Lokka
- Thread starter Reblazek
- Start date
- Location
- All over PA
It is a locker. It's just an automatic locker. Not a selectable locker (air, electronic, cable). So when you are in 4wd, you will always be locked.
It will always want to push to center. If you get it, never use on roads unless completely snow covered, not patchy. Even then it will be a different driving experience than with open diff.
Does the lokka do what it is supposed to? Yes. But there are pros and cons. I did the same research you are/should be doing before I bought mine a few weeks ago. I suggest thoroughly looking into it before you buy.
Sent via my walkie talkie
It will always want to push to center. If you get it, never use on roads unless completely snow covered, not patchy. Even then it will be a different driving experience than with open diff.
Does the lokka do what it is supposed to? Yes. But there are pros and cons. I did the same research you are/should be doing before I bought mine a few weeks ago. I suggest thoroughly looking into it before you buy.
Sent via my walkie talkie
The Lokka is a locker.
ARB air locker is a selectable locker, and the Lokka is an auto-locker.
I will discuss the 2000 - 2004 X applications:
The ARB is available in front and rear diff versions.
The Lokka, for the X is only available for the FRONT diff.
The ARB, being selectable, can be turned OFF, even in 4wd. If you switch it this way, you can even use the rear ARB when in 2wd, etc.
The REASON you might WANT to turn OFF a locker in front, is that its harder to STEER when the diff is locked, as, the sides can't differentiate when locked.
So, with the ARB, if you are in a tight turn, in 4wd, you can can turn off the front locker, and more easily turn.
Of the available auto-lockers, the Lokka turns the EASIEST, as it DOES allow differentiation when locked. In 2wd, its invisible...as in 2wd, there's no input from the diff, and therefore no input from the Lokka.
When engaging, the Lokka needs less rotation than the other auto-lockers (lock-rite, etc), which are structurally VERY similar looking, but which, in the field, make more ratcheting noises and wind up the drivetrain more, etc....because they need MORE rotation to differentiate.
So, the Lokka will make ratcheting noises in tight turns when in 4wd, but not in 2wd or on less tight turns, and, it works great off road. Its relatively easy to install, and, is far less expensive than an air-locker and OBA system to run it, etc.
If you spend the $ on the ARB, you gain the ability to turn it on/off when off road...and it too is a proven entity that works great. If you wanted an OBA system anyway, you could rationalize away some of the cost differences related to the OBA needed to run the ARB air-locker, etc.
Every one I know who HAS the Lokka loves it, and, for the 2000 - 2004 at least, snowy roads doesn't seem as much of a problem in 4wd as the other auto-lockers have. I don't actually KNOW anyone with a 2005+ X with the Lokka, but I have heard that the 2nd Gen X's have a front diff set-up that might make the lokka have input even when in 2wd...but I don't know of anyone with the set-up to confirm that...or what that's like.
A locked diff, regardless of why its locked, or even an LSD, doesn't differentiate AS WELL as an open diff...and, there are always some quirks to the resultant handling that you'd want to familiarize yourself with.
Obviously, there are people who even drive around with welded front and rear diffs...but, to me, that's a bit too mad max.
An ARB when locked, cannot differentiate AT ALL...so, steering a locked ARB IS ridiculously difficult in a tight turn...so people, sometimes need to unlock it to make tight turns. Steering a locked Lokka is harder to turn than an open diff in a tight turn, but not near as bad as a locked ARB would be...and, you can always just shift into 2wd to unlock it.
Fromfrontier -
You have a 2nd gen with the Lokka, and, I would be interested in your input and experiences thus far.
ANY locker is a new driving experience: is this your first locked rig, or have you done this on other rigs before, etc?
ARB air locker is a selectable locker, and the Lokka is an auto-locker.
I will discuss the 2000 - 2004 X applications:
The ARB is available in front and rear diff versions.
The Lokka, for the X is only available for the FRONT diff.
The ARB, being selectable, can be turned OFF, even in 4wd. If you switch it this way, you can even use the rear ARB when in 2wd, etc.
The REASON you might WANT to turn OFF a locker in front, is that its harder to STEER when the diff is locked, as, the sides can't differentiate when locked.
So, with the ARB, if you are in a tight turn, in 4wd, you can can turn off the front locker, and more easily turn.
Of the available auto-lockers, the Lokka turns the EASIEST, as it DOES allow differentiation when locked. In 2wd, its invisible...as in 2wd, there's no input from the diff, and therefore no input from the Lokka.
When engaging, the Lokka needs less rotation than the other auto-lockers (lock-rite, etc), which are structurally VERY similar looking, but which, in the field, make more ratcheting noises and wind up the drivetrain more, etc....because they need MORE rotation to differentiate.
