LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Aussie Locker Install

ok, since ice had the locker in.... ive noticed:

Offroading is 100% better, every aspect.

On the hardtop, tires are already showing some signs of wear and tear. I hit the gas once in a parking lot, while turning, good lord, dont do this. resist the urge to tear up black top and show off the locker. cause it will tear the tires up QUICK.! Turning and driving is different. The ratcheting noise is noticable when driving in parking lots and anywhere your driving slow., but i dont really mind it. sounds like a rollercoaster. there are more jerky movements than before, duh. but it pops in and out at weird times sometimes. you do need to change a bunch of driving habits, no slamming gas on turns. get momentum up and cruise the turns, or just easy on the gas. I've noticed that as long as you dont hammer the gas, majority of the time, it will still ratchet around corners and not be locked. soo thats good. otherwise tires would be shot real real quick. So other thatn that, change of driving habits, and the ratcheting noice. The locker isnt too bad., If you do A LOT of wheelin offroad then this thing is a monster, and works perfect. Soon as you put it in 4 LO, it rarely unlocks, there's so much more force pushing through the DS in 4LO that it just stays locked, (even through turns). works like a charm.

But if you dont wheel often, and only go once every couple months... this thing may not be the best, because youre gonna burn tires, its gonna demand driving habit changes... but then again,... who knows. I dont mind the thing at all. seems to have more power on the black top even. cause of the power/differential change. I like it either way... I go wheelin every weekend, for sure. I live only 30 to 45 minutes from a few killer trails... last weekend i went 3 times, up 2 different trails... so for me this locker was extremely important. There's a pretty burly trail that i couldnt get up without it. a climb to a 10k ft mountain top. just about 360 views. this one trail alone was worth me installing this locker. LMAO... ,.. so there's a few pros and cons as of yet that ive noticed.

Overall, i am happy with it. even after seeing the tires wear faster. means I could be do for yet more driving habit changes.

also, I have not noticed any MPG losses or gains...

Author:	Haole [ Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:15 am ]
Post subject:	Aussie Locker Install
This locker is great. The best upgrade ive done so far, by far. super easy install. $320. best investment i could have made. "2006 KJ" wrote up a sweet install sheet for me. and i deleted all my messages on accident right afterwards. uh, yeah. so... here's pics if anyone out there is on the fence about this locker. WELL WORTH IT...! the instructions are intimidating and a bit confusing. but once you get your hands dirty its extremely easy. dont fret the instructions. Corporate 8.25, open diff. Pinion Shaft and Spider gears removed. Take the brake and rotors off. Push axles in, remove C-clips, push axles back out to remove Side gears. Make sure and find your thrust washers behind each Side gear. clean and inspect for re-use. Use Micrometer to check wear and thinkness. Once you've taken the open diff. out, putting the Aussie back in is simple, no need to explain here. Put the 4 small pins into the Cam Gear before getting this thing put together in the carrier. also make sure and re-use thrust washers. again check wear and thickness for deterioration, etc.. before re-using. Line up the Locker as it says in directions. get the 4 springs installed in line with pins while spinning axles.Check Pinion Shaft for wear or damage before re-use.,. getting the second C-clip installed is fun. easy once you understand how it gets into its place. (note the Chase of the Cam Gear) slide C-clip through this to lock the axle in place. Make sure your Spacers are in, they hold the C-clips in place... then install the Pinion Shaft, screw the pin back in that holds it. Must get this clearance measurement for Warranty and to make sure proper spacing of all components. (Wheeler on Stands) I seem to have the wheels off of this jeep A LOT, dunno why. Test the unit for function as per direction. there's a few things here and there that i left out. but the pics are worth more than the words anyway. This unit does ratchet at nearly every turn, unless u gas it. so hopefully minimal tire wear. works well, i would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Author:	djui5 [ Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:21 pm ]
Post subject:
Thanks for the pics. I wanna get one of these soon U gonna take it wheelin and post some pics of that?

Author:	jnc91 [ Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:03 am ]
Post subject:
Just installed mine this weekend. WOW! What a difference. Great on road manners, can't tell its there unless I power in a turn or cut a donut in the dirt. Will literally climb a wall now. Can't watit to get DTT up front.

Author:	jsc7002 [ Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:
thanks for the pics, I cant wait to get one!

