Lockers in Sand?

I wheel in very loose sand and do not use the lockers. My theory is that sand driving requires high wheel speed to clear the treads and that can not be obtained if driving in 4low.

Sand is similar to snow in that it's always changing and never the same depending on location and type of sand you're in. I HATE sand myself as it gets EVERYWHERE, kills parts quick if not cleaned out and is an overall PITA. When I have to be in it, use lockers often in sand for better traction. It's a big help depending on what you're in. I'd say use them as far as you can without, then engage as needed. Course, that's my typical method anyway depending on terrain anyway.

Best of Luck,

Mike

I did the override to allow the lockers to engage in 4-hi, and use them in sand. Sand is the only time I use them in 4-hi...

ground/wheel speed is the key. lockers on loose sand will likely leave you digging out of a hole. low air pressure will also help a bunch

Love sand. The Rubicon and sand is okay, but not great. I have armor, no good for sand. I have rock tires, not good for sand. I have a 4-1 transfer case ratio, not good for sand. I have a 4.0 low revving stovebolt guttless power plant, not good for sand.

Do the locker mod and drop the tire pressure as low as you dare then go 3psi lower. Use high range and keep up the rpms.

Sand likes a lightweight high horsepower rig that is geared low and revs high. Very high flotation tires with virtually no pressure. I used to run inner tubes in my Armstrong Trutracs on my CJ5 so I could run 2psi.

bob1340 said:

Do the locker mod and drop the tire pressure as low as you dare then go 3psi lower.

Click to expand...

This is key. There is no substitute for low psi in sand. I often just pull the valve stem and let them go till they suck back in, replace stems and wheel. Much more than that, and you'll dig. Most people for whatever reason are scared to drop air pressure. Never understood what the big deal was with that.

Best of Luck,

Mike

I have done the locker mod to allow me to use both lockers in 4High. I will try this and see how it works this weekend. The last time I was at the dunes, I aired own to 10 psi and everything worked out pretty well. I really don't want to bust a bead in the sand. I could probably go lower if I just had the gonads.

The rubicon rims hold the tires well, heck I run 8-10 psi in rocks or sand and get into some interesting off camber stuff. Only problem I have is one stump I always rub up against fills the rim with wood.

at 5-8 psi depending on the sand is a good idea, everything seems to work much better at the low pressures.

john

[quote='05TJLWBRUBY]

bob1340 said:

Do the locker mod and drop the tire pressure as low as you dare then go 3psi lower.

Click to expand...

...Most people for whatever reason are scared to drop air pressure. Never understood what the big deal was with that. [/quote]

Maybe it is a fear of busting a bead and having to re-seat the tire?

Had a great time at the dunes this past weekend! Experimented with rear locker only, both lockers and no lockers. Not a measurable amount of difference as far as I am concerned. Needing to turn quickly was more difficult with the front locker engaged so I didn't do that for long. When riding dunes you have to be prepared to change directions or stop quickly because you can't always see too far ahead. I am not convinced that lockers are needed on dunes with a Rubicon and a factory rear limited slip.

Gymguy said:

I am not convinced that lockers are needed on dunes with a Rubicon and a factory rear limited slip.

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You are correct. The only sand dunes I have run with my Rubicon are at Pismo Beach. These dunes are not real large although there is some nice ones. The Pismo Dunes are on the ocean so the sand is wet from moisture coming off the ocean all the time. Sand with a little water in it is a lot easier to run on. When I go to Pismo with my heavy Jeep I lower the pressure on my MTR's to about 9 PSI and run in high gear with the rear locker locked as long as I am on sand. I have never locked the front. IMHO the Jeep does poor in sand compared to my old lightweight CJ. I would never attempt Glamis or Buttercup in the Rubicon. I have driven the CJ from Grays Wells to competition hill straight over the dunes. I know I'd need to airlift the Rubi out!