The Yukon Zip Locker and Grizzly Locker differ in activation. The Zip Locker uses air pressure for selective engagement, while the Grizzly Locker is an automatic, mechanical locker for continuous locking action.
The Yukon Zip Locker offers versatility, allowing drivers to engage or disengage the locker as needed, making it ideal for varied terrain. It requires an onboard air source for operation. The Grizzly Locker, on the other hand, is known for its robustness in demanding off-road conditions, providing constant, aggressive locking but with less on-road comfort. It’s a great choice for dedicated off-road vehicles that need reliable, always-on traction.
Yukon Zip Locker vs. Grizzly In a Table
A table will show the actual differences and similarities to keep them side by side. So take a look to get a clear concept about them.
| Key factors | Yukon Zip locker | Yukon Grizzly |
| Manufacturer | Yukon Gear | Yukon Gear |
| Locker type | Air-operated and selectable locking differential | It is a mechanical locking differential. |
| Weight | 19.7 pounds | 4.99 pounds |
| Design | It features an air-compressor on board design to keep off-roading performance in mind. | It has a patented and back-cut design that reveals the peak performance and strength. |
| Working principle | The air is compressed by the compressor to transmit the power to the boat wheels with 100% torque and power. | It remains locked and allows both axles to drive together while going straight. But when you are turning, it will unlock to allow one wheel to spin at variable speed. |
| Compatible with | 4WD vehicles, GM 10 and 14 lt, Dana 44 & 60, etc. | It is available in various trucks, cars, and recreational vehicles. |
| Made of | combined with 8620 and 4320 internal steel to prevent early damage. | 8620 carrier case chrome polished finish internals steel added strength even if you are on rough terrain. |
| Pros | On-demand traction and waterproof | Larger teeth for reducing breakage against shock loading. |
| Cons | When the air compressor can’t compress, the air locker will open suddenly. | Overall costs are slightly higher than its counterparts. |
| Warranty | 6 years | 1-year |
| Costs | $900-1100 | $1250+ |
What Is Yukon Zip Locker?
The Yukon Zip Locker is an air-operated locking differential. It provides on-demand traction for off-road and performance vehicles.
Controlled by air pressure, it locks both wheels on an axle. This ensures maximum traction in demanding off-road conditions.
It’s designed for a range of vehicles and axle types. The Zip Locker is versatile, suiting various driving needs.
Installation requires an onboard air source, like a compressor. This system activates the locker when needed.
When not engaged, it functions as a standard open differential. This offers smooth operation during normal driving conditions.
The Zip Locker is known for its durability and strength. It withstands harsh environments and demanding driving scenarios.
Ideal for off-road enthusiasts needing control over traction. It’s perfect for navigating tough terrains and obstacles.
It enhances vehicle performance in mud, rocks, and steep inclines. The locker is a favorite among serious off-road drivers.
Maintenance involves regular checks of the air system. Ensuring airlines and seals remain intact is crucial.
It’s compatible with a variety of gear ratios. This allows for customization according to driving needs and vehicle specifications.
Yukon offers a warranty for the Zip Locker. This reflects their confidence in the product’s reliability and performance.
The Yukon Zip Locker is a high-performance, air-operated locking differential. It provides superior traction control for off-road and performance vehicles, operating seamlessly between a locked and open state. Its design caters to various vehicles and driving conditions, making it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. Maintenance and installation require attention to the air system, but its robustness and versatility make it a valuable upgrade for challenging terrains.
Pros
- On-demand traction control
- Versatile for various terrains
- Functions as an open differential when not engaged
- Durable and strong
- Suitable for a range of vehicles and axle types
- Enhances off-road performance
Cons
- Requires onboard air source for operation
- Regular maintenance of the air system needed
- Installation can be complex
What Is Grizzly Locker?
The Grizzly Locker is a mechanical locking differential. It automatically locks wheels for maximum traction, especially off-road.
It’s designed for rugged, extreme off-road use. The locker engages under power, ensuring consistent traction in tough conditions.
This differential is fully automatic, requiring no driver input. It’s known for its aggressive locking action and durability.
The Grizzly Locker is ideal for heavy-duty and competition vehicles. Its robust design withstands harsh environments and demanding use.
It operates as a locked differential at all times. This provides constant, reliable traction but less on-road comfort.
Suitable for a wide range of vehicles and axle types. It’s often chosen for dedicated off-road and performance applications.
