Spartan Locker

skysthelymyt · 04-08-2012, 12:38 PM

Well, after reading a lot of threads about different lockers I decided to go with a US Standard Gear Spartan Locker. Like any lunchbox style locker, it goes in the place of the spider gears. The install of the locker was very easy. I used the thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=318076 to help during install.
The locker came in a nice box.

It came with a set of instructions on how to install the locker inside the open carrier. The Spartan Locker DID NOT have to be modified in any way to fit the ford 8.8 IRS. The axle spacers had the correct inside diameter.

Not the best way to measure the inside diameter but hey, it worked.
Getting the diff out wasn't all that hard. I had a buddy with me helping getting it out.

I cleaned the inside of the diff with break cleaner (not perfect) but I got the major stuff off.

Btw, the tolerance for the Spartan Locker is between .145-.170 inches. That was measured with feeler gauges. Do not use thrust washers for this locker. It specifically states not to use them. So make sure you get them out when you remove the spider gears.
After install:

After you get everything back together, go have some fun!!!

It works excellent. NO problems. I don't hardly hear it on the road. You can hear it when making sharp turns in a parking lot. I used Lucas 85w-140 gear oil. And if you have a noisy rear end, this gear oil will help lessen that noise. It is about 10$ a bottle and you need to get two. (Ford manual says to put 1.7 quarts in rear axle)

Any questions, feel free to ask.

*Wills05xlt4x4* · 04-08-2012, 02:23 PM

Great write up. Can't wait to regear and lock mine this summer

*Ronin8002* · 04-08-2012, 03:18 PM

Nice work and great writeup. The 8.8 Spartan came out a while after i did the aussi so i wondered how it might have worked. Glad to see it's a direct fit. Hope you make good use of the added traction!

**Blee1099** · 04-08-2012, 03:20 PM

One good thing about the Spartan is that its made by Yukon gears and it has a hardened shaft already..

*rangermidtn* · 04-08-2012, 05:18 PM

Nice! How much did it cost?

*Wills05xlt4x4* · 04-08-2012, 06:29 PM

I've seen them just under 300... Cheapest locker I've seen....and made by Yukon!

http://www.google.com/search?q=8.8+s...iw=615&bih=369

*rangermidtn* · 04-08-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills05xlt4x4

I've seen them just under 300... Cheapest locker I've seen....and made by Yukon!

http://www.google.com/search?q=8.8+s...iw=615&bih=369

That's what I have been seeing too. I guess I've found something else for the Explorer.

skysthelymyt · 04-08-2012, 10:32 PM

Yes, I paid $288 w/ shipping. It's made by Yukon and comes with a hardened cross shaft pin. It doesn't say anything about it fitting the 8.8 IRS but it did perfectly. The way they set up the locker with the springs and pins was a very good idea.
http://www.ringpinion.com/Content/Ho...structions.pdf
That's the manual on how to put the locker together.

*Mr. Truckles* · 04-09-2012, 08:48 AM

Great deal! This is exactly what the 3rd gens need. With a super rigid frame and IRS it rlly doesn't take much to lift a wheel even with the sway bars disconnected.

*Ronin8002* · 04-09-2012, 08:52 AM

I've updated the Aussie Locker install thread in the stickies to mention that the Spartan locker is a direct fit install. Hopefully that will encourage more people to start doing this now.

Triton8273 · 04-09-2012, 12:47 PM

Should it still be a direct fit if I do a 4.10 or 4.56 swap?

Still trying to understand how gearing works.

*Ronin8002* · 04-09-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triton8273

Should it still be a direct fit if I do a 4.10 or 4.56 swap?

Still trying to understand how gearing works.

Yep. The ring and pinion gears change but the carrier and CV axles stay the same. Since those two things (carrier/axles) are the factors that affect fitment for our diffs then you should not have any issue fitting the locker when you do a gear swap.

However, with 4.56 gears you will probably have to grind the edge off one of the ring gear teeth to allow the cross pin to be inserted into the carrier. As I understand it, this is done frequently with all the higher ratio gears and it has no impact on anything.

skysthelymyt · 04-09-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin8002

I've updated the Aussie Locker install thread in the stickies to mention that the Spartan locker is a direct fit install. Hopefully that will encourage more people to start doing this now.

Thanks.
I hope so too.

*Wills05xlt4x4* · 04-09-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin8002

Yep. The ring and pinion gears change but the carrier and CV axles stay the same. Since those two things (carrier/axles) are the factors that affect fitment for our diffs then you should not have any issue fitting the locker when you do a gear swap.

However, with 4.56 gears you will probably have to grind the edge off one of the ring gear teeth to allow the cross pin to be inserted into the carrier. As I understand it, this is done frequently with all the higher ratio gears and it has no impact on anything.

That is something that would void a warranty without a noched pin... Even though they are weaker...
Im going 4.56 and I'm most likely get the noched pin allthough they don't have but a yr or so warranty on the ring and pinion...

