Does installing a locker in the front make disco useless

[TBNewbie]

To the best of my understanding when the disco is open it ( the left half of the axle) just spins the spider gears and doesnt turn the diff. If you install a locker, I think the powertrax is the only one available, does it lock up and spin the diff and the T case defeating the purpose of the disco. Now my theory of these lockers says they lock when force is applied through the diff pin spreading the locker, so it should un lock. But then shouldnt the same happen on both sides and allow both sides to spin and free wheel without spining the diff. Either way it would seem that it would make the disco useless and it could be replaced with the awd sleve to improve strength and reliability. Although if the locker doesnt unlock you could see increased wear to your Tcase and failure. Really interested to hear from some of the guys who have locker experiance?

[v7guy]

The disconnect disconnects the passenger side axle. It does this regardless of a locker being in the diff. Even if there is a locker and you're in 2wd the disconnect isn't connecting the passenger CV to anything. If you're in 4wd the disconnect slides a collar over locking the intermediate shaft to the CV on the passenger side (the drivers side is always connected to the diff).the differential still allows each wheel to slip though.
When you install the front locker you physically connect both sides to each other so that they either turn together or break.
I thought there was a article on here describing the operation of these components. I could be wrong though. It's the same idea that GM has used since the S10s with obvious slight changes over the years.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Ony two people have locked the front and one is never on anymore. Fish would be your best bet on specifics.

[fishsticks]

IMO the disco is useless even without the locker. Just another trick for CAFE standards.

Yes, everything spins all the time with a front locker in, disco engaged or no.

[v7guy]

Donny is right. The disconnect was originally implemented to improve gas milage. The idea being that the disconnect allows less resistance in the drivetrain and lets the vehicle get better gas milage.
If you're opening the disconnect to service it go ahead and spend $80and toss in an AWD sleeve, it'll increase the durability of the system.

[TBNewbie]

Wish we could get locking hubs instead of the disco would solve so many problems. Can you use the sleeve out of any 7.2 or just the oil pan mounted 7.2and where did you get it.

[fishsticks]

Wish we could get locking hubs instead of the disco would solve so many problems. Can you use the sleeve out of any 7.2 or just the oil pan mounted 7.2and where did you get it.

You must improve your search-fu, grasshopper. The wisdom that you seek is right in front of you.

[v7guy]

Sometimes I wonder why I answer anything

[TBNewbie]

Sorry found it.