I've run a welded front end as long as I've had my truck. I run 36" TSLs for a while now. I've never broken a brifield untill I put a EZ-lock in the front end. Then I broke two on two back to back trips. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Do you guys think a locker would be worse than a welded diff?

I like the better turning of the locker, but Its not worth having to change out birfilds every time I go wheeling.

Buy some Longfields!!!!!

The birfields you broke might have already been weakened had cracks starting from prior wheeling trips. I don't see how the locker could have made any difference since it basicly acts like a spool most of the time, unless some jarring action of the locker just helped an already bad birfield break.

Definately upgrade to Longfields. Worth every penny, especially if you're breaking them regularly.

i would agree that the birfields are already cracked. locker is better on birfields then welded. Just got to learn that you cant gas when you have your wheel turned hard running stock birfields.

depends on how you drive, if you let off of a locker it unlocks, if it is unlocked and you get on it, it locks and could be sending a hard shock load out to the birf.
I have a locker in the front and try to ease into it if I have been off the gas.
in area's where the drive train is loading and unloading as I go over rocks I will pull the E brake a bit to keep the drive line loaded up.
back brakes and drums are cheap and easy to replace, been 3 years of doing this and still have not had to replace the brakes.

I'd have to think about this for a second, but I don't think the EZ and other similiar types of lockers unlock when you let off the gas as long as you're going in a straight line. I think the only time they unlock is when both tires have traction and the wheel speed is different, such when turning on pavement. However there could be some extra play that could put a shock load on the drivetrain. If I recall correctly, there's something like a built in quarter turn or more play in my rear Lockrite.

To me, a spool seems like it would be more likely to break a birfield because when you're off roading and both tires have traction, but niether can differentate in a turn, something, somewhere has to give. And that something is going to one axle/birfield or the other, since that's the weak point in the front end. It may not necessarily be a shock load that would cause immediate breakage, which is why I'm guessing the birfields were repeatedly stress with the front spool which caused excess wear and cracks that finally showed themselves.

Isaw the post now I know what I broke up front,Ive been
intouch with ZUK figured I blew the 3rd up I have
an easy locker also. Pulled the 3rd was in perfect shape am gonna inspect the birf cups for damage what kind of noise did
they make when they broke, Guess I just wanna compare, Iwas
being a little rough on the old truck. They were the original birfs,I beleave it wasnt the lockers fault "JUST OLD BIRFS"

I have realy hammered on this front end before, and had never broken a bir. I tore up my 5.71s on fri. of a big ride. I took my old 4.11s thirds and threw them in. I had run the locker in the rear before. This time i decided to put the locker in the front to help turning, and it did. I have the turning bump stops out a good bit. Thats how i always figgerd i didn't break them.

I was just thinking that the locker starting to spin and then catching mite be what was causing me these problems.

If you broke a Bir. you will probly know it. The tire will lockup and be hard to turn.

Not always, if the inner part of the Birfield broke but the outter bell stayed intacted it will not turn hard nor will the wheel lock up. I broke just the splined star and it expanded a bit and ripped all the splines off the axle and it drove fine.

You have me confused saying a locked front end will steer easier. Everyone I have driven have steered harder, pushed in dirt , mud, or snow. That is why ARB's are so nice in the front.

[/quote]Not always, if the inner part of the Birfield broke but the outter bell stayed intacted it will not turn hard nor will the wheel lock up.]

Just pulled my Birfs back out for better inspection outer
race is cracked on right side just enough to only clank and chatter whenlocked in If I just locked in one side actually almost didnt notice it, as soon as both wheels where locked sounded and felt as if I shatterd the pinion. With the locker up front truck is very hard to steer " when locked " sometimes makes for a long day on the trail!!!