Lockers

[Linville33]

I have OEM lockers on my truck was replaced last spring and I use them quite frequently. Now that it is winter and we have been having some bad storms sometimes I leave them locked so I can drop her into 4 when needed. I do mild highway driving and sometimes I forget to unlock them when I do it. What speed are they rated for? Just city speeds or is 55-60 OK? 87 Chevy V10

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[77 K20]

I have OEM lockers on my truck was replaced last spring and I use them quite frequently. Now that it is winter and we have been having some bad storms sometimes I leave them locked so I can drop her into 4 when needed. I do mild highway driving and sometimes I forget to unlock them when I do it. What speed are they rated for? Just city speeds or is 55-60 OK? 87 Chevy V10

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I'm guessing you mean locking hubs, and not locking differentials. If the weather is bad then by all means keep them locked in so you can have 4wd when you need it. You will get a bit worse gas mileage, but is still ok to drive at 55-60.

 

[marks86]

just think about this some squarebodys and most new dodges have permeate locked hubs

 

[hirschdalechevy]

I live in a big snow area and when I used to drive my 77 daily I would lock my hubs in nov. and unlock them in may , drove on the hwy. at 65 quite often as well with no problems.

 

[Linville33]

Alright thanks. I didn't wwant to screw anything up so I figured I ask.

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[Stroked]

It's always better to ask and know for sure than to just assume and screw something up.

I've driven with mine locked in at 60-65 a lot and never any issues. They're made for it.

 

[Linville33]

Ok thanks. The reason I asked is the kid that had the truck before me had to replace them and I didn't want to have to do again for a while.

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[77 K20]

Ok thanks. The reason I asked is the kid that had the truck before me had to replace them and I didn't want to have to do again for a while.

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The hubs do have to be cleaned and re-packed from time to time.... especially if you are fond of water crossings and get them submerged. When you turn them do they turn nice and easily? Think some say every 15,000 repack them. Others do it once a year.

 

[Linville33]

I have had them underwater and never repacked them since. Been really busy. I'll do it when it warms up again.

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[MadOgre]

I do believe the factory speed rating for locked front hubs is 80 KMH so 50-55 mph. Think about it.....Front drive shaft spinning at 65 mph You would be replacing that every spring too!

The chain in your 208 transfer case at 65 mph

The four wheel drive in these old squares was designed for getting unstuck and lower speed back road type use. These were not designed like the new technology with double CV shafts for doing 70 mph down the highway. The IFS was also necessary to make possible the higher speeds in 4wd. As the stationary front diff keeps the fornt drive shaft mostly stationary as well, at a very modest angle, which is necessary for high speed

That poor front drive shaft spinning at 65 mph slipping in and out from the suspension bouncing up and down. It just wasn't designed for it!

If you want to do 70 mph down the highway in 4wd safely buy an IFS truck

 

[bucket]

I disagree, I run mine locked all winter long, even on the freeway. I will unlock them for longer trips though. But the front shaft is designed to run at high speeds, plain and simple. The 70's automatic trucks came factory with shafts that spin all the time. Of course it won't wear out as fast if the hubs are unlocked, but the rear shaft wouldn't wear out either if it was disconnected.

As for wear on the 208, I don't know. But we have put 90K on our Burb's 208 since we got it and the t-case still works perfect and makes no funny noises.

 

[MadOgre]

Ok Ok I have to change my opinion. I just went outside and looked at a stock setup with no lift and that front driveshaft is pretty level. So for a non lifted truck the higher speed is probably not that much of an issue except for the fact that the factory 4wd speed rating is 80 KMH / 50 MPH

How ever if your truck is lifted I would definitely keep it under the factory speed rating. With my 6" lift and a brand new front drive shaft it needs rebuilding only 2 years later with no highway use at all.

 

[MadOgre]

And with proper winter tires you should hardly never even need to use 4x4 any ways on freeways or highways.

 

[bucket]

The slip part of the shaft sees wear whether it's spinning or not. Even if spinning at high speeds, it's not much different than a rear slip shaft on a K5.

That 50mph speed rating in the 80's was likely because of the np208. And they were probably also just being on the cautious side. After a few more model years, there were several chain driven t-cases that had a constant spinning front shaft, that were similar in design to the 208.

Also, that 50mph thing is just a blanket statement. Running a truck with 3.08 gears at 70mph ain't any different than running a 4.10 truck at 50mph. That's not exact math, it was just to make a point.

At any rate, I'm not saying the 208 is designed to run at highway speeds in 4hi, I'm just saying that I've done it every winter and it has caused no harm.

 

[MadOgre]

Gotcha. And that is a good point with the gearing. My point is that with the driveline angles I have, that 65mph on that front driveshaft is just asking for trouble