Auto-locker (Aussie) backlash, how much? (1 Viewer)

[Hayes]

I've had an Aussie Locker in my rear axle for eight or nine months now, and I love it. More or less un-noticeable on the highway, kicks butt off road, cheap.

Lately however, is seems like the extra backlash is more noticeable. There is a great deal of slack in the rear driveline that translates into some serious clunks and thunks. Definitely unpleasant.
I realize that the basic design of an auto-locker creates more slack in the drive line, and I did notice the extra slack when I first installed the locker. It just seems more pronounced now. I've been running 85w140, per Aussie Locker recommendations, changed the fluid a month or so after the install. Maybe my cheapo gear oil is plain worn out, maybe it's not standing up to the summer temps around here. I plan on changing it out this week. Going to try adding some LSD/Locker additive from Amsoil (recommended by Amsoil for LSD's and auto-locker type devices to reduce noise and make things smoother). If that doesn't make much difference, I may try a higher-performing synthetic oil.

You guys running auto-lockers--specifically the Aussie, how much slack do you notice while driving around?

How much slack do you get between your rear diff and the t-case?
I haven't tried to actually get a measurement, but I'd guesstimate I can turn the rear drive shaft 10 or 15 degrees easy (p-brake, tranny in neutral). The slack between front diff and the t-case and/or the rear diff and t-case with the tranny in Park is just a little wiggle.


Thanks for your time.

Ryan

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Check the specs on the nut on the outer end of the pinion flange. On fj40s and 55s, it goes way up at IIRC, 165 ft lbs. It's a lot, and they do come loose once and a while. Just got to drop the rear of the rear drive shaft from the flange and torque it up. If you can rock the driveshaft while in nuetral gear, and the flange looks like it is going in and out of the diff housing, then it is way loose. John

 

[Hayes]

Well, turns out I don't have a socket large enough for that nut.
I can turn the shaft while in neutral, but I can't see the flange moving in and out of the differential housing.


I measured the play I get from the rear diff:

When in neutral, I can turn the rear drive shaft 20 degrees.

I figure there has to be some extra play in there with the auto-locker, but this seems extreme. It certainly feels bad when I'm driving.


I also changed the gear oil. I got--what to my eye--looks like a significant amount of metal shavings on the drain plug magnet. More than I've ever seen, anyway.
No real change in behavior with the fresh fluid.


Any ideas or opinions?

 

[45Kevin]

My rear end has at least that much play in it as well. It also makes a very metallic clunk when I let out the clutch. I also have an aussie-locker.

I suspect a bad pinion bearing and am getting geared up to change it. I am also prepared to change out the ring and pinion if needed.

I recently changed the diff oil to synthetic and noticed no change in behavior.

Keep us posted.