Has anyone with an aussie locker driven it much in the snow and ice? My '92 80 is my daily driver and we get our share of snow and ice. How does an Aussie locker 80 do in slippery conditions? This will be my deciding factor in whether or not to buy one or save my pennies for an ARB.
Aussie locker in snow and ice?
- Thread starter Izeloz
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There have been extensive discussions on this question in the 60 forum. Consensus is that on a long-wheel base heavy truck, it's fine in snow/ice. There are a few dissenting opinions, but most are favorable.
My own 2 cents into this is that tires and driver are the un-named and unknown variables. Good tires, good driver - should be fine.
My own 2 cents into this is that tires and driver are the un-named and unknown variables. Good tires, good driver - should be fine.
I'm interested to know as well. I just ordered one. I figured I might as well put one in while I had the spider gears out and replacing the axle seals.
i have not had a chance to drive mine in the snow due to global warming.....
but, this is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt, with the CDL unlocked, there is not enough torque sent to the rear to completely lock it up. So, i would "imagine" that it would be "almost" like driving without the locker at all.
but, this is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt, with the CDL unlocked, there is not enough torque sent to the rear to completely lock it up. So, i would "imagine" that it would be "almost" like driving without the locker at all.
In my fj40 I've never had an issue. The only times it gets interesting is if you goose the throttle during a tight radius turn on ice. Keep the throttle steady on tight turns and no issues.
On a heavier longer wheelbase vehicle you won't have any issues.
On a heavier longer wheelbase vehicle you won't have any issues.
MaddBaggins
Remember the KnightRider!
I just recently spent 5 days driving in nasty mud and snow. I noticed no issues whatsoever. CDL unlocked. It didn't seem to be any better or worse than my buddy's K5. I was following him so I saw how his rig reacted from behind.
AWD with an automatic transmission and a long wheelbase is a great combination with an automatic rear locker. I had a Detroit rear/TruTrac (limited slip) front in my former AWD XJ, and that thing was unreal in winter conditions.
The 80 is more versatile if you have the e-lockers, but I would not blink about having an Aussie for winter use, will be much better than open. Before I did my Detroit, I had a limited slip rear, and that thing used to kick out all the time. The lockers is far more stable and predictable in a rear application than a limit slip.
The 80 is more versatile if you have the e-lockers, but I would not blink about having an Aussie for winter use, will be much better than open. Before I did my Detroit, I had a limited slip rear, and that thing used to kick out all the time. The lockers is far more stable and predictable in a rear application than a limit slip.
Like the others stated, you wont see any negative behavior. I ran them front and rear on my 62 in every imaginable condition. You really have to "try" to get it to act up. Put you worries/concerns at ease
The question is how do (aussie or detroit locker) handle in an 80 rear end?
I have an Aussie in the rear of my 94 FZJ80 and drove it during an ice storm a couple weeks ago. There were several vehicles unable to make it up an on ramp, but I made it without spinning a tire. Don't know how much the Aussie had to due with helping the situation, but it did not hurt. I did have the CDL locked and was running in high.
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Thanks guys. That's what I wanted to know. I know what my next mod is! Where is the best place to order one from?
I would go direct to them. Go online for the number. I can't remember the web page right off hand.
Driven my Aussie on snow and ice for a few seasons, and we just had a massive dump on on Christmas day.
As everyone here has said, the Aussie Locker works great on the 80-series, and that includes snow and ice. I have yet to feel any negative impact from it in any condition.
Contrary to Concrejungle's experience, it WILL lock up with the CDL unlocked, and you CAN get the rear end to break loose because of it. All it takes is some excessive throttle in a turn. But this happens only when you want it to, or if you have a massive uncontrolled spasm in your right foot
. I spent some time doing donunts the other day, and it is very easy to control the tail slide--even when you're trying to get it to swing out.
