Automatic Locker Options (and install help maybe?)

[NewbieMcNewster]

So I've been thinking of attending the Lone Star Jamboree in Gilmer, TX this year, and when reading the trail descriptions it looks like I'd have a lot more options if I took the plunge and put a rear locker (at least) in my otherwise unlocked '96 FZJ80. Last time I wheeled, I got stuck a few places where a rear locker would've helped out, so it had been on my mind already.

Anyways, I got a quote from 4Wheel Parts for install on just a rear ARB air locker, and it was nearly $2700 bang, which is way more than I want to spend considering how often I actually go wheeling. Even though this is my DD in addition to heading off road sometimes, that's really steep and I was thinking of going with an automatic locker instead for about 1/10th the price. If it sucks, at least I'm only out a few hundred bucks, right?

So, on to the questions:

1. First of all, from all that I've been reading my best three options are the Aussie locker, a Spartan locker, or a Powertrax No Slip "Traction System" (locker by another name). I know that the forum is a huge fan of the Aussie, but I hear that the Spartan is easier to install (big if I'm doing it myself - see second question), and the idea of the Synchros in the Powertrax being a lot quieter when on the road is also very appealing to me (and I could swing the slight extra cost without much pain). Anyone want to weigh in for the 100th time on this forum on which they think is the best and why?

2. Is anyone in the Dallas area who might be able to help me out some weekend with an install on one of these bad boys once I pull the trigger? I have pretty minimal wrenching knowledge and not a ton of tools, but I want to learn and I'm told that if someone knows what they're doing this is only about a two hour job. Will be happy to bring beer and/or make some amount of payment (less than what a shop would charge, obviously), if anyone wants to do me a solid and help me a little ways down the path of the wrench.

Y'all are always the best (even if I don't understand everything technical), and I hope your collective knowledge can help me out here!

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

To elaborate slightly, I am aware that any automatic locker is going to affect road manners, and that my driving style will need to change somewhat to avoid understeer and annoying ratcheting noises when turning. I also live in Texas (as one could glean from the Dallas-are request in my original post), so off-camber in snow and ice conditions isn't really a concern for me. Just trying to head all of the warnings off at the pass!

 

[duggy]

It would be advantageous of you to get that locker in before Jambo since we've been having monsoons of rain lately and the park most likely will be slick.

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

It would be advantageous of you to get that locker in before Jambo since we've been having monsoons of rain lately and the park most likely will be slick.

Touche, sir. Yet another good reason to upgrade

 

[vegastoy]

First suggestion I can offer is not to let 4Wheel parts touch your vehicle. I'm sure they have some good techs but the vast majority of them are not...

Secondly I would go for the Spartan or aussie I've run both in different vehicles over the years and never had problems with either.

Unfortunately I am to far away to be of any help with the install but it's very straight forward and if you are even the least bit mechanically inclined and can follow directions you will have no issues.

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

First suggestion I can offer is not to let 4Wheel parts touch your vehicle. I'm sure they have some good techs but the vast majority of them are not...

Secondly I would go for the Spartan or aussie I've run both in different vehicles over the years and never had problems with either.

Unfortunately I am to far away to be of any help with the install but it's very straight forward and if you are even the least bit mechanically inclined and can follow directions you will have no issues.

Yeah, I don't really love taking it to 4Wheel Parts, so if anyone knows of a reliable and honest shop in North Dallas area that can handle cruiser stuff, that'd be great to know.

Spartan and Aussie seem like the top votes generally on the forum, though I'm particularly curious if the synchros and relatively quiet operation of the No Slip are worth the extra money...

 

[Heckraiser]

I have used the Aussie and the Lockright (made by Powertrax, not sure if it's the same thing as a no-slip?). Both were pretty much identical in terms of appearance and functionality. Never tried a Spartan. I cannot talk about a lunchbox locker without using the term "bang per buck." In fact, if you've been researching the topic, you've probably seen those same words in my other posts. You'll love it!

The ratcheting noise will be unavoidable, but it's only a minor nuisance. Heavier gear oil will quiet it down some.

 

[tampacruiser95]

So I've been thinking of attending the Lone Star Jamboree in Gilmer, TX this year, and when reading the trail descriptions it looks like I'd have a lot more options if I took the plunge and put a rear locker (at least) in my otherwise unlocked '96 FZJ80. Last time I wheeled, I got stuck a few places where a rear locker would've helped out, so it had been on my mind already.

Anyways, I got a quote from 4Wheel Parts for install on just a rear ARB air locker, and it was nearly $2700 bang, which is way more than I want to spend considering how often I actually go wheeling. Even though this is my DD in addition to heading off road sometimes, that's really steep and I was thinking of going with an automatic locker instead for about 1/10th the price. If it sucks, at least I'm only out a few hundred bucks, right?