Author:	Haole [ Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:59 am ]
Post subject:
ok, since ice had the locker in.... ive noticed: Offroading is 100% better, every aspect. On the hardtop, tires are already showing some signs of wear and tear. I hit the gas once in a parking lot, while turning, good lord, dont do this. resist the urge to tear up black top and show off the locker. cause it will tear the tires up QUICK.! Turning and driving is different. The ratcheting noise is noticable when driving in parking lots and anywhere your driving slow., but i dont really mind it. sounds like a rollercoaster. there are more jerky movements than before, duh. but it pops in and out at weird times sometimes. you do need to change a bunch of driving habits, no slamming gas on turns. get momentum up and cruise the turns, or just easy on the gas. I've noticed that as long as you dont hammer the gas, majority of the time, it will still ratchet around corners and not be locked. soo thats good. otherwise tires would be shot real real quick. So other thatn that, change of driving habits, and the ratcheting noice. The locker isnt too bad., If you do A LOT of wheelin offroad then this thing is a monster, and works perfect. Soon as you put it in 4 LO, it rarely unlocks, there's so much more force pushing through the DS in 4LO that it just stays locked, (even through turns). works like a charm. But if you dont wheel often, and only go once every couple months... this thing may not be the best, because youre gonna burn tires, its gonna demand driving habit changes... but then again,... who knows. I dont mind the thing at all. seems to have more power on the black top even. cause of the power/differential change. I like it either way... I go wheelin every weekend, for sure. I live only 30 to 45 minutes from a few killer trails... last weekend i went 3 times, up 2 different trails... so for me this locker was extremely important. There's a pretty burly trail that i couldnt get up without it. a climb to a 10k ft mountain top. just about 360 views. this one trail alone was worth me installing this locker. LMAO... ,.. so there's a few pros and cons as of yet that ive noticed. Overall, i am happy with it. even after seeing the tires wear faster. means I could be do for yet more driving habit changes. also, I have not noticed any MPG losses or gains...

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Author:	jerbacher [ Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:35 am ]
Post subject:
Haole wrote: ok, since ice had the locker in.... ive noticed: Offroading is 100% better, every aspect. On the hardtop, tires are already showing some signs of wear and tear. I hit the gas once in a parking lot, while turning, good lord, dont do this. resist the urge to tear up black top and show off the locker. cause it will tear the tires up QUICK.! Turning and driving is different. The ratcheting noise is noticable when driving in parking lots and anywhere your driving slow., but i dont really mind it. sounds like a rollercoaster. there are more jerky movements than before, duh. but it pops in and out at weird times sometimes. you do need to change a bunch of driving habits, no slamming gas on turns. get momentum up and cruise the turns, or just easy on the gas. I've noticed that as long as you dont hammer the gas, majority of the time, it will still ratchet around corners and not be locked. soo thats good. otherwise tires would be shot real real quick. So other thatn that, change of driving habits, and the ratcheting noice. The locker isnt too bad., If you do A LOT of wheelin offroad then this thing is a monster, and works perfect. Soon as you put it in 4 LO, it rarely unlocks, there's so much more force pushing through the DS in 4LO that it just stays locked, (even through turns). works like a charm. But if you dont wheel often, and only go once every couple months... this thing may not be the best, because youre gonna burn tires, its gonna demand driving habit changes... but then again,... who knows. I dont mind the thing at all. seems to have more power on the black top even. cause of the power/differential change. I like it either way... I go wheelin every weekend, for sure. I live only 30 to 45 minutes from a few killer trails... last weekend i went 3 times, up 2 different trails... so for me this locker was extremely important. There's a pretty burly trail that i couldnt get up without it. a climb to a 10k ft mountain top. just about 360 views. this one trail alone was worth me installing this locker. LMAO... ,.. so there's a few pros and cons as of yet that ive noticed. Overall, i am happy with it. even after seeing the tires wear faster. means I could be do for yet more driving habit changes. also, I have not noticed any MPG losses or gains... thanks for the follow-up! I bought one of these earlier this year and have not installed it yet. I cant decide now if I actually want it or not. Your write-up helps for sure. My issue is that I just dont wheel that often. I'm more concerned with exploring and finding cool places. I bought the locker because I want to be able to go out and explore without another vehicle, but dont want to get stuck alone. Maybe a winch is a better idea for me as I dont want to hurt the life of my tires or drivetrain and will be driving on pavement ALOT. thanks again.

Author:	Haole [ Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:03 am ]
Post subject:
Aye,.. I have 3 kids and a wife. LMAO!!!! so yeah getting stuck is out of the question. a winch would be a great option. heck yeah. next in line for me is a front receiver hitch and winch. then rock rails... the locker does add some fun for MUD and SAND, i prolly wouldnt chance either without a locker. pointless. Soon as i get rock rails and a winch set-up... im goin to Moab with the fam. for sure. Even down in Ouray / Durango CO area. Lotsa places I would never go without a fully capable 4x4. cant wait for moab. here's a pic of Storm Mountain. the peak, just at 10k ft... Where the locker took us. haha. There are a few hairy sharp turns with large boulders and loose rock/dirt... u would have to get lucky to make it through without a locker. That's Longs Peak in the distance, a 14'er.

