For Real Locker Times

If it's about Power Wagons, all generations, this is where it'll go. This is the original PWR Forum Power Wagon Technical Discussion Section. And this includes everything that doesn’t fit in any one of the other categories related to the truck goes here!
Post Reply
User avatar
06PW
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:24 pm
Model Year: 2006
Location: S. Pittsburg, TN

For Real Locker Times

Post by 06PW » Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:11 pm

Just got my new to me 2006 PW last week. I have been wanting one since they came out, and finally got one. I am pretty excited, I have read quite a bit of the posts regarding the lockers on this forum, but this was all after purchase. I got a pretty clean truck, for the year, no mud caked on in all the nooks and crannys, from what I can tell, it hasn't been used offroad much if at all.
I come from the Land Rover scene from the late 90s, and have had my fair share of things not working and things being very expensive, I just wasn't expecting the lockers to not work right off the rip. My smartbar works fine and fairly quick, the locker lights blink slow, and there is no serv 4wd light either. I am just wondering realistically how long it can take for them to lock up. I did a few swervy figure 8s and never got anywhere. I have always had ARB lockers on my trucks, and am used to locked axles right after the button push. Is there a chance I just didn't do enough swerving or wait long enough? I would say i left the switch on for at least 1.5 minutes, stopped and started a few times and even backed up.
I have read a lot about the locker bypass using the stock switch, and it sounds well worth the money, i just didn't want to start dumping money into this thing a week into it. Any advice??

Thanks,.
Brad
2006 PW stocker, 35" Tires, lots of dents and scratches
Had everything from Land Rovers to Duece and a halfs

User avatar
Cactus Red
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 1862
Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 6:43 pm
Location: Chino Valley, AZ.

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by Cactus Red » Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:11 pm

First thing is to carefully remove the wiring plugs and make sure they are clean and dry, then apply di-electric grease to seal them up.

Secondly, service the diffs and clean the magnets.

Lots of solid info on both of those procedures is posted here, and it usually cures the slow locker issue.
I'm just along for the ride...

User avatar
04Ram2500Hemi
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2212
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 12:19 pm
Model Year: 2012
Location: Missoula, MT

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by 04Ram2500Hemi » Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:49 pm

I know on my 2012 my lockers won't lock up unless the tires are spinning (especially the front locker). If you have good traction they aren't going to want to hook up. In loose snow I spin the tires real quick and they lock up right away.
Gone but Never Forgotten
2012 Ram Power Wagon: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=107
Truxedo Deuce Bed Cover with Bed Lights, Black Line-X Rocker Panel, Custom Built Rock Rails Sprayed with Line-X, Front & Rear Bumper and Grill sprayed with Line-X, Husky Mud Flaps, Husky Floor Mats, Four VisionX Xmitter Low Pro Prime XP LED Light Bars Behind the Grill, LED Lights Mounted in the Rear Bumper, Heated Seats, Interior LED Lighting, NAV-TV, Camera Mounted in Front Grill, Custom Headache Rack, AEV Raised Air Intake, AEV Salta HD Wheels in Onyx, 285/75/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3

TwinStick

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by TwinStick » Thu Nov 20, 2014 11:59 pm

Or, try the "Power Wagon locker dance". On a loose surface (mud, gravel)

Put the lever in lo, turn the rear locker on, turn the wheel all the way to the (left or right), go slow (so as not to torque up the driveline). When it locks, turn on the front locker & repeat the same.

NEVER-EVER-TRY TO LOCK IT UP ON A HIGH TRACTION SURFACE ---unless you are rock crawling. It seems to me, that if the driveline is under high torque, it does not like to lock up quick. I tried once while i had my toyhauler hooked up. No workie at all. But that was when the truck was brand new & off road going up an 1800' gravel hill after 4 days of rain. Mine locks up quick now, empty. Within 3' usually. Have not tried it with camper since. I will next time it's hooked up, if i remember. It also dis-engages instantly if i push in the clutch while rolling---after i switch them off---even with the wheels straight.

hemihead2
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 70
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 1:13 pm

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by hemihead2 » Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:07 am

X2 on cleaning the magnets. Average time for me: Rear-5-10 sec- usually in reverse for some reason; Front 30-45 sec- unless axles are perfectly aligned then it's instant..love the bypass using the factory switch...4hi lockers are soon much more useful for me.

