2wd Offroad - improving traction.

[TerribleOne]

I have done some searches and found some opinions. But was wondering how many of you wheel your 2wd's...do you have lockers or no? How much of a difference do lockers actually make? I am mainly in the desert, so sand, steep rocky trails, and gravel are the main terrain I would be seeing. What are the best steps I can take to get the most traction out of my 2wd truck? Suspension, tires, lockers? What will make the most improvement? Can my truck even really be made capable offroad without putting over 5k into it?

Are lockers worth the money? I have talked to ARB and they say they have one available for the c200 transmission. Which from what I know the 2wd SE has.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Highway_Star]

I wheel my truck, and the locker makes an incredible difference. Mine's the factory unit, and I can't say whether an aftermarket unit would be worth the price to you. If I had a truck with an open or LSD unit, I would definately go after installing a locker! The suspension lift I have installed and the Maxxis Bighorns I have installed have helped tremendously, but it seems from your avatar you have that effort covered.

[roastbeef]

they make all the difference in the world in a 2wd. they do not make a locker for your rear yet. the only locker option you have other than doing a custom axle swap, is getting the locker from the factory.
the only 05+ 2wds with lockers are the nismos.

[Peck]

Lockers are single handedly the best mod you can do for any offroad vehicle. You can have all the lift and knarliest tires in the world, without those tires spinning in unison, your not much better off. Especially in a 2wd, you lift one tire in the rear and your done.

No aftermarket lockers for GenIIs yet. Its still up in the air whether a GenI C200 ARB will fit in a GenII C200. BTW, don't take what ARB said to seriously. Their time frame isn't on par wth ours....

[roastbeef]

are you at all associated with the frontier in your avatar?
if you have that kind of money do a custom axle.

[Aussie Frontier]

is the E Locker a true locking diff or just a very tight LSD?

[Peck]

Its a true locker.

[Aussie Frontier]

from what i have read on the www the locker diff transplant should be a straight swap from a wreck and all thats required to operate the locker is a 12 volt supply to the lockers solenoid.
Now if by some stroke of luck the ratio from a 4x2 nismo is the same as mine then I would be in heaven and just have to try to track one down .


Edit :

Ok just did a little light reading thru the manuals and it appears that the M226 diff is the same in both trucks and even the housing is same. The 4x4 ratio is 3.692:1 and the 4x2 is 3.538:1.So putting a 4x4 E locker in a 4x2 would result in better torque but unfortunately would make for worse economy.Might help though if large tyres were installed
Those ratios are same for navs in Europe and Aus and the Fronty. Now the Nismo might be a little differant but I cant find diff ratios for them so someone might be able to help out there

[TerribleOne]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

they make all the difference in the world in a 2wd. they do not make a locker for your rear yet. the only locker option you have other than doing a custom axle swap, is getting the locker from the factory.
the only 05+ 2wds with lockers are the nismos.

I actually talked to the dealers a few times to try and get the locker, it won't work because the lockers are only in the d44 trucks. Does anyone know if this is true? I know dealers are retarded and typically don't know anything about thier own vehicles.

So my only option is a custom locker or a full axle swap? I am thinking I should call up Greg @ PRG...for some reason I have a feeling he could get me in the right direction

[Peck]

Yes the locker only comes in the M226(D44). Thats one expensive axle. If your really wanting to spend that much money, get a custom diff. You can have your choice of lockers and gears.

Aussie Frontier, I BELIEVE the Nismos are also 3.692.