"Lockers" in a Rubi .. ?

Oct 28, 2003 40 Replies

Engineers didn't make the decision, attorneys did, to avoid the liability of the newbie who engages his lockers in 4HI on a snowcovered road and then loses control and lands in a ditch.

  • * * Matt Macchiarolo
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As one with a rear Detroit, I do not advise the unwary to go anywhere near such a device for full time on-road use. I know what it's going to do and when, the uninitiated face a wild ride, for sure!

I have an ARB in the front on my YJ, it can take awhile to unlock and can be a major PITA on tight trails.

I think the engineers had to err on the side of caution. Having worked on the manufacturer side of the auto industry for many years, in the current climate of litigation I find the Rubicon something of a miracle in that the concept got past DCs General Counsel's office. Bravo to DC for having the guts to produce a great Jeep and accept the litigation risk.

hi dave, im sure the technical answers have already been explained in the many responses youve gotten already so i just want to ask a question. typically the rubicon appeals to a particular type of jeeper. as such im just curious what motivated you to buy a rubicon over an x, sport, or sahara? the reason i ask is that if you dont know what lockers are, why pay the additional money for them? im not suggesting theres anything "wrong" with buying it, im just wondering why you would spend $6,000 more for features you dont understand or know if you even need/want them.

here ya go. not only does it eliminate the safety features, but it gives you a different switch for each locker.

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Sweet.

  • * * Matt Macchiarolo
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LOL

I suggest "Ejector Seat" decals.

  • * * Matt Macchiarolo
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The only part of the Rubi's locker switch cycle I don't understand is how you cycle them off. When cycling them on I know it goes rear first, front second. Do they cycle off in reverse order?

The Detroit can unlock on its own if one wheel need to spin faster. The manual locker in the Rubicon will not do that. If you lock the manual locker on the rubicon while on dry pavement some part of your axle will break into pieces very quickly.

In addition the Rubicon has a torque-sensing limited slip installed which can not ever be de-activated; that and 4wd-hi should be sufficient for any on-road traction problem that could ever exist.

I'm sav> As one with a rear Detroit, I do not advise the unwary to go anywhere near

You could even safety wire and lead seal them off lol. (those of you who worked on military aircraft and nukes know what Im talking about.) KH

Or, use the Fire Detect buttons that had the plastic cover over them ...

I like the missile launch styles. Either the big red flap with the toggle under it, or the hollywood style big plastic cover with yellow stripes and the big red pushbutton. Should be able to get the red metal flapped ones at a military surplus electronics outlet...used for everything from missile consoles to aircraft.

Approximately 10/30/03 09:25, CRWLR uttered for posterity:

How about dual keys. You and your passenger can each hold one key and on the count of "three", you both turn the keys. Of course, you need to write a protocol for it and keep it locked up in your glove compartment in a sealed envelope. The glove compartment key needs to be held by your Mom on a chain around her neck... ;-)

Hi Dave:

Go to:

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Very good explanations of how differentials work and how 4-wheel drive systems work. This should be MUST READING for a beginner.

Enjoy your Rubi!

Tom

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