Rear locker can save a front diff.

[Fordified1]

Another 4.46 M190 bites the dust, I've seen so many I've lost count at this point. Most of em I've seen break in reverse, either very lightly wheeling or stuck in snow/mud. Mine broke with 2200 miles on it, on a 20* decline trying to reverse to straighten up my line. Swapped an M210 in and it has held up through 3 steering racks and tons of abuse, 2 broken CVs.

I have a sneaking suspicion there's a casting issue in the 4.46s or there's just simply not enough meat on the ring gear, in the teeth and overall, to prevent deflection. I've seen and heard of at least 30 4.46 M190s taking teeth off the ring gear.

Yes if you look at that gear set and how shallow the tooth engagement is compared to almost anything else it’s no wonder they slip past. I’m sure the housing also flexes. And of course, they are much weaker going backwards as the ramp is more angled on the backside.

Sponsored

 

[builtMIbronco]

Yes if you look at that gear set and how shallow the tooth engagement is compared to almost anything else it’s no wonder they slip past. I’m sure the housing also flexes. And of course, they are much weaker going backwards as the ramp is more angled on the backside.

Agreed, there is a massive difference between the m190 4.46 and the m210 4.70s. I didn't realize it until I seen your photos. I'd be curious to see my 4.46 M210 opened up but that won't be until I swap these gears in. This is the 4.70 ring gear my buddy smashed up a couple weeks back. I'd classify it as a crash vs wheeling damage though even though it occurred wheeling. As soon as I seen your photos I had to go look at the photos he took because I could tell right away there's a significant size difference.

 

[jtgensler]

My philsophy on lockers depends on what I'm doing that day.
If I'm just having a fun trail day, I like to try obstacles without them, because they're kind of a cheat code.

But during the 24hrs of Appalachia rally events I've been running in, I'm very quick to use the rear on almost anything that even looks like it might slow me down.
1 - I'm trying to finish in a good time
2 - I don't wanna be that guy holding everyone else up

I'm more hesitant with the front locker because I'm honestly nervous about what it can damage if used incorrectly.
Also I hate that I have to stop, go into N, get out of sport mode to engage it.
I typically only use it when I'm already stuck or I can see an absolute challenge coming up.
Last rally, I started a super slick clay mud hill climb with both lockers engaged, 4L & everything & still had to winch 3x to get up the hill. Super frustrating. But out of like 60 rigs, I think only a handful made it up unassisted & they were all running at least 37 M/Ts. I'm on 35 A/Ts.

If I were OP, I'd definitely look at the M210 upgrade though. If you have to replace, might as well upgrade.

 

[SmallCrawler]

Sorry that sucks.

This is why I preemptively use at least my rear locker on certain obstacles. The internet has people so scared to use them, or thinking of them as a last resort. But it's a tool that can save damage.

A lot of professional 4x4 reviewers make a point of seeing how far they can get without lockers, as though this is somehow the ultimate test of a vehicle's off-road worthiness. Sets a bad example and it drives me nuts.

 

[Fordified1]

My philsophy on lockers depends on what I'm doing that day.
If I'm just having a fun trail day, I like to try obstacles without them, because they're kind of a cheat code.

But during the 24hrs of Appalachia rally events I've been running in, I'm very quick to use the rear on almost anything that even looks like it might slow me down.
1 - I'm trying to finish in a good time
2 - I don't wanna be that guy holding everyone else up

I'm more hesitant with the front locker because I'm honestly nervous about what it can damage if used incorrectly.
Also I hate that I have to stop, go into N, get out of sport mode to engage it.
I typically only use it when I'm already stuck or I can see an absolute challenge coming up.
Last rally, I started a super slick clay mud hill climb with both lockers engaged, 4L & everything & still had to winch 3x to get up the hill. Super frustrating. But out of like 60 rigs, I think only a handful made it up unassisted & they were all running at least 37 M/Ts. I'm on 35 A/Ts.

If I were OP, I'd definitely look at the M210 upgrade though. If you have to replace, might as well upgrade.

Yeah, I would put a 210 in it and I even had them look, but I can’t get one with the gear set in it I need right now and I need it running this week. I’m getting a slightly used 190 for 500 bucks and I will eventually swap it out for a 210.

 

[jtgensler]

A lot of professional 4x4 reviewers make a point of seeing how far they can get without lockers, as though this is somehow the ultimate test of a vehicle's off-road worthiness. Drives me nuts.

idk about ultimate test, but it's fun to see what you can do before needing the assistance.

I know I've had a blast last year when I tried a hill climb without, didn't make it & some SXS guys started laughing, then I just clicked the rear on & walked right up from where I was "stuck" at.

 

[userdude]

As soon as I saw the fence, I knew exactly where you were... lol

 

[vrtical]

Anyone know what the backlash is set at on the OEM 190 or even the 210 for that matter?, bet its loose.

 

[Techun]

Another 4.46 M190 bites the dust, I've seen so many I've lost count at this point. Most of em I've seen break in reverse, either very lightly wheeling or stuck in snow/mud. Mine broke with 2200 miles on it, on a 20* decline trying to reverse to straighten up my line. Swapped an M210 in and it has held up through 3 steering racks and tons of abuse, 2 broken CVs.

I have a sneaking suspicion there's a casting issue in the 4.46s or there's just simply not enough meat on the ring gear, in the teeth and overall, to prevent deflection. I've seen and heard of at least 30 4.46 M190s taking teeth off the ring gear.

Reading this is bad for my mental health lol

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

It's definitely the same line we took when I was there. Was a little more difficult for the four doors.
Hard to tell in the video, but a little to the left would give most people more problems.

Ok, so the off camber just appears worse than it is? Not being there, guess I'm not seeing how high that little ridge is. That sloped rock just to the left of your driver side tire was what I was spying. You have the same Bronco config as mine, so I'll take your word for it. Locked and walk right up, just as he would have done.

If it isn't dangerous, it isn't fun!

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Ok, so the off camber just appears worse than it is? Not being there, guess I'm not seeing how high that little ridge is. That sloped rock just to the left of your driver side tire was what I was spying. You have the same Bronco config as mine, so I'll take your word for it. Locked and walk right up, just as he would have done.

If it isn't dangerous, it isn't fun!

Actually that's my buddy Dale's bronco. Bone stock Bad-sas and he makes everything look easy. Mine is a Black Diamond non-sad that has evolved somewhat.

Yeah if I remember right just a couple feet to the driver has a bit of an overhang and would impact most people's bumpers. Also complicating things to the far passenger it dips down and puts you a little more off camber and less traction without lockers.

 

[Fordified1]

Well, I took this from my video. I really hadn’t intended to this be a scrutiny of the line I took, but rather that with the rear locker, it (would have)walked up with no drama.

 

[NC_Oak]

no one expects the spanish inquisition

 

[Bikeric]

Well, I took this from my video. I really hadn’t intended to this be a scrutiny of the line I took, but rather that with the rear locker, it (would have)walked up with no drama.

The Internet has chimed in that you should have also aired down........


/sarc

 

[Phil]

Ouch. Could tell by the sound that was no bueno need some denero señoro

Sponsored