Rear auto locker: Why not?

[slacker24-7]

I have a Lokka locker on my 80 and I really like it. Other than the auto locker ratcheting around corners, you would have no idea it was there. I have ATRAC in my LX470, and I think it may help you get out of trouble, it does next to nothing to keep you from getting into it to begin with. ATRAC works once you are stuck, and the other thing I am not a fan of is that you have to keep the RPMs up ~2500+ when it is doing its thing. I would say it does work, but it is not a proactive system. I ended up putting a locked axle from a '99 into my 2000 LX, so when you know you are going to need it, you can have it. I think an auto locker provides that same service. I made the switch mostly due to my axle seals and bearings going out, but I would have added an auto locker without any hesitation.

I kinda disagree on the Atrac not keeping you from getting stuck, I’ve grown to really like it, when used properly it’s pretty awesome, I’m mainly talking about use on rocks , ruts etc. but moderate stuff , I come from a old school rock crawling background where low gears and lockers were the key, I always scoffed at traction control on rigs, until I actually had it. but the ATRAC has proven its self time and again when climbing small ledges or similar situations.

 

[R.E.M.]

@R.E.M.

Do you have a link? Has it been installed on a 100? Any videos of it in action?

Looks like they all require part time. Which model # would fit a 2001?

LOKKA - Automatic Differential Locker Lokka says the front lockers require the part time kit. The rear for an open diff just replaces the gears. The carrier remains the same, so it's a driveway job and the third isn't removed.

That screen shot above doesn't show the bottom of the list for the rears.

So, it looks like an answer to my original question is: Because ATRAC. 80's don't have it, 100's do. If you want to keep ATRAC doing it's job then don't lock an axle.

 

[bucfl]

So if I lock the rear the front atrac will continue to operate?

 

[bwell]

So if I lock the rear the front atrac will continue to operate?

Yes the ATRAC system will still operate correctly.

 

[Leandro]

So for non-ATRAC is a viable option.
What about a torsen diff? Has anybody used them?

 

[bucfl]

Man! I really want to do this!

As for Torsten, there was a post about a member install.

2003 V8 Sahara Build...

 

[guardcompany]

I kinda disagree on the Atrac not keeping you from getting stuck, I’ve grown to really like it, when used properly it’s pretty awesome, I’m mainly talking about use on rocks , ruts etc. but moderate stuff , I come from a old school rock crawling background where low gears and lockers were the key, I always scoffed at traction control on rigs, until I actually had it. but the ATRAC has proven its self time and again when climbing small ledges or similar situations.

Yup what you and @Trunk Monkey said. Lockers were pretty high up on my build list but the last couple trips using ATRACs to get me out of situations I didn't think it would, the lockers have been dropping on the list. Honestly I'm not sure I would do them as this point, unless I had a blown front diff or something.

 

[abuck99]

The rear for an open diff just replaces the gears. The carrier remains the same, so it's a driveway job and the third isn't removed.

The 06 has a LSD diff-(even though its prob worn out) Check the right Lokka for LSD.
Edit: No LSD-
Ok its cheaper but beyond that I dont see the advantage.

The 3rd still has to come out of the housing to install the autolocker which brings you 90% of the way to installing a selectable locker.

Function: Autolockers are always engaged and locked, until you’re turning a corner (and then it disengages ...hopefully). Imagine the conditions offroad where you dont want a locked rear axle or where that can get you in trouble. I dont see a benefit for a locked axle on the pavement either. Personally I want control over the engagement when I feel its needed.

Aftermarket service & Support: Lokka is virtually unsupported in the US market- so if you have any problems its a 17hr time difference for support and international shipping time and cost for parts.

If a locker is a must have, imo Harrop E locker is the ticket. If I had to do it again that would be my choice.

Anyway if you go the autolocker route, post an install thread so we can follow. Good luck.

 

[bwell]

Man! I really want to do this!

As for Torsten, there was a post about a member install.

2003 V8 Sahara Build...

So for non-ATRAC is a viable option.
What about a torsen diff? Has anybody used them?

I had a posi(similar to a torsion, albeit slightly more aggressive until they aren't and the springs/clutches are worn out) in my front differential for awhile, until it broke. Sold to me by a large vendor on here modestly against their recommendation-which at that point nobody had done, and I wish I hadn't known about it, and that they wouldn't have sold it to me, but that's not for here.

Honestly, if the rest of your front end is up on maintenance - bushing, diff mount, ball joints and everything else, I didn't really mind it, but I grew up driving a truck in the Midwest with automatic lockers front and rear - lots of fun in snow and ice.

