Author Topic: opinions on lockers please  (Read 12431 times)

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Offline stan98tj

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opinions on lockers please
« on: October 19, 2009, 09:48:12 PM »
i starting to become interested in lockers. this is a subject i am not very well versed in. i understand the basic principles but thats about it. i recently heard about Aussie lockers. Anyone run this brand? seems they are "auto locking" and not electronic. Im assuming they only come into play while engaged in 4wd so 2wd is left w/o any chance of locking on ya while on the pavement. What if you were driving in snow in 4wd while on a rpad or highway, would there be concerns if it senses wheel slip and locks on ya while ur on ice or slushy snow? It seems WAY cheaper priced than the other brands, ARB, OX etc. aside from ARB needing a air tank and Ox having a selector switch, what is the difference? My buddy bought one of these aussie lockers and hasnt installed it yet-i read some nice reviews about it. but some say your turning radius is reduced while in 4wd, though. and apparently they click while turning. for under 300 bucks is this a decent product? please feel free to tear this product apart or build it up whatever your experience with them.
98 TJ 35"Maxxis Trep.Old Man Emu 2.5""+1"BL,IronMan Fab control arms,4.56gears,Ford 8.8+ARB,Currie/IronMan steering, WARN VR10,HP D30 sleeved+ RCV,Body Armor Rock Rails WISHLIST:TDi.Girlfriend hates it :) If you can read this don't flip me over i dont have any $$ left to fix it

Offline chrisfranklin

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2009, 01:45:54 AM »
I've got an Aussie locker in the front end and the rear end is still open.  I've had the Aussie in the front for three years and haven't had any problems.  Totally silent on road and off as far as I can tell.  Might help its smoothness of operation if you use synthetic gear oil with it like I do.   

I live in the southwest US and don't encounter much in the way of snow/rain/slick conditions.  If you are in an area that gets a lot of bad weather where you are driving in 4wd on-road, you might be better off with driver adjustable lockers like an OX, ARB. 

But I've had nothing but positive results with the relatively low-priced Aussie in the D30.  Frankly they could charge twice the price for the thing and it'd still be a good deal.   
« Last Edit: October 20, 2009, 01:47:56 AM by chrisfranklin »
'94 YJ S 5spd, Borla Exhaust, CarSound Cat., PS Ceramic-coated Headers, Airraid intake, 62mm TB, Intake Manifold bored/ceramic-coated, 19lb injectors, Sharp's Adj. FPR, MeanGreen Starter, D30 Aussie locker, 31" Destination MTs, Warn XD9000, Cibie headlights, armor

Offline aw12345

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2009, 05:08:15 AM »
Chris the big difference for you on road is that you disconnect the right front axle shaft so in essence the front diff is still open in 2 wheel drive. A TJ does not have that feature sp it might make for some funny steering in snow and ice. Is something has to try. Does an ausie locker work? I would say yes< Ihave seen you do some funny stuff with your Jeep Chris. Would I trade my ARB's hell no. If you have the coin, an ARB, OX or DEtroit locker in the rear is the ticket and an ARB or OX up front will make for a very sweet setup, once you get lockers tough things will escalate, bigger tires axle shafts all kinds of spendy stuff will end up on your Jeep
2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ SE
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Offline oldjeep

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2009, 05:29:32 AM »
I've got Aussies front and rear, and live in the land of ice and snow.   You have to learn how to drive with a real locker, after that you have no problems.
Chuck P
The clowns'? Oh, yeah, the clowns. We fight them too — entire armies, spilling out of Volkswagons. We do our best to fight them off, but they keep sending 'em in!
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Jesse-James

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #4 on: October 20, 2009, 07:10:52 AM »
You still have the D35 rear, right? If so you probably don't want to lock the rear yet. As far as the front I'd prefer a selectable locker. Not just for road manners but on the trail as well. It's nice to have an open front in the tight and twisty trails around here and just lock it up when you need to.


