For adventure enthusiasts and off-road lovers, having a capable vehicle is essential. When it comes to Jeeps, many enthusiasts examine the features to ensure their chosen model can handle rugged terrains.
One of the key considerations is whether the vehicle has lockers, which provide enhanced traction and stability. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Jeep Gladiator Mojave is equipped with lockers and delve into the importance of these features for off-road driving.
The Role of Lockers in Jeeps
Lockers, also known as locking differentials, play a crucial role in enhancing a vehicle’s off-road performance. They ensure that the car’s wheels move uniformly, reducing the chances of wheel slip in uneven or muddy terrain.
Lockers are particularly useful for extreme off-roading situations, such as traversing through mud, rocky surfaces, or loose sand. By preventing wheel slip, lockers provide improved traction, enabling the Jeep to tackle challenging terrains with confidence.
Jeep Gladiator Mojave: Rear Locker for Desert Capability
Lockers are a feature of the legendary Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which is certified for use in the desert. However, it has a back locker designed especially for arid terrains. The front wheels’ stability is maintained by this rear locker, which also makes sure there is enough power to get the vehicle out of sand traps.
While other Jeep models may have lockers on both the front and rear axles, the Gladiator Mojave’s focus on desert performance makes the rear locker the ideal choice.
When are Lockers Necessary?
It’s important to note that lockers are not necessary for mild off-road driving. Jeeps equipped with 4WD can handle such terrains without requiring lockers. Lockers come into play when facing extreme off-road conditions, including deep mud, rocky trails, or loose sand.
In these situations, lockers provide the additional traction needed to overcome obstacles and maintain forward momentum at higher speeds. By allowing all the tires to move at the same pace, lockers enhance the Jeep’s off-road capabilities.
Types of lockers
Lockers come in various types, with two common options being automatic lockers and selectable lockers.
Automatic lockers engage themselves automatically after the throttle is released. They offer a faster solution with a simple installation process, making them a pocket-friendly choice. However, they can affect on-road driving, make abrupt turns challenging, and produce a mildly irritating sound. They also have a greater impact on performance in snow.
Selectable lockers, on the other hand, provide more control to the driver. They can be manually engaged and deactivated. When deactivated, they possess similar characteristics to a regular open differential, allowing for better on-road driving performance. However, selectable lockers have a more complex installation process, higher cost, and increased chances of damage due to their active components.
Jeep Gladiator Mojave: No Front Locker
Unlike the Rubicon Jeep, the Gladiator Mojave only has a rear locker. The Rubicon model features both front and rear lockers. The absence of a front locker in the Mojave is compensated by its front brakes, which prevent the Mojave wheels spinning in suspension and help with cornering on the ground.
Despite lacking a front locker, the Gladiator Mojave remains the first-ever Jeep designed specifically for sand dunes terrains, earning its reputation as a desert-rated Jeep.
Qualifications for a desert-rated model
The Gladiator Mojave proudly qualifies as a desert-rated model due to several key factors:
Ride Control & Stability: The Mojave Jeep utilizes a specific shock type that effectively disperses heat generated from overspeeding over bumps in rough terrains. The wide front track accommodates the shocks, enhancing the car’s stability. The suspension fluid manages the shock’s operation at high temperatures.
Traction: Equipped with Falken Wildpeak tires and tread patterns suitable for all terrains, the Mojave provides exceptional traction. The wheels’ appropriate ratios allow for different ranges, accommodating varying speeds. These Falken Wildpeak tires are ideal for off-road driving adventures and are well-suited for various weather conditions.
Ground Clearance: With an impressive ground clearance of 11.6 inches, the Mojave Jeep boasts the highest clearance among Jeeps. Because of the vehicle’s high ground clearance, tough terrains may be navigated without worrying about impediments harming the car shaft.
Maneuverability: The Mojave’s Jeep suspension features sporty modifications that provide instant responses, making it easier to navigate carefully and avoid collisions with obstacles.
Desert Prowess: The Gladiator Mojave possesses essential components that allow it to excel in desert environments. It features a cooling system to dissipate heat from overspeeding and robust knuckles to handle heavy loads effectively.
Jeep Gladiators with lockers
Lockers are not exclusive to the Mojave model. The Rubicon Gladiators are another variant that comes with lockers. However, even if your Jeep model doesn’t come with lockers, it may be possible to install them as an aftermarket modification.
Consulting with a professional Jeep mechanic or authorized dealership can provide guidance on installing lockers in your specific Jeep model.
The Mojave package
The Mojave package is an optional feature available for the Gladiator model. This package enhances the Mojave’s off-road capabilities by including features like FOX shocks, reinforced frame rails, a reinforced front axle, front skid plates, and unique styling elements.
Opting for the Mojave package further enhances the vehicle’s performance and durability in challenging off-road conditions.
How to activate the rear locker in the Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Activating the rear locker in the Mojave Gladiator is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ensure that your vehicle is in 4WD High mode. This mode maximizes the Mojave’s off-road capabilities.
Locate the rear locker switch on the instrument panel. It is usually labeled “Rear Locking Differential.”
Engage the switch by pressing it. A light indicator on the instrument panel will illuminate, confirming that the rear locker is engaged.
You are now ready to traverse challenging terrains with enhanced traction and stability.
Remember, using the rear locker is most effective when the vehicle is in 4WD High mode. This combination optimizes the Gladiator Mojave’s off-road performance.
Conclusion
When it comes to off-road adventures, having a capable vehicle is crucial, and lockers play a significant role in enhancing traction and stability. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave, with its focus on desert performance, comes equipped with a rear locker.
With appropriate power, the rear locker guarantees stability in the front wheels and helps the vehicle escape sand traps. For light off-road driving, locks are not necessary, but they are crucial in rough terrain.
Whether it’s mud, rocks, deep sand or loose sand, lockers provide the traction needed to conquer these obstacles. So, if you’re considering the Gladiator Mojave for your off-road adventures, rest assured that its rear locker will help you tackle the desert terrains with confidence.
FAQs
Can I engage the lockers while driving on regular roads?
No, it is not recommended to engage the lockers while driving on regular roads. Lockers are primarily intended for off-road use, and using them on regular roads can lead to handling issues and excessive tire wear.
Can I retrofit lockers to my existing Jeep Gladiator?
Yes, lockers can be retrofitted to your existing Jeep Gladiator. However, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic or a Jeep dealership to ensure proper installation and compatibility.
Are lockers only available on the Mojave trim of the Jeep Gladiator?
No, lockers are available on other trim levels of the Jeep Gladiator as well. However, the Mojave trim is specifically designed for off-roading and includes a comprehensive set of off-road features.
Can lockers improve my vehicle’s towing capacity?
Lockers primarily enhance traction and off-road performance. They do not directly affect your vehicle’s towing capacity, which is determined by factors such as engine power, transmission, and suspension.
How do lockers differ from limited-slip differentials?
Lockers and limited-slip differentials (LSD) both improve traction but operate differently. Lockers completely lock the wheels together, ensuring equal power distribution. LSDs allow some differentiation in wheel speeds while providing improved traction compared to open differentials.
