Autolocker

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Iakopa

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Location
Roseville,CA.
Im looking into running an auto locker in the rear diff of my 80, and I would like the opinion of those who actually run an autolocker. Would you say its safe for a DD? How does it do in the rain or snow?

Thanks in advance for your opinions
 
Iakopa said:
Im looking into running an auto locker in the rear diff of my 80, and I would like the opinion of those who actually run an autolocker. Would you say its safe for a DD? How does it do in the rain or snow?

Thanks in advance for your opinions
Click to expand...

Love my Aussie in my 91 semi-float, but not sure you can run it in your full-floating axle 97...
The only time I know it's there is when I am turning tight and it only makes noises, and never binds, so it's only audible.
 
Land speeder is yours a DD or mostly for trails?

From some of the other threads I've read it seems I can run an autolocker in my '97 . Does anyone out there know for sure?
 
Definitely my DD. Handles great even on the highway. I can only vouch for Aussie in a semi-float rear end, none other.
The semi floats on the early 80's (91-92 and some 93-94) have an inspection plate on the dif, and makes the job only 2 hours... for me it was 4 but it always takes me longer.
 
Some have said that the auto-locker can loosen the studs that connect the axle to the hub on rear FF's. (93-94 with ABS, all 95-97)

Some claim otherwise.

I personally wouldn't install an autolocker into a FF.
 
thanks for the advice.

I guess I need to read up more on the difference between a FF and a semi floating axle.
 
I have an Aussie in my "78 45 with FF. I had it wheeling last weekend and did about 20 miles on icy paved and gravel roads to get to the trail and it behaved just like it did without the Aussie. I suspect that it will behave a little different on slippery off-camper trails. I put it in during the summer and I spent more time on a broken 3rd member housing stud than the actual install. It is very quite and only noticable in the terrain I can now cover without getting stuck.
Link to weekend wheeling pics https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=70021
 
Thanks 45 Kevin . It sounds like the Aussie locker is a good locker especially if you have a low budget.
Thanks for the link to that thread too it looks like you guys had a blast.
 
Kevin,
How does autolocker handle on snowy roads? I was looking into going that route, but decided to hold off for ARB's since I've others I've talked to said that autolockers hurt handling (starts in particular) on snowy or icy roads.
 
I don't think they are that bad at all. I ran a lock-right for years in the rear of my lifted wrangler (read short wheelbase) with a manual tranny. I live in Reno, NV and drove into the Sierras more than I can count, lot's of snow driving. I towed my wife's convertible beetle in L.A. with it and drove that thing all over the place. So what I'm saying is with a heavy, automatic transmission vehicle like an 80, go for it. You will enjoy it far longer than you won't. There may be some areas that you feel it, but for the most part it should be pretty transparent in an 80. jmho.
 
There is a general web wheeling myth that being locked with an automatic locker, which allows differentiation around corners unlike the factory lockers that are a spool when locked, is somehow terrible in the snow. Web wheelers constantly claim that it is better to let wheels spin because otherwise you are just going to slide off the road. A sudden wheel spin is far more likely to break lateral traction than having the rear locked, especially with AWD.

Good handling is all about predictability. People who haven't used full lockers like to claim that they are unpredictable. People who have used them know that open diffs are far less predictable in severe conditions than a locker. More traction is almost universally better than less if you know how to use it.

But here is the problem: I could always do everything offroad with a good supsension and low gears that the guys with just a rear locker could do. I think that one locker is a true half measure, and you really hit the next level only when you can lock all four.

Now, you aren't going to put a full locker up front without disco hubs and eliminating AWD (bye bye snow performance), so you will want a selectable locker in the front axle. If you go through the cost of setting up a front ARB, the rear is only a few bucks more than a good auto locker. So why bother?

Nay
 
Lunchbox locker is much cheaper than an ARB (about 1/3 the cost and can be installed by anyone). I'm happy with the LR in the rear of my 80. It's been in there for about 80k miles. I keep an eye on the rear studs and take it easy getting off and on the throttle in snowy or slushy roads.
 
detroit. nuff said. that's bs about flange bolts, they should be rechecked intermittently anyway.

oh, and not just anyone will get your lash correct, and you better know how to read a gear pattern if you are going to do it yourself.

j
 
Have an Aussie locker in my rear diff. Besides the noise, cannot tell it's there.
We're supposed to get some freezing rain tonight, let's see how the truck will handle...

Update: couldn't even tell if there was any ice at all! Between ABS, full-time 4wd, rear Aussie and new Revos (no CDL on), drove perfectly safe. Impressive!
 
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I love my aussie locker it is my dd and i never hear it and it works well off road.
 
I have a Lockrite in my Nissan 5 speed, and it is absolutely amazing how much more capable the truck is off-road than it was with an open diff. The only drawback is a bit of extra lash in the drivetrain, which should be negated with an auto transmission.

The auto lockers are cheap and easy to install, and later if you decide to upgrade you could easily sell the auto locker for half (or more) what you paid for it. I'd call that a bargain.

-Spike
 
FWIW, my '03 GMC 1/2-ton pickup has the factory option automatic mechanical rear locker. In moderately slippery conditions while 2WD, the rear will easily skid sideways with only mild throttle application. Once I put it into 4WD, the accelaration stability problem goes away unless I am deliberately testing the limits of rear wheel adhesion (i.e., sharp turning with judicious throttle application), and braking and cornering traction then becomes the limiting factor.
 
Hey guys thanks for all the good info.
I put in my order for an Aussie locker today.
I'm pretty confident that I'll be pleased with the product(especially in the wallet department)
I figure if I dont like it you'll probably see it in the FOR SALE section in a few months
 
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