Offline oldjeep

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2009, 07:41:18 AM »
It's nice to have an open front in the tight and twisty trails around here and just lock it up when you need to.

I hear people say that and I never understand why.  Unless you are on the gas hard, an automatic locker does not stay locked on a twisty trail.  The trails we use are barely wide enough for a wrangler and twist and turn a lot.  I've never had issue running Aussies or Detroits in the front.
Chuck P
The clowns'? Oh, yeah, the clowns. We fight them too — entire armies, spilling out of Volkswagons. We do our best to fight them off, but they keep sending 'em in!
94 YJ - gone
98 ZJ - sons truck
97 TJ - daughters project

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Offline neale_rs

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2009, 07:52:05 AM »
A locker is the single best investment for Jeeping capability.  It will let you go places you though were impossible before.  The downside is that you will lose the "underdog status" which I actually used to enjoy.
'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline jfrabat

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2009, 09:06:41 AM »
Since you mentioned you are not well versed, I'll point out some basics...

First of all, there are different types of lockers: Selectable lockers, automatic lockers, and limited slips.

Lets start with limited slips: they are not really "lockers", but they are traction aids.  As the name implies, if a tire slips, they do not let all the power go out that tire, but rather limit the speed diferential between tires and apply SOME power to the wheel with traction.  However, most of the power will go on the side with no traction (in most cases, but it will finally depend on the LS itself).  Limited slips are not so bad on road, but are not so good offroad either, as they offer less traction than a real locker (but are still better than an open differential).  They are kind of a middle of the road compromise, in my opinion.

Automatic lockers, as the name implies, lock on and off automatically.  They tend to be cheaper than selectable lockers, but they do have some down sides, particularly, on road manners (here I am generalizing, but the road manners will depend on the brand of locker).  Depending on the brand, and automatic locker can cause your Jeep to change lanes suddenly and unexpectedly when accellarating (if you are not used to driving with it), and can make clicking noise that are loud enough to scare some passangers.

Selectable lockers basically mean that you can select to have your axles locked or open (in some cases, open is replaced with limited slip).  They come in 3 main varieties: air (AIR and the new OX), cable (OX) or electronically actuated (ECTED and another one I cant remember right now).   ARB and OX basically are locked/Open, so that means that the Jeep will behave on the street just like it does with open diffs, but you have the option to lock the axles at will.  In the case of  the ECTED, they actually dont lock the axles, but rather vary the proportion of the limited slip as far as I understand, so that the proportion is very low when "locked" and much higher when "unlocked".  For me, the choice is basically between OX and ARB, as both have passed the test of time, and I prefer the selectable lockers to the automatic lockers (This does not mean Detroit is a bad option, just that I prefer the selectable part)

For your choice, you need to consider what you want to achieve with your lockers, how much you want to sped, and, if you still have the D35, what you will do about the rear axle (D35's in stock form dont like to be locked up; they can granade on you if you have large tires).  In my case, I went with alloy axles on 30 splines (and still, it is not considered a strong axle!) and used ARB lockers both front and rear.  I am very happy with my decission.  The down side of the ARB is that you need an additional air compressor to run it, but since I wanted OBA anyway, for me it was not an issue, as now I can fill up my tires after leaving the trail...

Felipe
'94 YJ 2.5L with 4" RE lift, Superwinch EPi9.0, FoMoCo e-Fan, SD30 and SD35 w/ARB-5.13, 165A alt., 33" BFG KM2 on 15" AR wheels, Sony sound system, Pavement Ends Hardtop, Hydroboost

Offline sharpxmen

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2009, 10:05:56 AM »
(ECTED and another one I cant remember right now)
the other one is Eaton e-locker (i bought one for my D30) - could be other ones as well out there, i chose this one as it had the 30 spline version for the front - this is an open diff that is locked when activated, not limited slip, works on the same principle as the ox and arb. I think OX has a new version that is electronically actuated as well, i'm not sure though.
Auburn ected is an LSD (limited slip) that increases the clamping force when activated (bought a 30 spline one for my D35) - from what i read they are pretty much locked when activated, can't vouch for that since neither one is installed yet :(. Apparently the downside is that it takes a bit to get them disengaged, since it's rear is not that critical, they have had bad reviews when using in the front.