*Ronin8002* · 04-09-2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills05xlt4x4

That is something that would void a warranty without a noched pin... Even though they are weaker...
Im going 4.56 and I'm most likely get the noched pin allthough they don't have but a yr or so warranty on the ring and pinion...

I don't much about the full carrier lockers like the Ox, but I would think that with the way they work there would be less of a problem running a notched pin than with a lunchbox...maybe the stress on the pin is the same between the two types though...don't know.

Didn't think about the warranty thing, good point.

*rangermidtn* · 04-09-2012, 03:39 PM

I ordered mine today! Can not wait to get it.

*Ronin8002* · 04-09-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin8002

I don't much about the full carrier lockers like the Ox, but I would think that with the way they work there would be less of a problem running a notched pin than with a lunchbox...maybe the stress on the pin is the same between the two types though...don't know.

Didn't think about the warranty thing, good point.

actually after looking at some pics it looks like all the full case lockers just bolt right to the ring gear, there's no cross pin because it that kind doesn't need one.

So I guess the whole notched cross pin thing vs notching the gear tooth doesn't really come into play unless you're doing a lunchbox locker or spider gears

*Ronin8002* · 04-09-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangermidtn

I ordered mine today! Can not wait to get it.

sweet!

xplorerguru · 04-09-2012, 09:18 PM

This is AWESOME!!!

skysthelymyt · 04-09-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangermidtn

I ordered mine today! Can not wait to get it.

It's awesome. I have enjoyed having it so far this week. I can't hear it with the radio on. With the windows down and radio off while in a tight turn I can hear it barely. If you are very light on the pedal from a stop into a turn, it will unlock and won't make any noticeable noise. It was worth every penny in my opinion.

04-08-2012, 12:38 PM	#1
skysthelymyt Wannabe Elite Explorer Florence, SC 2003 Explorer Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 124 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Spartan Locker Well, after reading a lot of threads about different lockers I decided to go with a US Standard Gear Spartan Locker. Like any lunchbox style locker, it goes in the place of the spider gears. The install of the locker was very easy. I used the thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=318076 to help during install. The locker came in a nice box. It came with a set of instructions on how to install the locker inside the open carrier. The Spartan Locker DID NOT have to be modified in any way to fit the ford 8.8 IRS. The axle spacers had the correct inside diameter. Not the best way to measure the inside diameter but hey, it worked. Getting the diff out wasn't all that hard. I had a buddy with me helping getting it out. I cleaned the inside of the diff with break cleaner (not perfect) but I got the major stuff off. Btw, the tolerance for the Spartan Locker is between .145-.170 inches. That was measured with feeler gauges. Do not use thrust washers for this locker. It specifically states not to use them. So make sure you get them out when you remove the spider gears. After install: After you get everything back together, go have some fun!!! It works excellent. NO problems. I don't hardly hear it on the road. You can hear it when making sharp turns in a parking lot. I used Lucas 85w-140 gear oil. And if you have a noisy rear end, this gear oil will help lessen that noise. It is about 10$ a bottle and you need to get two. (Ford manual says to put 1.7 quarts in rear axle) Any questions, feel free to ask. __________________ 2003 Explorer 4.0 Volant CAI Volt HID headlights/DDM Tuning HID fogs BTF (2/1.5) spacers Underdrive pulley Spartan Locker

04-08-2012, 02:23 PM	#2
Wills05xlt4x4 Elite Explorer Ashland Va 2005 Xlt 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 876 Vehicle Specs	Great write up. Can't wait to regear and lock mine this summer __________________ Factory DVD, third row, rear A/C, Moon roof, Advancetrac RSC, Tow package, Leather everything, Eddie Bauer running boards.MODS- deep transmission pan w/dipstick, 1.5" Body lift, Expedition front tow hooks, Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 265-75/16 C Ply, Telescoping steering wheel mod, 4.56 gears limited slip front and rear,brembo brakes,front skid plate, Cb.FUTURE MODS-rock sliders, oba, steel front bumper w/ warn VR12000, possibly a M90

04-08-2012, 03:18 PM	#3
Ronin8002 Elite Explorer Virginia 2008 XLT Ironman Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,872 Vehicle Specs	Nice work and great writeup. The 8.8 Spartan came out a while after i did the aussi so i wondered how it might have worked. Glad to see it's a direct fit. Hope you make good use of the added traction! __________________ Mods: 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson Baja STZ on 17x8 Black Rock Viper 900B wheels, Bentley style grille, Raptor style LED grille lights, Pacer performance clearance lights, 30" 180W LED light bar behind grille, BTF upper control arms, Fox 2.0 5" travel emulsion coilover shocks in front/rear Truxx spacers, 1" body lift, front skidplate under radiator, recovery shackle mounts My Rig:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...47#post3004247

04-08-2012, 03:20 PM	#4
Blee1099 Evil Asian Elkridge, MD 91 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 14,327 Vehicle Specs	One good thing about the Spartan is that its made by Yukon gears and it has a hardened shaft already.. __________________ Decals & Stickers EF Shirts EF Pullover Hoodies EF Zip Up Hoodies EF Travel Coffee Mugs Buy Any 2 and get 2nd half off Bottoms Up Rock Racing

