There are few things that will compare to taking your Jeep off the pavement and going for an exhilarating ride on muddy trails, jagged rocks, and steep inclines. Only with a Jeep can you be certain that it can stay in control as you make any kind of off-road journey you choose to take on.
When you’re having an exhilarating experience out in the wilderness, the wrong road choice is the difference between a fun day out and costly repairs following the adventure, so bear in mind it is time for an upgrade to your AMC 20.
Undoubtedly, investing in the best locker for AMC 20 is the most effective solution to ensure your safety in the roughest terrains. However, the reality is that there is no adequate information about diff lockers for AMC. So, it becomes virtually almost impossible to pick the best one. That’s why we have come up.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Rocky Trails – Powertrax 1710-LR Lock-Right
- Best for Muddy Trails – ARB RD186 Air Locker Differential Shaft
- Best For Stiff Terrains – USA Standard SL D44-30 Gear Spartan Locker
Best Locker For AMC 20: What to Consider
Before you’re going to spend your valuable bucks on diff lockers for AMC 20, it’s crucial to consider several factors to make your purchase effective and to get a pleasing experience. Here are some important considerations:
Manual Vs Automatic
Different types of different lockers exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Manual diff lockers require the operator to use a lever to change the gears, while automatic diff lockers automatically change the gears as the vehicle moves.
Automatic diff lockers are generally more efficient and reduce energy consumption, but they can be less user-friendly and may require additional training to operate effectively. While all diff lockers reduce the amount of energy needed to turn the wheels, the ultimate performance can vary depending on their working process.
Type of the Differential
An important consideration when selecting a diff locker is the type of differential that it will be used with. The majority of diff lockers are designed to be used with a limited-slip differential, but many diff lockers can be used with open differentials as well.
This is important because some mechanical and electronic open differentials do not allow for the positive locking action that limited-slip differentials do. As a result, diff lockers that are used with open differentials may be less efficient than those designed specifically to work with limited slips.
Front or Rear?
Depending on the type of vehicle and the equipment installed, the vehicle’s front and rear lockers can either complement each other, or you might be tempted to use the lockers in complementary ways. In any instance, front lockers make sense for vehicles with LSDs, while rear lockers are the choice for many other companies.
If you go off-highway in a car with open differentials, a rear locker is your best choice, as it’s more capable in certain off-road situations. An even better bargain for your investment will be given by rear lockers, given that the rear swing suspension remains in contact with the ground, keeping momentum unbroken. However, front lockers are no exception in this instance, either.
A front locker is a solid pick if you’re going to be climbing hills or hitching a ride up a steep hillside or over a boulder pile. But a lack of steering function can become an issue if you anticipate releasing excess weight away from the front axle
5 Best Lockers for AMC 20 – Our Top-Rated List
Now. it’s time to check our champions in detail. Each product has been selected based on intense research and customer feedback to make our review unbiased. So, let’s go.
1. Best for Rocky Trails: Powertrax 1710-LR Lock-Right
| Manufacturer | Powertrax |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Dimension | 9 x 4.25 x 2.25 inches |
| Type | Lock-Right |
PowerTrax is praised across the world for manufacturing distinguished traction adding differentials for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, and performance street rods. The Powertrax Traction Systems may be just the thing you need to avail yourself of additional traction for your daily commute, entertainment, work, or simply so your engine applies power to the pavement rather than burning one wheel up.
As far as we have seen, the most up-to-date equipment in the field of traction-adding differentials is the Powertrax No-Slip Traction System. It performs all the functions of a limited-slip differential and also achieves the traction performance of a locking differential.
Actually, this unit was created to be fitted to conventional case assemblies without any special tools or assets. The locker has gone global with demanding off-road conditions, requiring amplified traction power and overall strength.
Since the Lock-Right Locker eliminates wheel spin-up, it is also apt at preventing the hammering of any vehicle components. The top outcome of this creation is that the efficiency and solidity of your automobile’s present frame are enhanced, which keeps your vehicle on the road.
Since its introduction, this locker has been used in the field by extremely skilled off-road drivers, in towing applications, and even trucks around the United Nations. This model has an impressive traction output, high strength, and torsional rigidity, making it a superior competition for other lockers that are sold as complete replacement assemblies.
