Another Aussie Locker Install 1993 FZJ80 (1 Viewer)

[spdwaver]

Since there is already an Aussie Locker Install thread, I thought I would share my experiences using that thread.

For the most part, I followed the installation manual for tolerances - but it did not have much vehicle-specific information related to the install of the locker, or it was not clearly evident at that time; I am still learning the names of the various components so the pictures helped. For more vehicle-specific information, I followed Hayes' thread linked above.

Rather than provide a new tutorial, I will just share the experiences with you.

 

[spdwaver]

It may be time for new seals and bearings in the rear; the fronts were clean and filled with grease when I did the brakes.

 

[spdwaver]

The locker components are simple and the illustrations in the thread mentioned above are spot-on and made the install a breeze.

 

[spdwaver]

I ended up buying the thickest side gear thrust washers (2ea.) from Toyota (P/N - 41361-60041), and used them for the sake of having new components and for being within tolerance.

Thanks to Hayes' illustrations and instructions which made this install a breeze. Dirty job, but not too difficult for my first time removing/installing a third member. Using the ramp to hold the third really made this job manageable; it is really heavy.

The bottom picture is the overall before and after shot of my new 80. Yes, it's the same image.

 

[darnold87]

Nice write-up! I'll be doing this with my '93 soon. Were there specific instructions to use bearing grease and grease everything up (locker components, ring gear, etc)? I don't recall that as being part of the install (since everything will be immersed in gear oil)... just curious.

 

[spdwaver]

Nice write-up! I'll be doing this with my '93 soon. Were there specific instructions to use bearing grease and grease everything up (locker components, ring gear, etc)? I don't recall that as being part of the install (since everything will be immersed in gear oil)... just curious.

Please, don't refer to this as a write-up, since this is merely the results of the actual write-up that I used. There are a couple good tips, such as using a vehicle ramp to catch the third as you pull it off the bolts, but this was not meant to be a tutorial. There is tech with pictures, but that's about the extent of it.

The grease is used primarily as a means to hold the various pieces in place; without which the gears will not stay in place. The final coating of grease around everything was just...because the grease was there, honestly. In other words, use MP grease on all of your parts, you will not regret it. But, there is just one thing about the grease: when you take tolerance measurements, you will need to make sure that you really press the spacers apart, since the grease will add to the measurement and could give you a false reading.

You will quickly see the benefit of using the grease between the cam gears, spacers, etc. when you try and hold it all together.

 

[mshelby]

Nice job, I am still torn on getting Aussie lockers or saving up for air lockers.

 

[spdwaver]

Nice job, I am still torn on getting Aussie lockers or saving up for air lockers.

I thought about air lockers in the rear diff, but rationalized that the Aussie has plenty of good reviews, costs far less, very few stories of breakage AND I can still get air lockers in the front, if I feel I should need them; I never have had front lockers and also have never gotten stuck with a rear locker, so I may never do anything with the front. As they say, YMMV.

 

[lt1fire]

excellent. Now go hit up Rowhler flats

 

[spdwaver]

excellent. Now go hit up Rowhler flats

Once the water and mud subside, you bet I'm going . That, and I am getting my sliders put on this week (won't really need them there, but the work is getting done regardless).

I tested out the locker in sand yesterday, and it performed well. I went into the riverbed near the railway tunnel off of Soledad Canyon (you know where that's at, right Al?) and climbed some sand hills and trekked through the river bed; the tires did really well in "floating" on the sand, and the locker assisted on the hill/rock climbs.

I am happy with the performance of this locker and look forward to getting into more challenging areas.

 

[mshelby]

I thought about air lockers in the rear diff, but rationalized that the Aussie has plenty of good reviews, costs far less, very few stories of breakage AND I can still get air lockers in the front, if I feel I should need them; I never have had front lockers and also have never gotten stuck with a rear locker, so I may never do anything with the front. As they say, YMMV.

If I get them I would definitely put them in both the front and back just because I like to have all my bases covered.

I can get both the front and back for around 60% the costs of air lockers, while I do like the control aspect of the air lockers I like the price of Aussies more so I may just get those for now and if unhappy I can get ARBs later.

 

[spdwaver]

If I get them I would definitely put them in both the front and back just because I like to have all my bases covered.

I can get both the front and back for around 60% the costs of air lockers, while I do like the control aspect of the air lockers I like the price of Aussies more so I may just get those for now and if unhappy I can get ARBs later.

Be advised that you should not, under any circumstances, run auto-lockers of this sort in a full-time, AWD vehicle. That is why I mentioned running an air locker in the front only. Go to Aussie's website and read the FAQ. <--Link

If you planned on going part time with your system, you could run an Aussie in the front. Again, these were not intended for use in the front of an AWD vehicle.