seems that all of them have pros and cons, the reviews i read about ox mentioned the issue with having to readjust the cable sometimes, auburn won't disengage and not being a fully locked diff, for arb some air leaking issues - but the feeling i got from all the reviews is that the ARB is the best option out there.
'95 YJ, NSG370 6spd / Hurst shifter, Dana 300 + 4:1 Doubler / tri-stick, Custom skid, Super D35 / Auburn LSD / 4.88, 35x12.5x15 BFG KM2, 64mm t/b, 1.7 RollerRockers, MkVIII e-fan, Dual Diaph Booster
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Offline jfrabat

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2009, 11:39:50 AM »
the other one is Eaton e-locker (i bought one for my D30) - could be other ones as well out there, i chose this one as it had the 30 spline version for the front - this is an open diff that is locked when activated, not limited slip, works on the same principle as the ox and arb. I think OX has a new version that is electronically actuated as well, i'm not sure though.
Auburn ected is an LSD (limited slip) that increases the clamping force when activated (bought a 30 spline one for my D35) - from what i read they are pretty much locked when activated, can't vouch for that since neither one is installed yet :(. Apparently the downside is that it takes a bit to get them disengaged, since it's rear is not that critical, they have had bad reviews when using in the front.

seems that all of them have pros and cons, the reviews i read about ox mentioned the issue with having to readjust the cable sometimes, auburn won't disengage and not being a fully locked diff, for arb some air leaking issues - but the feeling i got from all the reviews is that the ARB is the best option out there.

You are right; I have a couple of buddies that run OX lockers, and if the cable is not adjusted properly, they will not engage (however, with the cable properly engaged, they are pretty much bullet proof).  With ARB's you could have air leaks, but I have found that carrying quick connecting couplers, you can fix any air leaks in seconds by simply cutting the line and using the coupler (you still got the downside that ARB's are expensive, and you need the comrpessor).

My best advice for a quick rundown on lockers is to check out this article by JP magazine...
'94 YJ 2.5L with 4" RE lift, Superwinch EPi9.0, FoMoCo e-Fan, SD30 and SD35 w/ARB-5.13, 165A alt., 33" BFG KM2 on 15" AR wheels, Sony sound system, Pavement Ends Hardtop, Hydroboost

Offline stan98tj

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2009, 01:28:55 PM »
excellent stuff guys, i appreciate all the responses to the post. the fact of sudden lane changes and weird steering doesnt seem appealing to me. my buddy bought the aussie and hasnt installed it yet-i think i may wait and see how he likes it and how it reacts in the snow while on pavement. from the responses here i think i like the idea of having the ability to lock/unlock the front on command rather than an automatic setup. the price here is def the issue-under 300 for a locker seems real nice-but since it snows nice and hard here in the winter im basically always in 4wd  in the snow, and i must say the jeep handles real well with stock open diffs while in 4wd in snowy conditions, i dont think id like to add a system that may act weird in those conditions. on the trail however, an aussie locker seems to be without much fault-locks when it needs to and seems to perform well from what ive read. i just dont think id like to have it lock/unlock on me while on a snow covered street.
for those of you who have an aussie (automatic) set up and live in snowy areas, can you elaborate on the driving adjustments needed to drive safely? this may be too vague of a question, what might be helpful would be for you to tell me how it would behave in these conditions.

