Well, I struggled through the decision on which rear Locker to buy and I decided in the Aussie Locker from http://www.offroadlockers.com/ . It came a couple of days ago and I installed it this morning in two hours. I went slow and easy because I have never worked on a differential, I did not know what a thrust washer was.. I could probably even do it in less than an hour now that I know what everything is.
I used the instructions that came with the locker, the Factory Manual (Chassis Section 5) and Woody’s guide on installing the Ez Locker, http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/woody/ez-lock.html . Compared to the Factory Manual, Woody’s guide calls the Pinion Shaft the Crosspin. Based on Woody’s guide I would say the install for a Aussie is almost identical.
I am amazed that the gears I removed have big teeth for moving the axle, yet this locker has small grooves, this along with the spring is what I am guessing allows you it to unlock when you are going around a turn.
I noticed the difference driving right away, nothing major and should not be a problem. Just I was able to “feel” the rear of the vehicle more in a turn. Something that is easy to get use to. I also am not hearing any noises when it locks or unlocks, it’s pretty quiet.
The only real problem I had is the bottom of my rear axle was dinged and would not allow me to take off the drain plug, so I took the nuts off the access panel and let it drain into my large drain pan.
Couple of other points:
• Don’t forget to take off the thrust washers off the old side gears.
• You do not need the thrust washers from the spider gears.
• Follow the instructions in the Aussie manual very carefully to get the right (last) C clamp.
• Once, you get the Pinion shaft out, turn the drive train to move the housing for better access.
Here is the parts to the locker
I used the instructions that came with the locker, the Factory Manual (Chassis Section 5) and Woody’s guide on installing the Ez Locker, http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/woody/ez-lock.html . Compared to the Factory Manual, Woody’s guide calls the Pinion Shaft the Crosspin. Based on Woody’s guide I would say the install for a Aussie is almost identical.
I am amazed that the gears I removed have big teeth for moving the axle, yet this locker has small grooves, this along with the spring is what I am guessing allows you it to unlock when you are going around a turn.
I noticed the difference driving right away, nothing major and should not be a problem. Just I was able to “feel” the rear of the vehicle more in a turn. Something that is easy to get use to. I also am not hearing any noises when it locks or unlocks, it’s pretty quiet.
The only real problem I had is the bottom of my rear axle was dinged and would not allow me to take off the drain plug, so I took the nuts off the access panel and let it drain into my large drain pan.
Couple of other points:
• Don’t forget to take off the thrust washers off the old side gears.
• You do not need the thrust washers from the spider gears.
• Follow the instructions in the Aussie manual very carefully to get the right (last) C clamp.
• Once, you get the Pinion shaft out, turn the drive train to move the housing for better access.
Here is the parts to the locker
I have a Ton of goodies coming next week that need installed.