Author:	Haole [ Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:25 am ]
Post subject:
Another thing about the Locker worth mentioning. Dirt roads are much easier to negotiate and a heck of a lot safer. There are a lot of dirt roads, forest roads, and county roads around where i live. I used to slip and slide ALL OVER, now its a different story. Jeep feels tighter on the road everywhere in general, but dirt roads are now night and day. Huge difference.

Author:	beforedawn [ Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:
just ordered mine cant wait for it to get here so i can put it in

Author:	XJMA [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:14 pm ]
Post subject:
rotate your tires more frequently when you've got a rear locker!

Author:	CATCRD [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:27 am ]
Post subject:
Haole wrote: Aye,.. I have 3 kids and a wife. LMAO!!!! so yeah getting stuck is out of the question. a winch would be a great option. heck yeah. next in line for me is a front receiver hitch and winch. then rock rails... the locker does add some fun for MUD and SAND, i prolly wouldnt chance either without a locker. pointless. Soon as i get rock rails and a winch set-up... im goin to Moab with the fam. for sure. Even down in Ouray / Durango CO area. Lotsa places I would never go without a fully capable 4x4. cant wait for moab. here's a pic of Storm Mountain. the peak, just at 10k ft... Where the locker took us. haha. There are a few hairy sharp turns with large boulders and loose rock/dirt... u would have to get lucky to make it through without a locker. That's Longs Peak in the distance, a 14'er. I have never seen another KJ on Storm other than me or my buddy's. Hope to see you around some time. He took his frankenlifted 02 up opening weekend, no LSD or nothing. But I talked to a guy in a locked CJ-5 on 33s at the top and he said he got stuck at one of the switchbacks and had to get winched! Could not believe that my KJ had made it up there alone. BTW my avatar is on that switchback, coming back down.

Author:	Haole [ Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:
Storm is fun. I thought it was a hard trail till we hit Middle St. Vrain/Coney Flats. OMG! wicked long trail, crazy hard. i used half a tank of gas, drove through the dang river many times. Drove through about 2' of water for about 100', way fun. That is a serious black diamond trail. I cant believe what this Liberty can do. there were serious obsticals and very tight spots. i prolly have about 3.5" to 4" lift now and i needed every bit of it. I bottomed out a few times even yet, hit the front plate once and dented it pretty good. Lots of large boulders to hurdle, LOTS OF WATER crossings, mud pits, and holi crap, i was nervous of getting out of the trail. my daughter was out of the jeep many times, guiding me through most crazy spots, seems though the crazy spots were endless. One thing i LOVE about the Liberty, is it is small, it turns sharp as he!!, and just squeezes through spots where a wider vehicle would have no choice but to hurdle every obsticle. anyway, i would not recomend attempting this trail without a locker or LSD. if you got stuck, you would be hours away from anything, it goes way back. but gorgeous... waterfalls, St. Vrain river, camping all over, fishing spots golore, sweet views, yeah... amazing place, but nuts!!! I saw some other tire tracks here and there, and they must have come from a monster jeep, wide wide tracks, huge tread... that jeep woulda laughed seeing us back there. but hey!!! we made it out, then drove an hour and a half back home with no problems. well, 02 sensor wires got tangled in the Front Drive Shaft somehow and got ripped apart, but fixed it and we're runnin great. that is only problem,.. just rotated tires and gonna get an alignment real soon. good to go for next run. i should get some pictures in here of the Jeepy in the water.

Author:	ohv_kj [ Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:
have a link to where u bought it??

Author:	oddball [ Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:
Aussie Lockers

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Author:	icarl [ Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:
Haole wrote: Aye,.. I have 3 kids and a wife. LMAO!!!! so yeah getting stuck is out of the question. a winch would be a great option. heck yeah. next in line for me is a front receiver hitch and winch. If you wheel alone I would say a winch should be your first option. Although at only $320 I could see why you would get the locker first. I've got a winch but am seriously considering a rear winch setup as well.

Author:	djui5 [ Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:48 am ]
Post subject:
Jon, check your PM's

Author:	beforedawn [ Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:14 am ]
Post subject:
just ordered mine should be here tues or wed

Author:	wheeee32 [ Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:36 am ]
Post subject:
Ahhhh! I wish my Jeep was paid off already. I'm so close to some great trails but I can't enjoy them right now. Sweet pic from Storm Mountain. Have you been up in Johnny's Park yet? The trails there aren't incredibly hard but they are fun. I've rode shotgun there a few times in a lifted Cherokee. Good times.

Author:	bobcat7 [ Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:52 pm ]
Post subject:
Got my Aussie locker installed about 2 weeks ago. Put 150 miles on it and it seems alright. Will see how good it is once it snows here. Saw on this site that someone else broke theirs. Hope that gets resolved. Will keep an eye on mine. Hard to check out though without taking the cover off and loosing all that synthetic gear lube.