by the way, my axles are still stock so 30s up front and 35s rear, right? and id be interested in locking the front-i have this idea that lockin the front will make a world of difference as the front is most of the time going to be the first part of the vehicle to engage an obsticle.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2009, 01:31:56 PM by stan98tj »
98 TJ 35"Maxxis Trep.Old Man Emu 2.5""+1"BL,IronMan Fab control arms,4.56gears,Ford 8.8+ARB,Currie/IronMan steering, WARN VR10,HP D30 sleeved+ RCV,Body Armor Rock Rails WISHLIST:TDi.Girlfriend hates it :) If you can read this don't flip me over i dont have any $$ left to fix it

Offline oldjeep

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2009, 01:38:17 PM »

for those of you who have an aussie (automatic) set up and live in snowy areas, can you elaborate on the driving adjustments needed to drive safely? this may be too vague of a question, what might be helpful would be for you to tell me how it would behave in these conditions.

Don't hit the gas when cornering - That's the only adjustment needed.

Are you saying that you actually drive on the road in 4wd?
Chuck P
The clowns'? Oh, yeah, the clowns. We fight them too — entire armies, spilling out of Volkswagons. We do our best to fight them off, but they keep sending 'em in!
94 YJ - gone
98 ZJ - sons truck
97 TJ - daughters project

www.oldjeep.com

Offline stan98tj

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2009, 01:48:14 PM »
Don't hit the gas when cornering - That's the only adjustment needed.

Are you saying that you actually drive on the road in 4wd?
when it's covered in snow 3 inches or more i do. keep a slow speed and drives just fine. if its just a dusting i def dont drive it in 4wd. i hope thats not a bad idea. i try to use 2wd as for as long as i can but soon as the snow inches over 3" the front tires catch and she'll slide left and right etc,soon as 4wd is engaged drives through like a champ.
98 TJ 35"Maxxis Trep.Old Man Emu 2.5""+1"BL,IronMan Fab control arms,4.56gears,Ford 8.8+ARB,Currie/IronMan steering, WARN VR10,HP D30 sleeved+ RCV,Body Armor Rock Rails WISHLIST:TDi.Girlfriend hates it :) If you can read this don't flip me over i dont have any $$ left to fix it

Offline chrisfranklin

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2009, 01:57:16 PM »
Chris the big difference for you on road is that you disconnect the right front axle shaft so in essence the front diff is still open in 2 wheel drive. A TJ does not have that feature sp it might make for some funny steering in snow and ice. Is something has to try. Does an ausie locker work? I would say yes< Ihave seen you do some funny stuff with your Jeep Chris. Would I trade my ARB's hell no. If you have the coin, an ARB, OX or DEtroit locker in the rear is the ticket and an ARB or OX up front will make for a very sweet setup, once you get lockers tough things will escalate, bigger tires axle shafts all kinds of spendy stuff will end up on your Jeep

Well you know me, Art.  I'm just jealous of your ARBs  ;)   But Aussies are not a bad lunch-box
'94 YJ S 5spd, Borla Exhaust, CarSound Cat., PS Ceramic-coated Headers, Airraid intake, 62mm TB, Intake Manifold bored/ceramic-coated, 19lb injectors, Sharp's Adj. FPR, MeanGreen Starter, D30 Aussie locker, 31" Destination MTs, Warn XD9000, Cibie headlights, armor

Offline oldjeep

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Re: opinions on lockers please
« Reply #14 on: October 20, 2009, 02:04:54 PM »
when it's covered in snow 3 inches or more i do. keep a slow speed and drives just fine. if its just a dusting i def dont drive it in 4wd. i hope thats not a bad idea. i try to use 2wd as for as long as i can but soon as the snow inches over 3" the front tires catch and she'll slide left and right etc,soon as 4wd is engaged drives through like a champ.

If it works for you, just watch out for the dry spots.  Can't say that I've ever enguaged a part time system on the highway before, but I don't buy 4wd in my DD pickups either.
Chuck P
The clowns'? Oh, yeah, the clowns. We fight them too — entire armies, spilling out of Volkswagons. We do our best to fight them off, but they keep sending 'em in!
94 YJ - gone
98 ZJ - sons truck
97 TJ - daughters project

www.oldjeep.com