends upon him whether he needs them engaged or not.

Traction

Traction essentially refers to the measure of grip your vehicle has on the road. This factor is critical whenever you are riding on a slippery or a muddy road where the friction is negligible.

Lockers come with a measure of traction between 40-100%. Hence, it is also an important factor when considering to buy them.

Installation

For the beginners, installation of lockers can be quite tedious. So, they should always keep in mind the ease of installation when selecting a particular locker as it varies in every model.

Automatic lockers are usually easier to install and maintain when compared to selectable lockers.

Moreover, there are some high-level models that have a further complex installation. In case you’re stuck, getting the help of a professional is always advised.

Precision

Precision basically refers to the exact amount of control your lockers are having on the vehicle. Including the time they figure out when to engage and disengage, and how accurately they can measure it.

So, never forget about checking the precision of a locker as a low precision one can almost mess up your needfully.

Maintenance

Maintenance plays an important part in owning almost everything in the long run. The same is the case with lockers. They also need proper care and regular check-up.

People don’t have much time on them nowadays, and finding time to take care of the lockers frequently is not the best thing to have.

So, depending upon your schedule, look for the locks which need minimal maintenance or are free of it totally.

Read Also: 10 Best Ball Joints for Jeep jk Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the time, beginners, or even amateurs, are faced with some questions which demand very straight-forward answers.

Instead of wasting time looking for those tiny answers, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best lockers for Jeep JK so you can save a bunch of your time.

Why Should You Use A Locker?

It’s really not necessary to use a locker at all times you’re driving. However, there are times like climbing a steep hill or going through the rocky road when having a lock is really necessary to keep the grip of all four wheels.

Can A Damaged Locker Be Repaired?

Yes. Why not? Much like every other part of an automobile, lockers can be repaired as well without any worry.

How To Know When The Locker Has Stopped Working?

A locker can be tagged as not working anymore when it does not engage or disengage itself at the time when needed or doesn’t engage at all.

What Does A Locking Differential Do?

The main task which is assigned to a locking differential is to make sure that all the tires are moving at the same speed that is attached to its axle.

How To Know If I Have A Lockers Installed?

This will need you to take off the entire axle wherever you want to check, back, or the front axle. If you can make the tires spin in opposite directions, you don’t have a locker; otherwise, you do.

Should The Traction Control Be On or Off?

It is considered good practice to keep the traction on at all times unless you are stuck in a very serious situation like being stuck in a muddy or snowy area.

Do Locks Help In Snow?

Yes, of course! That’s what they are actually there for. Locking the front or back lock can help a lot to get out of slippery snow.

Are Locking Differentials Expensive?

This doesn’t have a definite answer as installation charges are different from place to place. However, they are always around a few hundred bucks.

Wrap Up

Owing a Jeep JK is obviously a wonderful thing, especially if you are fond of adventures. However, nature always plays an important part when you are out on adventures.

While we really cannot stop nature to make things harder for us, we certainly can use techniques like using lockers to fight them.

A locker provides you with both safety and convenience and lets you have ridden without any worries of mishaps. Snowy, muddy, or rainy, it helps you get through all of that safely.