[NorCal 4x4]

Hey Sammy,

I split up your responses so I could address your comments on an individual basis. Keep in mind that I know where you are coming from, and agree with most of what you stated, but I wanted to clarify my position.

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

I was speaking strickly about the Titan, and I noted it was my personal opinion that I don't feel it necissary for a full size Truck, especially an IFS "new" type of truck.

I was in fact asking for your opinion, because you seem to be very knowledgeable, (from reading your posts on other threads. Plus in this case, (and maybe the others too), you backup your statements with articles, where many others make statements without any supporting evidence).

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

As that author mentioned, it depends on your terrain you plan to cover. If I were building a trail rig right now, it'd definately have a user-selectable locker up front, as well as some sort of traction aid in the rear (either automtic-locker or user selectable.) But that's a trail rig, not my everyday hauler, the Titan.

Just like the rear E-LOCK®, the front E-LOCK®, would be only selectable in 4LO, and limited to 12 MPH, or less. As you know, for everyday use even 4HI is not used, so I don't see the difference here, other than worse for the front if misused.

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

I'm sure the Titan's front end is beefy, as far as IFS's go, but that's still pretty weak compared to a SFA setup. Like I said earlier, I don't see why you'd ever want or happen to get your Titan into a situation where a front locker is needed.

This is new/good information for me on the front end strength. However, for some situations, the front E-LOCK® sounds like it would be a better choice. That is why I said that I wish I had the versatility dictated by the particular situation. For example the author mentions the front's better ability in sand and also:
"This is especially so for independent front suspension vehicles which easily lift a wheel even on modest terrain."

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

If you already have the E-locker or ABLS, you should be covered well. My last 4x4 had open diffs front and rear and I rarely got stuck even on the nastiest mud holes (ground clearance was the usual constraining factor.) Regardless of any of this, I seriously doubt you'll ever see a user selectable locker for the front end of the Titan, but who knows. There are a few out there, ARB makes them for the H2, Jeep Liberty, F-150 (with 8.8" RG), all the IZUZUs and Mitsubishi and Toyotas.

Yes covered well, but again the versatility could be that much better with both.

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

(earlier post, this thread) As someone mentioned earlier, you have too many people who don't understand the use and limits, and would be lined up at dealerships across the country wondering why they have snapped front-end parts. A independent front end setup can't take the amount of punishment that a locker and 300+ hp engine are capable of dishing out, especially when people would attempt to use them on high traction surfaces while turning.

At first glance this seems to be a good reason for a manufacturer to not offer it, but there are simple ways to protect against this. As an example a loud audible alarm if the steering wheel is turned, and a length of event time-stamp recorded to memory for litigation purposes when some idiot proceeds to turn it anyway.

I personally don't want, not to be able to purchase a product because of others' misuse, (just a personal responsibility thing/freedom issue with me), sort of like the way more idiots will accidentally blow themselves away with pistol than a rifle, but I don't ever want to see pistols banned because of clumsy people.

Anyway, thanks again for the information. I have learned a lot from your posts.