So, on to the questions:

1. First of all, from all that I've been reading my best three options are the Aussie locker, a Spartan locker, or a Powertrax No Slip "Traction System" (locker by another name). I know that the forum is a huge fan of the Aussie, but I hear that the Spartan is easier to install (big if I'm doing it myself - see second question), and the idea of the Synchros in the Powertrax being a lot quieter when on the road is also very appealing to me (and I could swing the slight extra cost without much pain). Anyone want to weigh in for the 100th time on this forum on which they think is the best and why?

2. Is anyone in the Dallas area who might be able to help me out some weekend with an install on one of these bad boys once I pull the trigger? I have pretty minimal wrenching knowledge and not a ton of tools, but I want to learn and I'm told that if someone knows what they're doing this is only about a two hour job. Will be happy to bring beer and/or make some amount of payment (less than what a shop would charge, obviously), if anyone wants to do me a solid and help me a little ways down the path of the wrench.

Y'all are always the best (even if I don't understand everything technical), and I hope your collective knowledge can help me out here!

I purchased and had a rear Lokka locker installed for about 550 total. I've been really happy with it! Lokka.com IIRC

 

[tampacruiser95]

To elaborate slightly, I am aware that any automatic locker is going to affect road manners, and that my driving style will need to change somewhat to avoid understeer and annoying ratcheting noises when turning. I also live in Texas (as one could glean from the Dallas-are request in my original post), so off-camber in snow and ice conditions isn't really a concern for me. Just trying to head all of the warnings off at the pass!

And it's not all that loud...it's quiet enough I don't hear it with radio on and Windows down. I barely hear it with Windows up and no radio.

 

[TossYoda]

never used him; new to the LC world, but heard this guy is very, very good
Land Cruiser Repair | Dajda's Auto Care | North Richland Hills, TX | 817-427-4857

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

And it's not all that loud...it's quiet enough I don't hear it with radio on and Windows down. I barely hear it with Windows up and no radio.

This is great info to have! I was imagining some noise that was going to make any passenger look at me like "what in fresh hell is wrong with your car...?"

never used him; new to the LC world, but heard this guy is very, very good
Land Cruiser Repair | Dajda's Auto Care | North Richland Hills, TX | 817-427-4857

Thanks for the tip! Much appreciated!

 

[Izeloz]

I used a Lokka. I have about ~500 miles on it, mostly pavement. So far I have been a happy camper. I did the install myself in about two hours in my driveway. Easy.

 

[NewbieMcNewster]

I used a Lokka. I have about ~500 miles on it, mostly pavement. So far I have been a happy camper. I did the install myself in about two hours in my driveway. Easy.

From the Lokka website, it appears that it's essentially a differently-branded Aussie locker. So if it's cheaper and I go that route, it seems like a solid suggestion.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

From my experience, in a full-time truck, you don't notice the auto-locker when you've got the centre unlocked. Look the centre, and boom, it's in action.

 

[tacosupreme]

Email Zuk and see what he will install it for. Just send the third to him in a 5 gallon bucket, 48 hours later it's in the mail back to you. He's the best out there. The other option is ECGS. They have done several thirds for me and all have been awesome. I'm running a detroit locker in the 9.5" Diamond axle under my tacoma. It eats tires and makes some noise, but it is always there when you need it. Can't say that for Air lockers or E-lockers...at least in my experience.

Toyota Gear Installs

 

[Springs505]

X3 for lokka. I have a few k on mine. Works great.

Some install shots in my build thread...click signature.

 

[bloc]

How much wrenching experience do you have? Installing one of these really isn't very difficult.. You'll probably have more problems with the cone washers and reinserting the actual third member into the axle than any other parts of the job. As in, the locker itself will be pretty easy and straightforward.

Side notes.. stuff you should consider doing at the same time: new outer axle shaft seals (cheap, very easy to install once you pull the shafts to take the third out), check/set rear hub preload. Definitely get a new 3rd member gasket and hub/axle flange gaskets before you tackle the job.

Tools: decent set of punches of different sizes, and a brass drift. Other than that, basic hand tools.

 

[ewillis]

X4 Lokka...haven't installed mine yet but it sho is purdy! Reviews from both the U.S and AUS have been very favorable. Nice pic of the box if you're interested Oh yes I did! Harrop/Eaton E-Locker thread

 

[etarasoff]

Email Zuk and see what he will install it for. Just send the third to him in a 5 gallon bucket, 48 hours later it's in the mail back to you. He's the best out there. The other option is ECGS. They have done several thirds for me and all have been awesome. I'm running a detroit locker in the 9.5" Diamond axle under my tacoma. It eats tires and makes some noise, but it is always there when you need it. Can't say that for Air lockers or E-lockers...at least in my experience.

Toyota Gear Installs

I second this. I had Zuk do my Harrop. Great guy to deal with and he really knows his stuff.

 

[KliersLC]

Aussie locker seems to be the top choice based on price and customer service. I have had mine in for over 100k with no issues whatsoever. The ratcheting is almost unnoticeable during DD duties. If you can do brakes, you can do the install.