Anyway, a torsion which is just a gear version of a posi traction - typically clutch pack spring type, and then there's auburn gear which uses cone type friction's. If one could be had for a reasonable price, I would rock one in the rear probably over a automatic locker due to them not being as harsh as an automatic locker on the rest of the components in my 100 series. But as of late I have no reason to open the rear axle, yet.

 

[R.E.M.]

The 06 has a LSD diff-(even though its prob worn out) Check the right Lokka for LSD.

Ok its cheaper but beyond that I dont see the advantage.

The 3rd still has to come out of the housing to install the autolocker which brings you 90% of the way to installing a selectable locker.

Im still learning looks like. So, there’s no inspection cover on the rear axle. That makes a different, however, not that big.

I guess it’s what I’m willing to live with as far as cost and performance compromises are concerned. I still haven't even driven this thing in the dirt yet. I know I don't (at least now) want to spend the coin on a Harrop or ARB on this truck at all. I'd rather sink that money into my 60 or get an 80.

I digress. Thanks all for your input. If I do the Lokka I'll tell the internet all about it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The 06 has a LSD diff-(even though its prob worn out)

I thought the LSD went bye bye with ATRAC in 2000, same as the e-locker in the LC.

 

[flintknapper]

I thought the LSD went bye bye with ATRAC in 2000, same as the e-locker in the LC.

^^^^^^^

Correct. My understanding is that the L/C would not have had a LSD in any year model (U.S. Versions).

The LSD rear diff would have been found in the 98-99 LX470's. The L/C would have had an open rear diff in those same year models or an optional electric locker.

After 2000 it would be ATRAC in either.

 

[abuck99]

^^^^^^^

Correct. My understanding is that the L/C would not have had a LSD in any year model (U.S. Versions).

The LSD rear diff would have been found in the 98-99 LX470's. The L/C would have had an open rear diff in those same year models or an optional electric locker.

After 2000 it would be ATRAC in either.

Thanks TM & Flint for the correction- I edited the post.

 

[REZARF]

100 guys are soft... jump in and report back. Lock that thing up!

 

[geanes]

Very curious about this and following. I have a 98 LX which came stock with rear LSD. At 20 years old and 174k miles and climbing, I feel like the LSD service life has been exceeded and could very well be an "open" diff at this point. How would I confirm if the LSD actually still works?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Jack up the whole rear axle, turn one tire. If the other tire turns the same way, the LSD is working. And they don't really have a "service life". I guess the friction pads in them could wear out, but that would be way longer than the truck would last.

 

[flintknapper]

Very curious about this and following. I have a 98 LX which came stock with rear LSD. At 20 years old and 174k miles and climbing, I feel like the LSD service life has been exceeded and could very well be an "open" diff at this point. How would I confirm if the LSD actually still works?

Surprisingly, mine still works ('99 with 200K mile on it). It takes a pretty good amount of wheel spin to get it to kick in though. You'd have to find a slick/loose surface (mud, grass, gravel) and use low range to apply enough power to get the wheels to spin. If you don't have an observer to verify that both rear wheels started spinning, you might be able to tell by the tracks left.

I have a grassy hill on my property and gravel roads (and mud) so it wasn't long before I discovered mine was still operating. ****It isn't real aggressive (you need to apply quite a bit of torque and wheel speed to get it to kick in), but mine does still work****.

 

[geanes]

Surprisingly, mine still works ('99 with 200K mile on it). It takes a pretty good amount of wheel spin to get it to kick in though. You'd have to find a slick/loose surface (mud, grass, gravel) and use low range to apply enough power to get the wheels to spin. If you don't have an observer to verify that both rear wheels started spinning, you might be able to tell by the tracks left.

I have a grassy hill on my property and gravel roads (and mud) so it wasn't long before I discovered mine was still operating. ****It isn't real aggressive (you need to apply quite a bit of torque and wheel speed to get it to kick in), but mine does still work****.

Thanks so much @flintknapper and @Trunk Monkey ! That helps out tremendously. I guess I'm getting the itch to find a reason to add lockers

 

[flintknapper]

Thanks so much @flintknapper and @Trunk Monkey ! That helps out tremendously. I guess I'm getting the itch to find a reason to add lockers

Which Limited Slip Diff in 98-99 LX470....?

Yes, a selectable locker (Harrop) is what will go in mine...eventually.

 

[geanes]

Which Limited Slip Diff in 98-99 LX470....?

Yes, a selectable locker (Harrop) is what will go in mine...eventually.

Holy cow! Those pics of that diff are impressive. Was not expecting it to be that beefy. Big old spring and 4 pinions. Definitely changes my opinion on them. Still getting the itch for a true locker though. Those Harrops have my attention. LandCruiserSpecialists here in Austin are going to be a vendor and already have 5 scheduled for install on 100s. Should get really good feedback from them.