Locker Install Question

[gulp3000]

I'm putting an auto locker in this evening. Probably a dumb question, but I know jack about axles. Do I need to take the rear drums off to free up the axle shafts? I don't have the chassis FSM yet, but the install looks to be fairly straight forward. I did print off the tech write-ups from here.

Thanks!

 

[Mace]

which autolocker?

And while you could do it without pulling the drums off I would suggest taht you do pull the drums off to make life easier and to examine the brakes to see how they are doing

 

[Cruisergreg]

Removing the drums will lighten up the load as you pull the shafts out, making it easier to avoid boogering up the shaft seals.

 

[Kavik]

which autolocker?

And while you could do it without pulling the drums off I would suggest taht you do pull the drums off to make life easier and to examine the brakes to see how they are doing

If you are installing a Aussie Locker, I have a funny story for you....

 

[VETTE60]

yep, pull off the drums, and while your at it turn the drums, do the pads and cylinders as well. it is no big deal during the install.

 

[gulp3000]

Alright. Pretty easy install with a few newbe exceptions:

Brake drums didn't want to budge for awhile. What is the correct thread rate for the two, 8mm holes you can use bolts in to get them off?

My short side must have a bad seal as there was some goo in the drum and I don't seem to be losing any brake fluid. No time to fix it before my Saturday trip, so I guess I'll be back in there shortly.

It's a Genuine Gear "Quick-Lok", which I think is a rebadged Detroit EZ. the directions were not that easy to follow, but between Brian's write-up in tech and Romer's in 40's tech, it went pretty smooth except for not putting the short-side c-clip cap in with the inner gear. So, I know how to remove a locker as well. Noticing this mistake before getting all the springs in would have been a plus.

All buttoned up and wanting to finish, and now I can't get the fill plug out. If I finish rounding it off tomorrow night, can I fill through one of the cover bolts if I remove the stud? I don't have access to a welder to weld a nut on the plug for a few days.

Thanks for the input guys, hopefully I will be clicking and banging soon.

 

[Mace]

You can fill it through one of the bolts but dam, that would take a while..

 

[gulp3000]

I stopped by Harbor Freight (don't want to beat on decent tools) and bought a disposable wrench and a BFPVG (Big #$%^ Pair of Vise Grips).

 

[Fourrunner]

Let's hear it Kavik!

 

[Kavik]

Quoted from this thread

Just a note...
The aussie locker does bang around pretty good during operation. If you are changing gears, I would suggest breaking in the gears with your open diff, then install the locker later.

Also, be damn sure the c-clip stays put during the install. Mine fell out, and my rear passenger side wheel and axle came off my truck during a test drive. The wheel and axle bounced across the road and I ground to a halt on the brake drum. Good times...

It was actually quite funny. My bro-in-law laughed out loud when I saw my wheel in the rear view mirror, "hey, there goes my wheel"

I haven't wheeled w/ my aussie locker yet. Pulled some stumps out of the back yard today, though. The rear end drifted around w/ both tires spinning, not just the usual one diving into the dirt.

I put synthetic in there after my gears were broken in. Quieted down a little. I kinda like roaching my 33's around corners. Otherwise, I just hear "click, click, click".

I'm still getting used to the backlash of the locker. My clutch is chattery, due to a rear main leak. This was frustrating as hell when trying to learn the behavior of the locker, and be really soft on the new gears, while my clutch is shuddering away from every light. s***.

The c-clip thing was a trip. Had to get the truck towed back to the house with 90wt spilling out of the axle. I freaked out when I saw the splines at the diff end of the axle. I thought they were mangled from bouncing off the pavement when it liberated itself from the truck. Turns out, it was metal scooped out from the inside of the axle tube, crammed into the splines. I picked out every bit, and cleaned up the splines w/ a file. Damn, those axles are tough!

I also now have a wee bit of a flat spot on the bottom of the drum backing plate. I pretty much cut off the slag, hammered back into shape, and test fit the drum to clear. Not much of a issue, until I get in the sand or mud.

Let this be a lesson...Triple check the c-clip!

Happy trails...