DIY Front differential lock (?)

[stastyle]

Hey guys!
I just had an idea (which I'm pretty sure some of you encountered already) about getting (ghetto) front diff lock.
If you "weld lock" the spider gears and essentially 'disable' the diff you get it locked, while when the front disconnect is disengaged it acts like a normal diff because you don't have the passenger wheel adding Strain to the system.

Could it work? A friend of mine is getting a new diff and we thought of doing it with the old one..

Cheers,
Stas.

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[ErikSS]

Completely locked would add a lot of stress to a weak point in the drive line. I'm not sure I would do that.

[stastyle]

Which is? The transfer case?
I guess it would be harder on turns, but on a loose gravel, sand and mud wont it be okay?

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[HARDTRAILZ]

It will still be locked, just not powered. Lot of stress on the diff that is marginal anyway.

[HawkeyeC25]

I agree with these guys... the front axle is not that strong to begin with, and when you do use 4wd, your disconnect will not take the added twist of front axles when trying to turn. I think the Tcase would be fine because it would see the same input loads if all 4 tires have traction anyway. But either your diff housing or disco would be the weak link - just a matter of time.

[stastyle]

Got it! Thanks guys!