Spartan Lockers (1 Viewer)

[Josh Higdon]

Please forgive me if this question has been asked. I used the search feature, but due to my location, I couldn't get the search to load up. I was given the suggestion in a thread I created to use a Spartan locker until I could afford front and rear ARB air lockers. However, after thinking it over, cost wise, as long as my rig locks, I don't necessarily need the ARBs. My question is this. Will the Spartan lockers engage when shifted to low? or do they need to be engaged manually? I can't seem to find much about them in any reviews, and their website doesn't describe them in any detail ad to how they are engaged. Thanks, and sorry if this has been asked.

 

[Howard705]

They are automatic-I believe like Lock Rites. Will engage when torque is against the drivetrain from accel or decel. You will notice that they are in and have to get somewhat used to them. Don't think recommended for use in front axle when retaining AWD in 80s.

 

[Josh Higdon]

Thanks man! So basically when installed (rear only), they just automatically lock when say, they're needed? No reason to run hoses, lines, etc? Just install and go? Sorry to sound dumb about this, but I'm used to factory lockers and this part of the equation I'm having to pick up on my own. Thanks again!

 

[Josh Higdon]

It also sounds like you might not be for them. Would you just suggest holding out on ARB air lockers? I'll probably need someone in the chattanooga area to install them too.

 

[jfz80]

The spartan or Aussie is a good budget option for the rear. I'd not be against recommending either one for the rear as you save for a front arb. It is more of the auto locker design so it senses a difference in wheel spin and locks.



My roommate has had great results with the Aussie almost behaving like a selectable. It ratchets freely around town and in parking lots but he has noticed applying the center diff off road provides torque to engage the gears.

Either are a great 300-400 in to locked goodness. You could decide later if you wanted to replace it when you did the front

 

[devildogcruiser25]

Since you are building a new rig, drive it open for a while. People jump in blind sometimes and spend money they don't need to spend on gear that is overkill for their needs.

I drove my 80 with open diffs on 35"s for about a year. I learned a lot about it, and respect the stock capabilities.

I have had an Aussie locker installed for almost three years and I love it. The comparison between open and locked rear is huge. I have run some of the best trails out there with just a rear locker, including two trips to Moab.

In the future, when I have the extra funds I will probably put an ARB in the front, but it isn't a high priority.

 

[scottryana]

Love my spartan no air lines to leak, no motors to freeze up, virtually invisible after break in. Provides a good increase in traction, for what I use my truck for it's great.

 

[inkpot]

Several of the locals are running the Aussie or Spartan auto locker in the rear of their 80 series. No complaints. Great , and very affordable, upgrade from open diffs. Have high re-market value if selectable lockers are installed later. John

 

[NLXTACY]

Since you are building a new rig, drive it open for a while. People jump in blind sometimes and spend money they don't need to spend on gear that is overkill for their needs.

I drove my 80 with open diffs on 35"s for about a year. I learned a lot about it, and respect the stock capabilities.

I have had an Aussie locker installed for almost three years and I love it. The comparison between open and locked rear is huge. I have run some of the best trails out there with just a rear locker, including two trips to Moab.

In the future, when I have the extra funds I will probably put an ARB in the front, but it isn't a high priority.

Agree totally. I've been through a 40 series, two 60s, Toy 4WD Pup and now my LX that I've owned since new in 97. None of them had lockers and I *think* I am a better driver for it. Have I been in tough situations, sure. But I had a shovel and a hi-lift to help.

Eventually I will be going to a rear locker mainly because I'm getting lazy and I want to drive, not dig. We will see. Most likely I will go with ARBs but not until I finally decide to regear to 4:88s

 

[Rudster]

Love my aussie, no air lines to leak, no motors to freeze up, virtually invisible after break in. Provides a good increase in traction, for what I use my truck for it's great.

Totally agree with you on it as I have an Aussie in my 80 - set it and forget it !!!! Great upgrade for the money.

 

[retrofive]

Yip. Aussie FTW. Love mine.

 

[LFD2037]

Aussie here. Zero regrets.

 

[pjess50]

I have "Lokka" in mine and is the best $250-300 I've spent.

 

[bigezvol]

have a spartan... been on 2 wheeling trips with it. great upgrade for the money and easy install.

 

[Townsend]

Purchased mine with a Spartan - although no hardcore wheeling yet, I have had zero issues on the highway and it worked flawless on a few basic tests in the snow.

 

[Pin_Head]

They aren't lockers in the same sense that ARB and the OEM electric lockers are.

They are automatic traction assisting devices. They automatically allow only one wheel to rotate faster than the ring gear in the drive direction. They prevent both wheels from going slower than the ring gear as would happen if one wheel loses traction.
They switch drive sides when going from drive to coast and coast to drive. This often results in popping and banging and many people mistakenly believe that this is do to "locking", but they never lock in the sense that the axle shafts are physically connected together. They are always ready to automatically ratchet when one wheel is driven faster than the other by traction with the pavement.

 

[Josh Higdon]

Guys, I can't tell yall how thankful I am for you all taking your time with this! It has been very helpful. Of all the various forums i am a member of, this one is by far the most helpful and knowledgeable. It is like everyone is on the same team and helps others, even when the task seems minor. Thank you all agaim! I especially like being able to use the Spartan in the rear and an ARB up front if I choose that route. Sounds like it will lock in high or low. This isn't a new rig per se I am building. I've had 80s for many years now,and my last one, a 94, was locked. I totalled it, so I'm left with the unlocked for now. Just switched my gear over. I miss the lockers is all, and I don't do hardcore off roading, I do like to be able to show off the capabilities of the 80. My last one impressed everyone, much thanks to the lockers. This one has had some trouble climbing steep, wet hills, so I know hitting some rocks and ruts where I live could be rough. These are by far my favorite vehicle of all time, and I hope to always have one. The lexus is pretty neat having like this, I would just like some lockers for when I go out and play with the big boys . I'm thinking a rear locker would be a huge improvement over the open diffs, and I like the idea of having at least the rear and adding an ARB front down the road. I just know that for me, when climbing old chirt pits, that front locker just can't be beat. I still say an open 80 is a better off road machine than a jeep anything, but man would some lockers give more confidence. Do you guys know how hard it is to install the spartan? Or maybe a video link of step by step instructions? The ARB seems hard to do, and I would probably have someone else install for me. Maybe the Spartan is difficult as well. Anyone in the chattanooga area?

 

[LFD2037]

Check out the Aussie locker. Mostly same product just engineered more superior.

 

[NLXTACY]

A Spartan will take about three hours to install unless the wrong one is the box the first time and you tear the gasket on the install the second time.

I've been driving unlocked Land Cruisers for 20 years. For 90% of the situations its fine. To get thru 98% of the situations you would benefit with the rear locker. Everything else is front locker and/or winch.

There is a 50/50 chance I made 90% of that up

 

[Howard705]

They are fairly easy and you will notice the most improvement from locking the rear.