Lockers

[CallmeColt]

Over this winter, I am going to put lockers in my axles. I am still new to the whole modifications things and do not understand a whole lot about some of the tech stuff. This is what I have for axles:

D30 front 4.10
Chrysler 8.25 rear

And this is what I was thinking of getting after doing research online.

For the rear - Detroit Locker
For the front - OX Locker with cable and shifter

2 questions I am looking for answers too.

1. The Detroit locker for the rear, it says it automatically locks. Does that mean it is limited slip? I wanted an OX locker for the rear because of the cable to engage/disengage it, but they do not make it. I don't want air/electrical.

2. How do I find out how man splines I have?

[Jeffb_79]

You need to choose your lockers for the purpose of your rig.
If it's a DD you may want to avoid a full detroit in the rear. If you do go with a full detroit in the rear, you'll notice it when turning and you'll notice it in the snow.
I would vote for the Ox in the rear and an Aussie up front. I've heard lots of good things about the aussie with minimal effects to your on road driving. And with the Ox in the rear you'll be able to leave it disengaged while not offroad.
If it's mainly an offroad only rig, I'd save the money on the Ox and just throw detroits in front and rear.

[CallmeColt]

I would have loves to just do OX in front and rear, but they do not make it for my axle. I only use this for the trails, but I do drive it on the road to get to them. The Detroit I was looking at was this:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/16100_320.htm

It says "The Detroit Locker maximizes traction by delivering 100% of the torque to both drive wheels. It is engineered to keep both wheels in a constant drive mode, and has the ability to automatically allow wheel speed differentiation when required."

So for this to be in the rear, it should be alright, correct? When I am taking a tight turn on a road it should free up or something.

I also found this:

http://www.aussielocker.com/item.php/TM6987ae/3534/10/310060/.html

I dunno what to do, haha. That is why I am finding out what people think, and have done so when winter comes I will be good to go.

[Bigskyxj]

I run an Aussie locker in the front and I love it. If I had a better rear axle I would run one in the back as well.

Aussie Locker has awesome customer service and a really good product in my opinion.

[CallmeColt]

You don't have any issues while on the road at all? Or an wheels slippage when off road, like one not turning and the other spinning like crazy? I am thinking now that I may just put Assie Lockers in both of my axles if they are good. They are cheap as well! And I like the fact that you don't have to do anything, they just work!


I run an Aussie locker in the front and I love it. If I had a better rear axle I would run one in the back as well.

Aussie Locker has awesome customer service and a really good product in my opinion.

[HillBillE]

I think your first idea of an OX up front, and a (full) detroit out back is a good call.

The Aussie's are great lockers! I have them in both ends of my CJ, and love them!

One problem with an automatic locker (detriot E-Z, Aussie, Lock-Rite) up front, is you lose some turning radius when in 4WD. No problems on the road in 2WD. With an OX, you can 'unlock' it, and make tight turns.

Some people don't mind losing a bit of turning radius, in exchange for the extra traction.

Out back, a full detroit is the way to go. A 'full' locker replaces the carrier (the carrier holds the Ring gear and spider gears) this is stronger than installing a 'lunchbox locker' (like an Aussie)

A lunch box locker replaces the spider gears, and you use the factory carrier. While this works well, especially for tires 33" and under, it's not as strong as a 'full' locker.

I've driven an XJ with a full detroit in the rear, and it's not bad. (it's my buddy's DD, and he drives it to Moab/CO twice a year for wheeling trips!)

They have thier quirks, but every 'automatic' type locker does. The quirks are easy to get used to, and are nothing compared to the extra traction!

Your Chry 8.25 rear axle, is either 27 or 29 spline, depending on the year.

I'm not sure when the change happened, but I know the '98-01's have 29 splines.

Hope this helps! HB

[HillBillE]

BTW: The Detroit locker works great, no tire chirping on the blacktop, and no 'one wheel wonder' while offroad.

Great traction and decent road manners.

[CallmeColt]

Everything is a help, and thanks for the input. One thing I am also keeping in mind is the price. From the looks of it, getting Aussie Lockers for both rear and front will be the best price to performance deal. I can get both the lockers for under $600 shipped, and they are not a huge challenge to install. As far as loosing the turning radius in 4 wheel drive with the auto locker, would this be very effected in the dirt? I figure it will be a little un smooth, but the inside tire could just spin a little in the dirt? I dunno, I am no expert but that is my guess. I will need to keep the turning radius as tight as possible because the trails here in CT are tight.