So, the Lokka will make ratcheting noises in tight turns when in 4wd, but not in 2wd or on less tight turns, and, it works great off road. Its relatively easy to install, and, is far less expensive than an air-locker and OBA system to run it, etc.
If you spend the $ on the ARB, you gain the ability to turn it on/off when off road...and it too is a proven entity that works great. If you wanted an OBA system anyway, you could rationalize away some of the cost differences related to the OBA needed to run the ARB air-locker, etc.
Every one I know who HAS the Lokka loves it, and, for the 2000 - 2004 at least, snowy roads doesn't seem as much of a problem in 4wd as the other auto-lockers have. I don't actually KNOW anyone with a 2005+ X with the Lokka, but I have heard that the 2nd Gen X's have a front diff set-up that might make the lokka have input even when in 2wd...but I don't know of anyone with the set-up to confirm that...or what that's like.
A locked diff, regardless of why its locked, or even an LSD, doesn't differentiate AS WELL as an open diff...and, there are always some quirks to the resultant handling that you'd want to familiarize yourself with.
Obviously, there are people who even drive around with welded front and rear diffs...but, to me, that's a bit too mad max.
An ARB when locked, cannot differentiate AT ALL...so, steering a locked ARB IS ridiculously difficult in a tight turn...so people, sometimes need to unlock it to make tight turns. Steering a locked Lokka is harder to turn than an open diff in a tight turn, but not near as bad as a locked ARB would be...and, you can always just shift into 2wd to unlock it.
Fromfrontier -
You have a 2nd gen with the Lokka, and, I would be interested in your input and experiences thus far.
ANY locker is a new driving experience: is this your first locked rig, or have you done this on other rigs before, etc?
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robcarync
Sliders
- Location
- Raleigh, NC
My review on snow and ice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUAaYBW5sVI
For 2000-2004, I love the Lokka with manually locking hubs. That way you can lock in one tire, the other, or both. I usually just lock in both and have had no issues off road.
The front does pull to center, and it makes steering more difficult. I find myself using much more finesse when navigating offroad on tight turns...coasting in, foot off the gas, more 3 point turns, etc. The Lokka in the front helps the most, since you have the independent front suspension and less flex. The front Lokka really is the best MOD I have done as far as offroad capability.
As TJTJ mentioned, the Lokka is invisible in 2WD since we have hubs that unlock at the wheel.
Just as a test, I locked both of my hubs, and drove it around in 2WD. It does ratchet, but it is VERY slight. Quiet. I could barely hear it with the windows down and actually trying to listen for it. Very smooth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUAaYBW5sVI
For 2000-2004, I love the Lokka with manually locking hubs. That way you can lock in one tire, the other, or both. I usually just lock in both and have had no issues off road.
The front does pull to center, and it makes steering more difficult. I find myself using much more finesse when navigating offroad on tight turns...coasting in, foot off the gas, more 3 point turns, etc. The Lokka in the front helps the most, since you have the independent front suspension and less flex. The front Lokka really is the best MOD I have done as far as offroad capability.
As TJTJ mentioned, the Lokka is invisible in 2WD since we have hubs that unlock at the wheel.
Just as a test, I locked both of my hubs, and drove it around in 2WD. It does ratchet, but it is VERY slight. Quiet. I could barely hear it with the windows down and actually trying to listen for it. Very smooth.
Frogstar7055
Wheeling
- Location
- Jacksonville FL
Best mod I've done so far.
Intender
Wheeling
- Location
- Lewisville NC
I have one too. Love it. I have found that if you get in certain situations, like going down a steep hill with the brakes on sitting still in rocky terrain it can be very hard to turn, almost impossible in some situations. If you have a spotter or passenger you can have then jump out and unlock one hub if you have manuals, or just throw the transmission in neutral if automatic and it will make it a little easier to turn. I have also ran around in 2wd with the front hubs lockedand like rob said you can barely hear it ratcheting. I would only suggest getting it if you have or intend to get manual hubs. Thats not to say you have to have thwm, just that life is easier with them on the trail.
First one......
The Lokka is a locker.
ARB air locker is a selectable locker, and the Lokka is an auto-locker.
I will discuss the 2000 - 2004 X applications:
The ARB is available in front and rear diff versions.
The Lokka, for the X is only available for the FRONT diff.
The ARB, being selectable, can be turned OFF, even in 4wd. If you switch it this way, you can even use the rear ARB when in 2wd, etc.
The REASON you might WANT to turn OFF a locker in front, is that its harder to STEER when the diff is locked, as, the sides can't differentiate when locked.
So, with the ARB, if you are in a tight turn, in 4wd, you can can turn off the front locker, and more easily turn.
Of the available auto-lockers, the Lokka turns the EASIEST, as it DOES allow differentiation when locked. In 2wd, its invisible...as in 2wd, there's no input from the diff, and therefore no input from the Lokka.