04-08-2012, 05:18 PM	#5
rangermidtn Elite Explorer Smyrna TN 2004 Explorer XLT 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 335 Vehicle Specs	Nice! How much did it cost? __________________ 2004 Explorer 4x4 KMC HOSS 16X8, 265/75/16 Mastercraft MT's rear spacer lift, Spartan Locker 1.5" Body Lift, F150 tow hooks Rock Sliders, BTF upper control arms QA1 coilovers front extended sway bar links. Future Mods include 4.56 gears, Limiting straps . My Build Thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=356654

04-08-2012, 06:29 PM	#6
Wills05xlt4x4 Elite Explorer Ashland Va 2005 Xlt 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 876 Vehicle Specs	I've seen them just under 300... Cheapest locker I've seen....and made by Yukon! http://www.google.com/search?q=8.8+s...iw=615&bih=369 __________________ Factory DVD, third row, rear A/C, Moon roof, Advancetrac RSC, Tow package, Leather everything, Eddie Bauer running boards.MODS- deep transmission pan w/dipstick, 1.5" Body lift, Expedition front tow hooks, Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 265-75/16 C Ply, Telescoping steering wheel mod, 4.56 gears limited slip front and rear,brembo brakes,front skid plate, Cb.FUTURE MODS-rock sliders, oba, steel front bumper w/ warn VR12000, possibly a M90

04-08-2012, 10:32 PM	#8
skysthelymyt Wannabe Elite Explorer Florence, SC 2003 Explorer Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 124 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Yes, I paid $288 w/ shipping. It's made by Yukon and comes with a hardened cross shaft pin. It doesn't say anything about it fitting the 8.8 IRS but it did perfectly. The way they set up the locker with the springs and pins was a very good idea. http://www.ringpinion.com/Content/Ho...structions.pdf That's the manual on how to put the locker together. __________________ 2003 Explorer 4.0 Volant CAI Volt HID headlights/DDM Tuning HID fogs BTF (2/1.5) spacers Underdrive pulley Spartan Locker

04-09-2012, 08:48 AM	#9
Mr. Truckles Elite Explorer North Jersey '97 Mountaineer 5.0L HO Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 99 Vehicle Specs	Great deal! This is exactly what the 3rd gens need. With a super rigid frame and IRS it rlly doesn't take much to lift a wheel even with the sway bars disconnected. __________________ Blue (Brown) '97 Mountaineer 5.0L GT40 heads. "Dual Exhaust" 31'' firestone A/Ts, TT & Shackles, Monroe coilover shocks, Safari rack. Front skid plate. Green '02 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC, Max tow package. Snorkel, BWM, On board air, 4.10s w/Trac-lok diffs, 32" T-W Warden A/ts on 16" American racing Baja wheels. Excursion tow hooks, Icom 706mkIIg w/AH4 rig

04-09-2012, 08:52 AM	#10
Ronin8002 Elite Explorer Virginia 2008 XLT Ironman Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,872 Vehicle Specs	I've updated the Aussie Locker install thread in the stickies to mention that the Spartan locker is a direct fit install. Hopefully that will encourage more people to start doing this now. __________________ Mods: 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson Baja STZ on 17x8 Black Rock Viper 900B wheels, Bentley style grille, Raptor style LED grille lights, Pacer performance clearance lights, 30" 180W LED light bar behind grille, BTF upper control arms, Fox 2.0 5" travel emulsion coilover shocks in front/rear Truxx spacers, 1" body lift, front skidplate under radiator, recovery shackle mounts My Rig:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...47#post3004247

04-09-2012, 12:47 PM	#11
Triton8273 B Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,149 Vehicle Specs	Should it still be a direct fit if I do a 4.10 or 4.56 swap? Still trying to understand how gearing works.

04-09-2012, 03:39 PM	#16
rangermidtn Elite Explorer Smyrna TN 2004 Explorer XLT 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 335 Vehicle Specs	I ordered mine today! Can not wait to get it. __________________ 2004 Explorer 4x4 KMC HOSS 16X8, 265/75/16 Mastercraft MT's rear spacer lift, Spartan Locker 1.5" Body Lift, F150 tow hooks Rock Sliders, BTF upper control arms QA1 coilovers front extended sway bar links. Future Mods include 4.56 gears, Limiting straps . My Build Thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=356654

04-09-2012, 09:18 PM	#19
xplorerguru Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 425 Vehicle Specs	This is AWESOME!!!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
aussie locker install how to: solid axle 8.8 (pics+video!)	LONO100	2001-2005 Explorer Sport Trac	34	04-10-2013 07:57 AM
How to: 3rd Gen Aussie Locker Install	Ronin8002	Modified 2002 - 2005 Explorers	49	08-22-2012 10:58 PM
!! 911 !! Aussie locker help please!	brianjwilson	Explorer & Ranger Transmissions, Transfer Cases, & Differentials	7	06-14-2008 01:42 AM