Lockers Install

[Cruiserdrew]

I'm sorry, but based on description of use, I say throw an auto locker in it and be done. Cheap, works.

How about a winch first based on the stated need? An 80 can go almost anywhere without lockers, and a good winch would fix any "lapses in judgement"?

Just not a fan of autolockers. Maybe a detroit in a dedicated off roader but for mixed use, too many compromises.

The Harrops are pretty cool. Not cheap, but no compromises either.

I still think the easy route for the OP is an ARB in the rear only, and call it good. Add a front when and if the need arises. A winch is good any time.

 

[Hornd]

I'm sure this has been covered. Before you say: use the search. I have. Maybe I'm using it wrong.
I'm looking at what the cost is going to be to install front and rear lockers in my 1992 80. What lockers are recommended, and how easy of an install is it? Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

Explain how your current configuration is failing that you need to upgrade?

 

[SCDreamer]

Not to hijack the thread but I'm kind of in the same boat and considering a locker. I'm currently pulling the rear 3rd member to replace some bad pinion bearings for my '96 that I use as a daily driver that sees infrequent offroad use. I know I would like to have a locked rear just from prior experiences and the places I go (usually fairly easy overland or back country logging road type driving that is potentially very muddy and unpredictable). It seems like the consensus is ARB is the way to go if the funding is there. I'm definitely on a tight budget, so I'm strongly considering an Aussie locker instead. Would I be better off just waiting until I can afford the ARB? Or do it piecemeal like @ewillis build? Has anyone regretted buying their Aussie locker?

 

[spartan]

My only comment would be that a truck with a locker in the front diff when engaged can result in some very unexpected steering. Personally I would never put any kind of auto locker in the front of an 80 and only a selectable like an ARB if you do rocks and hardcore wheeling.

An auto locker in the rear is always nice to have and the Auburn has been used in Landcruiser' rears going back forever.

Anyone know if the newer Grizzly locker is available for the 80. If so, that would be my choice today. They are STRONG. Like a Detroit, but so much better designed.

 

[retrofive]

I have already put my .2 in but will say I am very happy with my setup. Aussie in the rear, did a e-locked OEM axle swap in the front with all the factory wiring, magic dial, etc, CDL button and 7pin mod. All together I have maybe $1300 into that setup.

 

[SCDreamer]

My only comment would be that a truck with a locker in the front diff when engaged can result in some very unexpected steering. Personally I would never put any kind of auto locker in the front of an 80 and only a selectable like an ARB if you do rocks and hardcore wheeling.

An auto locker in the rear is always nice to have and the Auburn has been used in Landcruiser' rears going back forever.

Anyone know if the newer Grizzly locker is available for the 80. If so, that would be my choice today. They are STRONG. Like a Detroit, but so much better designed.

Grizzly Locker 9.5" | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

But at that price you're getting awfully close to being in the same price range with an ARB...

I'm definitely not a hardcore rock crawler, and I definitely wouldn't put an auto locker up front. I guess I'm just thinking about putting the Aussie in the rear for starters and then later on if I keep the truck and money/time allows maybe put an ARB up front. Kind of piece it together that way.

I had an older WJ Jeep that had some type of positrac or limited slip that would randomly lock going through any type of turn and it would make the most AWFUL grinding sound while the whole front end would shudder and jerk. It was terrible. Dropped that thing like a bad habit. Without any exposure to an autolocker, when people say it "chirps" or makes noise, that is what I have in mind. Is that what it's like? Or far more minimal?

 

[SCDreamer]

I have already put my .2 in but will say I am very happy with my setup. Aussie in the rear, did a e-locked OEM axle swap in the front with all the factory wiring, magic dial, etc, CDL button and 7pin mod. All together I have maybe $1300 into that setup.

That's basically exactly what I'm thinking. I didn't want to ask you about it, cus I was too nervous you might convince me to just pull the trigger and do it haha.

 

[Bludozer]

I don't know if you need lockers, but it has been my experience is that locked rigs produce superior motive results with less wear, tear and stress on truck and driver.

If anyone is looking for a way to pitch lockers to their wife; this is ticket. Less wear and tear over time, saving you money in the long run.

I know what I'm doing tonight...

 

[Bludozer]

I have already put my .2 in but will say I am very happy with my setup. Aussie in the rear, did a e-locked OEM axle swap in the front with all the factory wiring, magic dial, etc, CDL button and 7pin mod. All together I have maybe $1300 into that setup.

This is the way to do it imo. Auto in the rear and if its not enough then go from there. Everyone loves to s*** on autolockers but they're really not that bad, especially in an awd truck like the 80. If you do the 7-pin mod as well you are making only a marginal sacrifice at best and its like 1/4th the price.

Don't get me wrong, ARB's and Harrops are incredibly nice but they are pretty hard to justify when you throw autos into the equation especially when you're talking about a use like the OP's.

 

[ewillis]

It seems like the consensus is ARB is the way to go if the funding is there. I'm definitely on a tight budget, so I'm strongly considering an Aussie locker instead. Would I be better off just waiting until I can afford the ARB? Or do it piecemeal like @ewillis build? Has anyone regretted buying their Aussie locker?

I wouldn't say there's a consensus that ARB "is the way to go". The electromagnetic system of the Harrop is superior IMO. No air lines to pop off and no need for a compressor. If you have a buddy with some wiring skills, it can also be fitted to the OEM locker dial.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I'm sorry, but based on description of use, I say throw an auto locker in it and be done. Cheap, works.