When engaging, the Lokka needs less rotation than the other auto-lockers (lock-rite, etc), which are structurally VERY similar looking, but which, in the field, make more ratcheting noises and wind up the drivetrain more, etc....because they need MORE rotation to differentiate.
So, the Lokka will make ratcheting noises in tight turns when in 4wd, but not in 2wd or on less tight turns, and, it works great off road. Its relatively easy to install, and, is far less expensive than an air-locker and OBA system to run it, etc.
If you spend the $ on the ARB, you gain the ability to turn it on/off when off road...and it too is a proven entity that works great. If you wanted an OBA system anyway, you could rationalize away some of the cost differences related to the OBA needed to run the ARB air-locker, etc.
Every one I know who HAS the Lokka loves it, and, for the 2000 - 2004 at least, snowy roads doesn't seem as much of a problem in 4wd as the other auto-lockers have. I don't actually KNOW anyone with a 2005+ X with the Lokka, but I have heard that the 2nd Gen X's have a front diff set-up that might make the lokka have input even when in 2wd...but I don't know of anyone with the set-up to confirm that...or what that's like.
A locked diff, regardless of why its locked, or even an LSD, doesn't differentiate AS WELL as an open diff...and, there are always some quirks to the resultant handling that you'd want to familiarize yourself with.
Obviously, there are people who even drive around with welded front and rear diffs...but, to me, that's a bit too mad max.
An ARB when locked, cannot differentiate AT ALL...so, steering a locked ARB IS ridiculously difficult in a tight turn...so people, sometimes need to unlock it to make tight turns. Steering a locked Lokka is harder to turn than an open diff in a tight turn, but not near as bad as a locked ARB would be...and, you can always just shift into 2wd to unlock it.
Fromfrontier -
You have a 2nd gen with the Lokka, and, I would be interested in your input and experiences thus far.
ANY locker is a new driving experience: is this your first locked rig, or have you done this on other rigs before, etc?
All you guys rock!! Their are only two other modified X's in my city of 1million +, that I know of. Everybody I come across loves mine because it's not just another jeep. That n very few 4x4 shops have worked on them. After joining x nation I know more than the shops that have worked on my rig.
I'm definitely thinking about lokka for front n back diffs. Great price n I've already installed manually locking hubs.
Can you cruise down the highway in a snow storm, at 50 mph in 4wheel with these? Just like regular 4x4?
I'm definitely thinking about lokka for front n back diffs. Great price n I've already installed manually locking hubs.
Can you cruise down the highway in a snow storm, at 50 mph in 4wheel with these? Just like regular 4x4?
Please don't do this.
A classic newb mistake with 4wd (Ford Exploders are actually the MOST famous for this though...) is to forget that if you NEED 4WD, then, it is SLIPPERY out.
If it is slippery out, then, your brakes work exactly like a 2wd cars (Cars have brakes on all for wheels too, etc), and, your tire's traction when turning or braking is the same as for a car's tires.
If your speed will cause the weight of your rig to overcome the available traction in an emergency maneuver, you will plow into whatever it was you didn't avoid, etc.
IE: You can't BRAKE SHORTER with 4wd.
So, seriously, on the road, you should not NEED 4wd to not get stuck unless its pretty bad out. If its so bad out you need 4wd to not get stuck, you cannot go as fast as you could when its warm, dry and sunny out....because you can't STOP.
So, the classic blunder is to see traffic in a snow storm plodding along the highway at 10 mph, etc...and notice the shoulder is wide open, and, in 4wd, you can go 50 mph easily along the shoulder...so, the newb blasts down the shoulder at 50 mph feeling quite smug about the plebeians plodding along in their 2wd's....
...until one of them, who pulled to the shoulder to clear the ice of his windshield wipers - is suddenly noticed by said 50 mph newb.
The newb hits the brakes, and, skids into the wiper cleaner, and/or a few cars in the normal traffic lanes, the divider, etc.
Anyway, no, if its slippery enough to need 4wd, you should be going a lot slower anyway.
If you've never driven on ice with an LSD for example, you will not really be ready for what a locked axle is like. Differentiation is a good thing on the road generally, and you are trading some of it for ultimate traction, primarily OFF road.
spaceace
Test Drive
- Location
- Fall River, NS. Canada
True, LSD very spinny on ice...Last year we had a 360 spin out on the highway @ 90KM/h as some *** in an F-150 blew past us and sucked the X into it, and I lost control. Luckily we missed the F-150 and everything else, and walked away without a scratch.
....chiming in as my Lokka order just shipped
Looking forward to having it in...not looking forward to removing the diff LOL
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Frogstar7055
Wheeling
- Location
- Jacksonville FL
No Lokka for the rear.