It supports directing the engine power to the wheels and has the most traction, it will help you get anywhere you want to go. While traveling in a straight line, the Lock-Right will lock the axles like a spool.
The major inconvenience regarding this locker is its questionable durability. This is because many people have reported broken sheer pins even after a few days.
2. Best for Muddy Trails: ARB RD186 Air Locker Differential Shaft
| Manufacturer | ARB |
| Weight | 25.3 pounds |
| Dimension | 10.63 x 10.63 x 11.02 inches |
| Type | Air Locker |
If you’ve ever traveled off-road in your AMC 20, you’ve probably read some opinions about ARB Air Lockers. Some say these devices are musty-smelling and too many devices are too challenging. This sort of commentary is common, and it typically involves ARBs including lockers and ARBs in comparison to their competitors.
In an agreement or debate, you might hear some true things. After years of testing, our team has found that ARB Air Lockers can handle a lot of pressure and give great value for the price. Essentially, this compressor is designed to operate a simple air locker on your 4×4. You’ll not be able to use this item for any reason.
If excess torque is required, the driver activates the Air Locker by pressing a switch located on the dashboard. The Air Locker utilizes the power of compressed air, produced by an onboard air compressor, to enact the automated locking device that is ARB’s patented, preventing the car wheels from turning automatically. The Air Locker’s function is deactivated by flipping a switch, releasing the differential like a default state.
Honestly, its innovative design will give you significant and dependable security in the harshest environments. Its strength lies in its simplicity and a few moving parts to assure maximum reliability. In addition, all structural components are made of aerospace-grade alloy steel.
Our team has found this locker one of the most affordable options, but its capability might not be too overwhelming, which may seem to be a drawback.
3. Best For Stiff Terrains: USA Standard Gear Spartan Locker
| Manufacturer | US Standard |
| Weight | 5.54 pounds |
| Dimension | 12 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Type | Spartan Locker |
When optimizing the function of your vehicle, an excellent option to consider is this particular locker from US Standard, which includes 30 spline axles. The Spartan Locker is made to offer effective traction for your off-road vehicle, the daily commuter, and the daily driver.
Geared toward the AMC 20 and Dana Spicer 44HD, this locker contains support for 30 different axles. Consequently, only by trying to include this part, you can significantly increase your vehicle’s handling performance. As a result, it also must be associated with the remainder of its positive aspects.
As Alternative Carrier Parts envisioned, the Spartan Locker retains the functionality of the standard differential carrier case without spider gears, thereby eliminating the need for gearbox compressors and thrust washers. The air spring design makes manual lock installation faster and easier.
They manage to overcome difficulties utilizing their innovative design, which includes a gentle, spring-loaded action and a spring pin. Spartan cloisters have nickel 9310 Chromoly drivers and couplers for their future-minded perk. Under tension, the center pin creates an urging force outward that helps the outer axle couplers drive both drive wheels with greater traction.
The Spartan Locker has many advantages. One is that it demands just 100 break-ins and after that, you’re charged revenue, as well as its initial cost and setup expenditure. The setup is simpler on the budget since you alone must install the product, with no need to buy the asset from a store or from an expert.
The major disadvantage of this unit is its user manual, which appears to be incomplete or includes inconsistent information. For example, the guidelines, don’t even indicate the suitable length of wire to affix the clips, and they can be difficult to assemble but are highly noticeable looking at it. Also, it does not specify the average spacing needed for the spacers to the center pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lockers replace gears?
Unlike traditional spools, onboard lockers do not require both wheels to rotate quickly to release their locking mechanism. Full replacement category lockers that offer features include the Lock-right and Spartan Locker.
Do lockers help in the mud?
Lockers will certainly help you during the mud. But, if a front is locked, smooth handling will be affected, and you may have to extend your lever in order to free the wheel. Therefore, utilization is vital.
Does a spartan locker replace the carrier?
Certain revolutionary features of the Spartan Locker exempt it from the use of charm washers and glaziers, completely dry the locker doors, and permit very quick installation compared with other locker varieties!
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found the best locker for AMC 20 to conquer the trails in the upcoming season. In case you’re still hesitant, we recommend the Powertrax Lock-Right for you. It is lightweight, compact, and has a large capacity. With this diff locker, you will be able to safely and efficiently manage your differential and improve your performance on the track.
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