1981 Pick-up Build (2 Viewers)

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Well, the old tires are getting sold tonight which will almost exactly fund a lunchbox locker.

It looks like my options are:
Spartan
Lock-Right
Aussie

Given that these can be installed in my garage, I like the option. So, does anyone have experience or suggestions - it does get streeted although it is not a DD? It appears the Spartan and Aussie might be somewhat newer designs over the lock-right, but they all appear to function pretty much the same. I don't want to spend the money on a nicer auto-locker (i.e. grizzly) as I can't really afford the set-up costs right now.

Second question: Front or rear? I'll likely hang on to the Zip locker and have it serviced.
 
tgreco said:
Well, the old tires are getting sold tonight which will almost exactly fund a lunchbox locker.

It looks like my options are:
Spartan
Lock-Right
Aussie

Given that these can be installed in my garage, I like the option. So, does anyone have experience or suggestions - it does get streeted although it is not a DD? It appears the Spartan and Aussie might be somewhat newer designs over the lock-right, but they all appear to function pretty much the same. I don't want to spend the money on a nicer auto-locker (i.e. grizzly) as I can't really afford the set-up costs right now.

Second question: Front or rear? I'll likely hang on to the Zip locker and have it serviced.
Click to expand...

Lock-rights are tried and true, been running one for a long time. Spartans are easier to install and also running one. Aussies - I have no experience but a good reputation, don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

Rear, definitely the rear and throw the zip in the front, you'll be locked front and rear and loving life!! If the Zip fails again big deal, at least you'll still have the locked rear.
 
I have a Spartan in the rear of the 80. Good for the last 3 years. Aussie seems to be the most common lately. I went Spartan because the Randy's R&P DC is close and I picked it up, and Aussie was out of stock. Agree wit Ted, any of the 3 will be a solid choice. Setup advantage goes to Spartan with the larger pins and spring retainer system, but there have been a few unhappy owners with some bad customer service experiences.

And I vote to throw it out back as well.
 
Thanks for the advice guys and pretty much what some internet searches said.

It'll probably come down to price on my selection.
 
I had an Aussie in the rear. Easy install. I'd put up front. Won't make any clicks or huge bangs while going around corners.
 
Thanks Patrick. It seems that all options are pretty equal. Time to do some shopping.

Given the theme of this thread and my inherent ability to get just about anything I drive stuck, here is a dumb move I pulled this week. I'm starting to think I may be better off in the passenger seat.

IMG_1025.JPG
 
How in the he!! did you do that?

One major reason for putting the locker in the rear is for climbing up steep hills or obstacles. The front tends to unload and breaks traction while the rear gets the weight and creates traction. Lockers mostly offer little assistance going down hill.
 
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Sounds like lunchbox lockers won't drop in if you're running lower ratios than stock (at least 4.88 and lower) due to removal of the cross pin shaft, but the Aussie locker folks (obviously not the make of the Spartan) gave me some pointers to get it to work without pulling the ring gear.

Just like I told your mom, it's going in the rear :grinpimp: (edit 1: while I meant for this to be rude, it is not pointed at anyone in particular, just everyone who reads it; edit 2: debating removing this statement, but it is making me laugh so I'm going to leave it)

Spartan.JPG
 
Yeah, when I dropped my Spartan in I was fortunate that the installer had ground down the teeth ever so slightly in order to allow the pin to be removed with the ring still installed on the carrier. Good luck.
 
Anybody got any feedback/experience on the 27-spline Marlin Marfields vs. TG Longfields? I'm getting ready to move my rear locker up front and figured I better upgrade before I get stranded at Chocco in a few weeks. Marlin is running a sale right now which makes them cheaper than the Longfields. I've been looking at the 30-spline stuff, but it seems a little overkill for my setup and wallet.

For reference:
Marfield.JPG
 
Ted and I bought the TG Longfields around Aug/Sept last year cause they were on sale (like 40% off). Honestly, I would buy which ever ones are the cheapest and just roll with them. Unless you really just hate money and want to spend a lot and get the RCV axles :grinpimp:
 
you're on 35s , right? Probably not what you want to hear, but I'd say find a couple spare stockers and see how things go. I'm sure Ted, John, or Nick would have one or 2, heck I got 2 in a box if you can't find one. Anyway, save your pennies and See how it goes. If your going to plan on pushing the limits, and you pop one or 2, then look at getting the chromos. But if that happens, then I'd recommend skipping the 27 spline and bumping up to the 30 spline sets.

Just my $0.02
 
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tgreco said:
Anybody got any feedback/experience on the 27-spline Marlin Marfields vs. TG Longfields? I'm getting ready to move my rear locker up front and figured I better upgrade before I get stranded at Chocco in a few weeks. Marlin is running a sale right now which makes them cheaper than the Longfields. I've been looking at the 30-spline stuff, but it seems a little overkill for my setup and wallet.

For reference:
View attachment 1199845
Click to expand...


35s will pop a stock birf no problem, I went through 4 in a single wheeling season before upgrading.

Dollar for dollar I'd go RCV for any number of reasons but mostly b/c of warranty. RCV is the original manufacturer of the Longfields before TG took them over and has a very solid reputation. I agree with Jynx, best option is to skip the 27 splines and go 30 spline out fo the gate, you wont regret it. That said, I ran TG 27 spline birfs with 35s and even 37s without an issue and still carry one as a spare so if trying to save a buck they'll do the job.
 
Thanks for the input. I've got an extra set of stock birfs, but with as little as I wheel, I don't want to spend my weekend off wrenching in the woods. I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on the 30 spline as its a little more than I want to spend right now. i may take the risk on the 27 spline and see how it goes. I'm going to swap axles due to the weird camber I've got now and figured I should do it since it'll be torn down anyway.
 
One question: can I go to 30 spline without getting new inner axle shafts? If so, is it just the hub that also needs to go 30 spline?
 
It is the splines in the actual birf that go from 27 to 30 spline, so the new inner is needed.
 
jynx said:
you're on 35s , right? Probably not what you want to hear, but I'd say find a couple spare stockers and see how things go. I'm sure Ted, John, or Nick would have one or 2, heck I got 2 in a box if you can't find one. Anyway, save your pennies and See how it goes. If your going to plan on pushing the limits, and you pop one or 2, then look at getting the chromos. But if that happens, then I'd recommend skipping the 27 spline and bumping up to the 30 spline sets.

Just my $0.02
Click to expand...


I think you should stay with the stock birfs too. I wheeled on 35's for more then a year with stock birfs and dad didn't break much with 36s. It really depends on how much you gas it on the hard stuff. Most guys (other then Ted) will be careful enough on the medium stuff and bypass the hard stuff. So unless you are planning on flopping/rolling your truck most of the time or beating it you should be fine. :cheers:
 
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