User avatar
06PW
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:24 pm
Model Year: 2006
Location: S. Pittsburg, TN

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by 06PW » Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:32 am

going to head out again today and see what happens. I guess i will put my name on the bypass list, are the 3rd generation now being made?? I saw there were some issues with the connectors. Also i guess a good cleaning and a filtermag will be put on the list.
2006 PW stocker, 35" Tires, lots of dents and scratches
Had everything from Land Rovers to Duece and a halfs

User avatar
leo72987
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 492
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:38 pm
Location: Ware, MA

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by leo72987 » Sun Nov 23, 2014 8:44 am

TwinStick wrote:Or, try the "Power Wagon locker dance". On a loose surface (mud, gravel)

Put the lever in lo, turn the rear locker on, turn the wheel all the way to the (left or right), go slow (so as not to torque up the driveline). When it locks, turn on the front locker & repeat the same.

NEVER-EVER-TRY TO LOCK IT UP ON A HIGH TRACTION SURFACE ---unless you are rock crawling. It seems to me, that if the driveline is under high torque, it does not like to lock up quick. I tried once while i had my toyhauler hooked up. No workie at all. But that was when the truck was brand new & off road going up an 1800' gravel hill after 4 days of rain. Mine locks up quick now, empty. Within 3' usually. Have not tried it with camper since. I will next time it's hooked up, if i remember. It also dis-engages instantly if i push in the clutch while rolling---after i switch them off---even with the wheels straight.
LOL after you clean The magnets and connections the power wagon dance is needed had to do it on my 05 before i hardwired and sometimes still do. Up on our trails thats what my jeep buddies called it haha. People would yell down and be like what the hell is he dojng. My buddies sould chime in he is locking his lockers.. :lol:
2005 Wagon Standard Cab Auto,Bilstein 5100's,White Knuckle Sliders,Dodge Offroad Diff covers,Cooper St Maxx's stock size, Hardwired lockers,Evo manual sway bar disconnect conversion, DT Pro Fab Sway Bar links

User avatar
coder
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1346
Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:18 pm
Model Year: 2007
Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by coder » Sun Nov 23, 2014 4:06 pm

The trick it to go slow, less than 3 mph and do wide s turns they will lock up faster the more you use them. Cleaning the magnet with a soft clean rag will help since they gunk up with metal shavings. Be sure to unhook the battery before you clean them or you can fry the actuator.

Top pic the magnet is covered with crud you can't even see it, in the botton pic it is nice and clean.
Attachments
magnetdirty.jpg
magnetclean.jpg
Vehicle: 2007 Power Wagon Quad Cab - Factory Options (Inferno Red, Premium Cloth Bench Seat, Light Group, Automatic Transmission, Leather Steering Wheel)
Suspension: Carli 3" Hemi Coils, Carli Control Arms, Carli King 2.5 Pin-Tops, Carli Stainless Steering Stabilizer, Carli Trackbar | Synergy 1" Rear Shackle
Performance: Magnaflow Muffler | Magnaflow Y-Pipe
Wheels/Tires: Yokohama X-A/T 35x12.5x17
Steering/Drivetrain/Axles: Carli Front Diff Guard | Dynatrac Ball Joints | Mopar HD Steering Gear
Miscellaneous: Line-X Bedliner | Locker Bypass Switch | Mopar Rock Rails | Odyssey Extreme 65-PC1750T | Performance Friction Brake Pads | Weathertech Digital Fit Mats | Winch Thermal Protection Bypass

User avatar
05PWrockcrawler
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1898
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:56 pm

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by 05PWrockcrawler » Fri Dec 26, 2014 7:23 am

Trick is hard wire it direct no more problems. Best mod I have done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk/hopefully somewhere Offroad!

User avatar
jeep_boy02
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1098
Joined: Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:21 pm

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by jeep_boy02 » Fri Dec 26, 2014 12:46 pm

Or Myoungs bypass. Instant lock, no dance, no gear restrictions. Love it
2010 black pearl(PXR) on 35s, bypass harness, gooseneck, CAI, 3" magnaflow catback, bulldog hemi GT.... more to come soon

old sole mopar
50_Posts
50_Posts
Posts: 183
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:30 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: Kimberley BC Canada

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by old sole mopar » Fri Dec 26, 2014 5:48 pm

Hope I'm still on the list for the myoung locker bypass! It's almost next year ya know. Lol!!!!

User avatar
06PW
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:24 pm
Model Year: 2006
Location: S. Pittsburg, TN

Re: For Real Locker Times

Post by 06PW » Sun Dec 28, 2014 9:30 am

yeah, i would love to hardwire, but really want to keep the stock switch. I will hold out for the bypass, but it isn't looking very promising at the moment because of the Chinese suppliers. I may end up getting the bypass and just splicing it in if all else fails.
2006 PW stocker, 35" Tires, lots of dents and scratches
Had everything from Land Rovers to Duece and a halfs

Post Reply