Front auto locker?

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Whose running a front auto locker (aussie, lock rite, detroit etc.)
How do you like it, any problems with it, how's the steering?
Did you get longs for it as well?
Im gonna be tearing into the front end, and Im considering running one for the time being.

Thanks,

Chicago
 
What is the cost comparison between autolocker + longs vs. ARB and compressor?
 
What is the cost comparison between autolocker + longs vs. ARB and compressor?

If you're going to get any locker, upgrading your axles/birfs should be part of your budget. I know many folks who have gone years without troubles but in time you will need to do it. An ARB may extend this time but it will happen.

I've read of people doing this...
Seems like it would be hell in a parking lot.

If I were to lock the front I would use selectable.

just my .02

You're joking right? There's no reason to run a front locker in a parking lot with the hubs locked.
 
im running an aussie up front with stock birfs (havent broken one yet) and it really isnt bad at all.
I drove an FZJ80 and locked it down front and rear on the pavement can it took all my strength to turn so i was leary to say the least but i figured since i have 2lo i could make do.

well after i got it installed up front i locked the hubs and threw it in 4wd and it wasnt bad at all. you could feel it was there pulling when you hit the gas but it didnt overpower you by any means what so ever. I was very very suprised and very happy. Its nothing like i expected at all. I say do it and be happy. I have a detroit out back and the aussie up front and love it. Also with the aussie up front its much less noticable then it was out back for whatever reason (yes when in 4wd) and with the hubs open of course its like it was never there when on the street.

Do it you will love the new found capability. I did and still do.
 
locker, auto or selectable should be purchased with a set of longs. Even if it is just the chromo 27 spliners..

Steering when locked up and bound up gets harder.
which is a good reason to get hydrassist..

You know you want to
 
Personally, I'd run hydro assist and Longs with any locker paired w/ bigger meats. If no hydro assist, at least run a PS cooler.
Having said that, I currently have an Aussie in the D44 front of my Ramcharger, and it handles fine in the desert. Just a heavier return-to-center feel and increased traction is all I notice. In any decent mud, it understeers like a bitch. At it's worst, (Like in a decent rut in the mud) I could travel straight for > 20 ft while steering to one side at full lock.
On a Cruiser, 2lo mod is such a no-brainer, that this could be easily made a non-issue.

Edit: Considering plans for your baby include a V8 swap sometime, Longs become even more of a necessity.
 
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An Aussie

If you're going to get any locker, upgrading your axles/birfs should be part of your budget. I know many folks who have gone years without troubles but in time you will need to do it. An ARB may extend this time but it will happen.



You're joking right? There's no reason to run a front locker in a parking lot with the hubs locked.

An Aussie is going to rachet if the hubs are locked or unlocked and have the same attributes as a rear locker plus the fact that the steering is taking place up there. Isn't it?
 
An Aussie is going to rachet if the hubs are locked or unlocked and have the same attributes as a rear locker plus the fact that the steering is taking place up there. Isn't it?

If the hubs are unlocked it won't ratchet...
 
If the hubs are unlocked it won't ratchet...
Yup.
Hubs unlocked and in 2wd= totally transparent. Hubs unlocked and in 4wd= axleshafts spinning, but no ratcheting, as no tractive forces from the road, and no differentiation.
 
Well, here's the deal-e-o.
Im doing the Rubicon in Aug. A front locker would really help matters.
The ARB with compressor and install is around 1200 longs 700 +/- = FAWKING EXPENSIVE and need to save some bread. So in the mean time, I was kinda thinking that I could get away with an aussie.
With the longs, would I be safe engouh that I wouldnt need to carry a full set of spares like I already do?
With the stock axels, its primarily the birfs that break, corrct?
You think that the hydro assist + longs + auto locker would do well? It seems that youd be forcing the turn and actually be more prone to breakage with the hydro, no?
I was really curious as to how the rig will turn on the trails, however, Im not gonna risk a major break half assing a set up either to save some bucks.

Thanks for the input here gents!

Chicago
 
For a wheeling rig in primarily dry conditions, I'd stick an auto locker in, do the 2lo mod, Longs, and hydro assist the steering.
Hydro assist = less breakage (of steering components specifically)
 
One of the guyz in the club is wheeling a 40 with NO POWER STEERING, stock axels and a lock rite up front...
He weight about 100lbs to boot.:eek:

HARD FU*CKING CORE!

Chicago
 
I didnt realize that longs have free shipping to boot! Not too bad!
So would I need the 30 or 27 spline?
I dont recall the spline count on these rigs...does it matter?

Chicago
 

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