[Jeffb_79]

I can't speak for the aussie's, but I know making tight turns with my auto lockers engaged can be a pita.... I can only assume it would be similar for auto lockers. It's not a deal killer, it's just something you'll have to learn to get used to. The nice thing about auto lockers like detroits or aussie's.. you won't have to worry about when to engage or disengage them.

[CallmeColt]

I ordered a set of Aussie Lockers for my front and rear last night, along with some differential guards too. Can't wait!

[reservoirdogg26]

let me know how the aussies work out for ya ! i'm thinking bout gettin one myself for the front and ive heard nothing but good things plus you cant beat the price..

[CallmeColt]

let me know how the aussies work out for ya ! i'm thinking bout gettin one myself for the front and ive heard nothing but good things plus you cant beat the price..

Ok, no problem. Got the e-mail that they are shipping tomorrow so depending when they get here, and when they get it the Jeep, I will post back up after testing them and stuff.

[GOVT1911]

I plan on throwing an Aussie in the front of my play Jeep when I get back also. So, from what I've been reading, it's a simple "plug-n-play"? I mean, clean out the diff and just put the locker in, refill and go play???

[RescueJP]

Aussies are great. Best mod I have done!!!

[CallmeColt]

The friday that just passed we started to rip apart my rear end to install the Aussie. All was going well until I found out the hard way my Jeep had an axle swap before I got it, and it has the 27 spline Chrysler 8.25, not the 29 spline. The Aussie is only for the 29 spline. I am scrambling to find the parts so I can convert it. Hope I can find them today!

[trailsnail]

Wow, what a time to find out. You should do a pic by pic write up of the install.

[chucknes]

The friday that just passed we started to rip apart my rear end to install the Aussie. All was going well until I found out the hard way my Jeep had an axle swap before I got it, and it has the 27 spline Chrysler 8.25, not the 29 spline. The Aussie is only for the 29 spline. I am scrambling to find the parts so I can convert it. Hope I can find them today!

dude you should just be able to change the shafts at this point since the ausie is converting your "shaft input" (where the shaft is driven from on the inside of the diff) to 29 splines, if cost is not a problem do an upgrade to alloy shafts... some of you may have heard me say this before, but chase a www.eastcoastgearsupply.com (http://www.eastcoastgerasupply.com) could probabaly ger you a good deal on a set! just my .02!

i just got my fron aussie today! cant wait to get er all instalated and stuff!
and it cae with stickers! yay more sticker power!

[shoe83]

I have a Detroit in my Super D35 rear and an aussie locker in my D30 front. I have had these installed since Feb., and I love them. The Jeep is pretty much point and shoot now, I can pretty much go anywhere. For those of you who worry about an auto locker on the street, remember that while in 2WD, you are not applying power to the axle, the only thing that you will notice is a clicking sound while in a tight turn, but it still turns tight. While in 4WD, it is more difficult to turn (larger turning radius), but well worth the pay off for additional traction. I have no complaints about the aussie locker. The Detroit can take a little getting used to in a short wheel base vehicle (like my TJ). Some people will tell you that a front locker in a D30 is a ticking time bomb, but I have not had any issues. I will be upgrading to chromolly axles within the next month, but as long as you are light on the skinny pedal (especially in a turn), your axles will be ok. I hope this is helpful for anyone on the fence about getting these lockers.

[farmboyqb]

Is anyone running an aussie locker in a Ford 8.8. How do aussies stack up against the powertraxx or other lunchbox lockers

[CallmeColt]

I would have liked to upgrade to aftermarket axle shafts, but just did not have the money right now. I was lucky, and picked up an complete axle with the 29 splines for $160 after taxes to use to convert. After some other small issues, things are almost complete. I would have liked to take pictures while the install was going on, but my mechanic did it while I was at work most of the time. No luck. All of the issues had nothing to do with the Aussie lockers, just old bolts breaking, ect. I should have it back in a few days, then I have to do the 600 mile break in before they are ready to be pounded on in the trail. Coming along slowly but it's almost done! :)

[CallmeColt]

These lockers a great. Just a follow up!