Just fyi, I ran a welded front diff in my Dana 44 axle on the old truck, and yeah, it was less easy to steer but, still plenty steerable. I'm going to weld the new Sportage's front diff. I'll let you know how it goes. I can't afford the lockers, especially since I know I'm going to swap the axles again within a year or two.

95 Sportage w/welded and 5.89 geared dana 44's on 38.5" TSL's.- SADLY SOLD
CURRENTLY - 2000 sportage, 5.38 gears, welded diffs, 35" tires, 5.5" lift

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/341410