If I am not mistaken, this also applies to Lock-Right lockers as well.

 

[VinSil]

Nice!


I can offer some insight to the ARB question...


I have had 3 rigs (one is currently the 40) with ARB air lockers. Front and rear in all applications.



I love being able to turn them off, but in reality...the rear ALWAYS stayed locked in, with one exception. Snow and ice. I found turning it off a few times helped from the rear walking. All other types of terrain, leave it on and modulate the front as needed.



The 80 has an Aussie in the rear. Has worked AWESOME with just the rear locker so far. I have only found a few times wanting a front locker...and if I could afford it, I would throw an ARB up front cause I would use it only on a rare occasional obstacle.


My .02. The only other real benefit of having an ARB in the rear..it is a full case locker which is stronger than the factory one, however unless your on the rocks a ton, again a rather moot point.



Sorry for the thread hijack, the grease trick does work!

 

[mshelby]

Thanks to both of you for the advice, I am still new to the whole 4WD thing in general and still learning.

So no auto-lockers up front, check

Either way I am going to go Aussie for now from the looks of it and ARB up front and possibly back as I see fit.

Not going to be on rocks often and I live so far South that the only snow we see is on TV but I want to have my rig ready for whatever I can throw at it, going to use it for road trips and anywhere I get a wild idea to drive to.

 

[spdwaver]

Thanks to both of you for the advice, I am still new to the whole 4WD thing in general and still learning.

So no auto-lockers up front, check

Either way I am going to go Aussie for now from the looks of it and ARB up front and possibly back as I see fit.

Not going to be on rocks often and I live so far South that the only snow we see is on TV but I want to have my rig ready for whatever I can throw at it, going to use it for road trips and anywhere I get a wild idea to drive to.

If you are not going to get into places that require a front locker, then just do the rear until you see the need for a front locker. That is what I am doing, and after talking to many folks, I do not foresee any immediate need for front lockers.

I had a rear locker in my 1966 FJ40 and could not get it stuck, so I will see how this one goes.

 

[Pin_Head]

Be advised that you should not, under any circumstances, run auto-lockers of this sort in a full-time, AWD vehicle.

I'm having trouble understanding why the manufacturer says you shouldn't ever run them in the front and rear. The only thing that makes sense to me is that these comments apply to full time AWD vehicles that don't have a center differential. If there is no center diff, a locker in the front will definitely understeer in turns and have harder steering due to the different speeds of the front and rear ring gears. However, a center diff will split the difference, so I don't see what the problem would be.

Obviously, having two auto lockers would be twice the popping and banging and the other normal autolocker stuff, but that would seem to depend on what you are willing to put up with and how much you are willing to adjust your driving style to minimize these problems.

Somebody must have done this sometime, if only for a trail rig.

I have them F&R on my FJ40 and it is no big deal with the hubs locked at 45 MPH on a dry surface. Just understeer and higher steering effort.

 

[spdwaver]

I'm having trouble understanding why the manufacturer says you shouldn't ever run them in the front and rear. The only thing that makes sense to me is that these comments apply to full time AWD vehicles that don't have a center differential. If there is no center diff, a locker in the front will definitely understeer in turns and have harder steering due to the different speeds of the front and rear ring gears. However, a center diff will split the difference, so I don't see what the problem would be.

Obviously, having two auto lockers would be twice the popping and banging and the other normal autolocker stuff, but that would seem to depend on what you are willing to put up with and how much you are willing to adjust your driving style to minimize these problems.

Somebody must have done this sometime, if only for a trail rig.

I have them F&R on my FJ40 and it is no big deal with the hubs locked at 45 MPH on a dry surface. Just understeer and higher steering effort.

I would REALLY like to hear from someone who has, with the goal of proving you right; but everywhere I have read would suggest otherwise. If this were absolutely not an issue, I would be buying another in the very near future.

 

[Pin_Head]

I haven't heard anyone explain why it wouldn't work. I am more interested in the reasons, not opinions.

 

[GringoBob]

Help !!! My Costa Rican mechanic is trying to install an Aussie Locker on my 97 LC. Neither the instructions, or this tutorial mentions the RDF (rear differential) spacer which fits over the RDF shaft. It is sort of a cylindrical collar with 2 flat sides. Is this used in the Aussie locker installation along with the RFD shaft or is it eliminated ? My mechanic seem to think he should use it but it is too large to fit inside the assembly. I'm not sure what to do with it as nothing I have found regarding Aussie locker installation addresses it. Any help out there ???

 

[Pin_Head]

It is not used.