Installation is straightforward, with no need for external controls. It integrates seamlessly into the existing axle setup.
Maintenance is minimal due to its mechanical nature. Its simplicity ensures long-term reliability with little upkeep.
The Grizzly Locker enhances off-road capabilities significantly. It excels in mud, rocks, and steep inclines.
However, its constant locking can affect on-road drivability. Aggressive engagement is noticeable during regular driving.
Yukon offers a warranty for the Grizzly Locker. This reflects confidence in its performance and durability.
The Grizzly Locker is a mechanical, automatic locking differential designed for extreme off-road and heavy-duty applications. It provides constant, aggressive traction, enhancing off-road capabilities significantly. Its simple, robust design ensures durability and minimal maintenance, but its always-on locking nature may affect on-road comfort. Ideal for dedicated off-road vehicles and performance applications, it’s a reliable choice for drivers seeking uncompromised traction in challenging terrains.
Pros
- Automatically locks for maximum traction
- Ideal for extreme off-road use
- Requires no driver input
- Durable and robust design
- Minimal maintenance required
- Straightforward installation
Cons
- Constantly locked, affecting on-road comfort
- Aggressive engagement is noticeable during regular driving
- Not as versatile for mixed driving conditions
Yukon Zip Locker vs. Grizzly In Details
Overview
Yukon gear and axle locking differential are now common and well-known locking differentials with breathtaking designs. Among their best locking differential, Zip Air operated and Grizzly adds more value. Zip locker has on-demand traction ability with a rigorous steel finish. In contrast, Grizzly locker is an automatic mechanical positive locking differential that is perfect in off-roading, street racing, and drag racing.
Weight
If you are looking for a light-locker, Yukon Grizzly should be your choice. It allows you to assemble quickly within less time. Zip locker should be your choice if you like a heavy and rigorous one. However, mechanical locking diffs weight of almost 5 pounds whereas air functioned one is almost 20 pounds.
Design
Yukon Zip locking differentials use air-actuated and air-compressor onboard design to keep off-roading performance in mind. You can switch between complete lock up and open differential effortlessly using this new design.
When we look for the Grizzly, it uses a patented design to lessen internal failures. This design helps to offer the exact traction that a driver is looking for.
Construction
8620 robust and rustproof steel is a common material on both sides. But with the 8620 series, Yukon Grizzly and its counterpart have a 4320 chromed finish in the carrier case that helps to extend the overall strength while driving potholes. Robust and abrasion-resistant forged case carriers add more strength to handle bulk work. All these are for increased durability and to secure the inside parts.
Working Mechanism
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Zip lockers are air-activated and selectable lockers controlled by a switchboard mounted on the dashboard. When the system is fully operational the air is compressed by the compressor.
This compressed air then enters the differential through the airline. And this air enters the locker piston which activates the gear to lock the axle. This is especially true for 4-wheel drive cars. This way zip locker works.
On the other hand, a grizzly locker is a fully automated locker with different operations. When driving straight, it remains locked and allows both axles to drive together. But when you are turning, it will unlock to allow one wheel to spin at variable speed.
Traction
Both offer mind-blowing traction from local streets to dirt or gravel areas. Zip locker works excellently by providing optimum (100%) torque and power to both wheels when completely engaged. It is known for its viable on-demand traction ability and automatic lock/unlock features.
Grizzly lockers, on the other hand, provide 100% strength and power on both wheels for maximum traction. When turning back, it will lock automatically while allowing disengagement. When running straight, it will unlock and deliver power.
Installation
The manufacturer included the installation manual with the locker to assemble pretty simply. However, other factors contribute a lot here like weight, tools, and other accessories. It may take 4 hours to install the Yukon Grizzly locker. Air-actuated locker has the latest technology that helps to install it easily. No special tools are required to install both lockers.
Costs
Yukon air-activated locking differential is cheaper than an automatic locker. The price of a grizzly locking differential is $1250+ whereas its counterpart’s price ranges from $1000-1100. Though the price doesn’t matter, you must look for something better.
Final Words
You can get superior strength, reliability, forged case steel carrier, 100% on-demand traction, and various applications with a Yukon Zip locker. And you can get an improved back-cut and patented design, and larger teeth available in the grizzly locker. So both have individuality and uniqueness and differences. In this article, the differences between Yukon Zip Locker and Grizzly are clear. So make your best companion by picking the best.
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