Quick-Lok Locker Test Drive

[gulp3000]

I bought a Genuine Gear Quick-Lok Locker from Rocky Mountain Land Cruisers in Denver (Englewood) and installed it in the rear. I was planning on an Aussie or Lock-Rite, but Aussies were backordered and this one was on the shelf, in town. I read somewhere that it is a relabeled Detroit EZ.

I know squat about lockers, but this one seems to be the same as the other inexpensive auto lockers and it installed with the same procedure. Getting the brake drums off, and fighting a stuck fill plug on the diff cover, probably took longer than putting the locker in.

It acts as I expected on pavement based on searching posts about lockers. A bit of clicking in tight turns, some under-steer, an occasional clunk if you power through a tight turn. Not really very noticeable, but it reminds you it's in there once and awhile. By the end of the day I had adjusted my driving to keep it quiet.

I ran a moderate (5) trail with my brother and nephews in their Jeeps and only found a couple places where I could try things where open diffs might be challenged, but it certainly is a noticeable difference and well worth the price. I am looking forward to running a few spots where I had problems before the locker as soon as some of the trails open up or the summer.

Fantastic day to be out and the wagon shined as it led the two CJs around.

 

[cruiser88]

its aways nice to have heeps behind you

 

[chicago]

Hey gulp3000,
Thanks for posting your experience with the auto locker. This same up grade is on the list for things to do this year to my rig. The guys I ride with...sware by any type of locker.
Im planning on going with the Aussie, cuz theyre the cheapest, and I havent really heard anytihng bad about em.
Be sure to post up how it does on the heavier runs.

Chicago

 

[gulp3000]

Chicago:

If you are going to do it soon, you may want to call the Aussie guys. They are back ordered right now so you may want to place an order so when they have stock, you get one. The locker write-up in the tech section was probably more helpful than the directions mine had, but I've heard that the Aussie directions are good. Other than a super skinny set of needlnose pliers, no special tools are needed.

 

[Kavik]

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"

 

[gulp3000]

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"

Wow!

It's funny you mentioned the c-clip. It's a pain to get it in there and I finished mine at 12:30 AM with a trouble light and a bad back that wasn't happy with being under the rear of the Cruiser. When it dropped into place, I had to feel around inside the housing and pull on the axle a few times to convince myself that it was in place.

 

[cody c]

ive had an aussie in the rear of my bj60 for a while now, 35"mtrs on it and i dont notice or hear it at all, not even on dry pavement unless i turn the wheel all the way and accelerate really hard, but i do see both tires spinning when im in the mud. i'd definately reccomend it.

 

[Kavik]

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...

 

[chicago]

Kavik,
Holy SH*T man...What kinda damage did you sustain from that little incident. Sounds like it was a wild ride...Im not 100% sure what the "c clip" is, but Ill be sure to watch out for it cuz it sounds as if its kinda hard to miss in the install.
Im "grounded" right now from working on the rig...Im getting married in 3 weeks, so anything related to my Cruiser is temporarliy suspended. Since I got it in January, I had done nothing but work on it getting ready for the Blotch trip in Death Valley...I promised the little woman that once that trip was over...Id let it cool for a bit. Besides that...im frickin BROKE...this wedding s*** is EXPENSIVE! Oh well, she's worth it.
Im figuring July or August...Im need to do a knuckel re build too, so as long as she's down...Ill do it all in one shot.
MAN, the LIST IS GROWING...and GROWING....and GROWING!

Chicago

 

[srplus]

chicago grounded

if you have a name for that cruiser and it is a female name she might get jealous... if you name it a male name she might think you're gay. best thing is to RIGHT OFF THE BAT involve her in the repair and use/enjoyment of the rig or else.

couldn't begin to count the number of times that i have heard 'you pay more attention to that car then you do to me!" - sorry about hijack - that should prolly be posted in https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=89992&highlight=comments

 

[chicago]

SRPLUS,
I tried the "getting her involved with the wrenching stuff..." Shell have none of it. Actually, she is excited about going wheelin. Her and I went up the hills behind the house, and she had a fun time with it.
I can see her point...Shes bustin ass with the wedding plans and stuff, and wants more help with it...
Im glad Im not the only one whose cruiser obsession precipitates the STINK EYE effect with their women.

Chicago

 

[gulp3000]

I got married last year, she does NOT want your help with anything. Yes, she wants you to be involved and look at samples, check out locations, etc, etc, etc, but she doesn't want you actually choosing anything - just approving of her choices (even if you couldn't care less or hate her selection).

Just try not to look at the pile of wedding bills and imagine the sweet Cruiser it would build. It's does no good for anyone.

Congrats!!

 

[chicago]

I got married last year, she does NOT want your help with anything. Yes, she wants you to be involved and look at samples, check out locations, etc, etc, etc, but she doesn't want you actually choosing anything - just approving of her choices (even if you couldn't care less or hate her selection).

Just try not to look at the pile of wedding bills and imagine the sweet Cruiser it would build. It's does no good for anyone.

Congrats!!

HA HA HA! I think you may be right gulp3000. I bought the wedding band...im like "theres my chevy vortec". The flowers..."theres my lockers and axel rebuild"
Im working 2 jobs so I can SAVE money...it just isnt happening. Oh well. Shes worth it.

BTW, did you get out and wheel the locker yet? Im curious to hear how it did.

Chicago

 

[gulp3000]

No serious wheeling yet. One of the local trails just opened that has few spots where I can really compare before and after. Hopefully I can run out for a few hours this weekend and try it out.

 

[chicago]

Get some pics up when you do...I hope its great for you.

Chicago