O But when it get slick, it gets slick out there. I've adjusted my driving style for sure having a lunchbox locker in slick stuff, it doesn't help the fat ass of 80 IME.

Just sayin'...

Autolockers for sure have their place, and are way better than no locker, but even the same owner can have varying opinions about them. You live in a dry warm place with mostly rocks (like California) the autolockers are OK. You live in mud, slop, off camber ice etc, then not so OK. With that said, I have a full carrier Detroit ready to go for my next build (which may never happen, lol).

 

[retrofive]

Just sayin'...

Autolockers for sure have their place, and are way better than no locker, but even the same owner can have varying opinions about them. You live in a dry warm place with mostly rocks (like California) the autolockers are OK. You live in mud, slop, off camber ice etc, then not so OK. With that said, I have a full carrier Detroit ready to go for my next build (which may never happen, lol).

I agree both from my quote and your statement. But also stand by I like my setup and for the cost. I bought full locked 80 for the swap. After doing the front I was happy enough with Aussie rear and locked front that never swapped the rear, and sold the rear locked truck to friend. Win win for me and my needs. Im just typing here my thoughts in the fashion of conversation regarding the title of the thread. Sure years ago if I had the funds I may had gone full ARB airlockers.

(for the record not arguing with you at all; and agree on some points; and realize you aren't a fan of the lunchboxes)

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Well, the original poster didn't give a dollar constraint, and it is always fun spending someone else's money! I think we basically agree. I've driven 2 autolocked FJ60s before and did not like the clank and sudden release characteristics. I've also seen 2 cases where a rear axle was broken with an autolocker, and I think that torque and sudden release contributes to the breakage. Which is why I have a natural bias against them. Now if I had a truck and only $300 and needed a locker for an upcoming trip, no question it would be auto locker time.

 

[SmokingRocks]

ARB lockers.

If you are going to do it you should do it right. Plus you get on board air if you go the ARB route.

I also would say ditch the OEM switch, with my ARB's and my switches I can lock the front at any time which is sometimes useful.

 

[GeoRoss]

I have already put my .2 in but will say I am very happy with my setup. Aussie in the rear, did a e-locked OEM axle swap in the front with all the factory wiring, magic dial, etc, CDL button and 7pin mod. All together I have maybe $1300 into that setup.

I too have an Aussie in the rear. There are drawbacks, but they are manageable. I do think you really must have a CDL switch and pin7 mod if you go this route. It make being in places like Moab much nicer. The slick rock can make it a PITA when you don't want a rear locker.

I may some day put a selectable locker in the rear but it is a low priority right now.

 

[ThomasMore66]

Played with my new Harrops in the snow a bit last week. Front steering definitely limited, but engagement is silent and instant. That contrasts with the CDL which needs to be "just right". I'm a fan.

I will add that these are not necessarily cheap vehicles to maintain, so doing it right will cost you. Also, if you install lockers do the Birf's at the same time.

 

[Heckraiser]

I have tried all the various locker types: electric, air and "lunchbox"

Even having been spoiled by F/R locked rigs, I'm still amazed at what a lunchbox locker can do for the cost of entry. For $300, get an aussie/lockright for the rear and see how you like it. You can install it yourself in an afternoon, which is also a nice bonus. There's a good chance this will be good enough to satisfy you.

If you find you still can't get where you want to go, get a selectable front. I don't know what the price spread is for ARB vs Harrop. My ARB's worked OK, but I have found the toyota e-lockers to be a little more reliable in my experience.

 

[MKPNG]

Wow! I have a lot to look at now! Thanks guys! I'm gone for one day and come back to two pages of info. Thanks again.

 

[ETXLX450F]

From my experience.

I have seen three air lockers leak and not engage when they needed to.

I have seen one OEM locker failure and only work intermittently.

I have also installed Aussie lockers on several rigs (including my 3rd gen 4runner on 35"s that I totally flogged on) and have yet to see a failure.

The bang for the buck is undeniable for the Auto lockers. I did have issues with bucking when I whipped into parking spots really fast and the steering would also bind (auto lockers front and rear) on rare occasions at full turn and was a PITA to free up. Those gripes are not worth the extra $2k.

OEM lockers aren't bad if you can find some. Rebuilding them is a few bananas but neither my factory locked 80 or 100 series have any issues with theirs. It probably just comes down to maintenance from the PO here. The failure I saw was due to corrosion getting inside of the motor.

Air lockers are great too, but I have seen too many fail by either the copper line breaking off of the coupling disc or the o-rings wearing out. I wouldn't want these for a rig I might be in the middle of nowhere with.

If I didn't have factory lockers I'd throw in a Spartan locker in the rear and leave it be. The 80 series just articulate so well that lockers aren't really needed unless your going ham.

YMMV

 

[spartan]

So the Grizzly at $693 is pricey, but they are smooooooth. It's like having a Detroit without the chatter and no bangs. If one will stand up and work in the back of an 8,500# truck with an 11,500# towing capacity, I don't see where you could go wrong with one in an 80. No air lines, no electronics and stupid easy to use, as in it's just there and does it's thing with or without you.

I detest the original Toyota lockers because they fail 50% of the time for the average user and ARB's are for hard core wheeling.

On a side note - I've been places with an open F / R differential that guys with all their fancy lockers couldn't make. Experience does count.

" Put you tire ON the rock son. Speed is not the point. Low and slow. Take it easy. Speed is for your dirt bike. Trucks don't work like that. " Rings in my head to this day from 1969.