The Aussie adds genuine traction to go forward on snow and ice too.
www.aussielocker.com
As everyone here has said, the Aussie Locker works great on the 80-series, and that includes snow and ice. I have yet to feel any negative impact from it in any condition.
Contrary to Concrejungle's experience, it WILL lock up with the CDL unlocked, and you CAN get the rear end to break loose because of it. All it takes is some excessive throttle in a turn. But this happens only when you want it to, or if you have a massive uncontrolled spasm in your right foot
. I spent some time doing donunts the other day, and it is very easy to control the tail slide--even when you're trying to get it to swing out. The Aussie adds genuine traction to go forward on snow and ice too.
www.aussielocker.com
hayes, thanks for the response.
I need to stop saying that about it not locking as i really do not have enough real world experience to say that for sure. Just two ditch crossings with the CDL unlocked is the best i have.
So, anyone reading my post take it with a grain of salt.
I need to stop saying that about it not locking as i really do not have enough real world experience to say that for sure. Just two ditch crossings with the CDL unlocked is the best i have.
So, anyone reading my post take it with a grain of salt.
Driven my Aussie on snow and ice for a few seasons, and we just had a massive dump on on Christmas day.
As everyone here has said, the Aussie Locker works great on the 80-series, and that includes snow and ice. I have yet to feel any negative impact from it in any condition.
Contrary to Concrejungle's experience, it WILL lock up with the CDL unlocked, and you CAN get the rear end to break loose because of it. All it takes is some excessive throttle in a turn. But this happens only when you want it to, or if you have a massive uncontrolled spasm in your right foot
The Aussie adds genuine traction to go forward on snow and ice too.
Aussie Lockers: Lockers, aussie lockers, torq-masters technology, automatic positive locking differentials, automatic precision locker differentials, off road, off-road
This is what I'm worried about especially if the driver is the
I like the Aussie locker for it's price and simplicity to install but since I have all the wiring harnesses, switch, ECU, and the axle that has the locking actuator, I opted for the OEM locker retrofit for almost the same price as the Aussie
. Now I have a peace of mind when the is 
the truck
same price???!! that cost you the same? I can hardly believe that as i just purchased a junk yard third from a 4runner with the locker, the switch and the computer box and it was $400. My Aussie was under $300 installed.
if so, you got a heck of a deal!
This is what I'm worried about especially if the driver is the
I think I would want my wife driving an automatic locker over selectables, because the selectable is a spool when engaged and it's just open when not engaged. If she can't handle the auto locker while driving conservatively, having her understand what situations should be locked vs. not locked and understanding the drastic change in behavior between open and spool is probably not realistic.
Selectable lockers are really for the advanced driver, and I will tell you that automatic locked vs. open in winter conditions is a no brainer with a rig like the 80.
Aussies front and rear?
I have been thinking about putting Aussie Lockers on my FJ80. This past snow and ice through Christmas, we were completely stranded. My FJ80 had a very difficult time with a steep winding driveway with snow and ice, even with four chains. Got stuck part way up and couldn't go up or down. We had more than 24" of powder and a couple sheets of ice layered in between, so it was very tough conditions, but it was clear that lockers would help a lot.
I guess the rear is a no-brainer, but what about the front end?
And while we're on the subject, showing my ignorance, what's the difference between a limited slip diff and an Aussie Locker?
Now if I could just get Aussie Lockers for my John Deere 790 4wd tractor...
I have been thinking about putting Aussie Lockers on my FJ80. This past snow and ice through Christmas, we were completely stranded. My FJ80 had a very difficult time with a steep winding driveway with snow and ice, even with four chains. Got stuck part way up and couldn't go up or down. We had more than 24" of powder and a couple sheets of ice layered in between, so it was very tough conditions, but it was clear that lockers would help a lot.
I guess the rear is a no-brainer, but what about the front end?
And while we're on the subject, showing my ignorance, what's the difference between a limited slip diff and an Aussie Locker?
Now if I could just get Aussie Lockers for my John Deere 790 4wd tractor...
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