Aussie Lockers: Feedback

[albi1cnobi1]

Looking into picking up an Aussie locker for my Mounty. Just wanted some input from anyone who has one.(or had one) Heard lots of good(and some bad) about them but wanted to hear from the guys who run them. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[Ronin8002]

There seem to be issues with the 8.8 Aussie lockers in terms of clearance specs when using the stock thrust washers for installation at least with installing into a 3.73 carrier. Specifically, the thrust washers are too thick to meet the clearance specs that the manual states the locker needs to have. Not a huge issue, you can sand down your stock thrust washers so they are thinner and that will correct the issue. You could also use carrier shims from an 8.8 LS (you can get these in specific thicknesses) and grind down the outside diameter of them so that they will fit in the open carrier.

Here's my 3rd Gen Aussie locker install thread. Yes, these trucks have an independent rear, but the IRS 8.8 internals are the same as the solid axle variant of the 8.8 so the above is true for that type. You can skip down to the part where I have my diff on the workbench and am installing the locker:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318076

I haven't had mine very long and have only driven it a little, but it seems to work perfectly. The clicking it makes is audible but not a big deal. It only happens when I am making tight turns at very low speeds, i.e., a parking lot. Can't comment yet on the behavior of the truck in slick conditions.

All in all, I'd say it's a great mod.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Thanks for the input. I'll check out your thread.

 

[Slowlyvverot]

dunno if this applies to d35 ifs but it's worth mentioning regardless:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=946800

 

[Foxracin]

Mine worked fine. No problems for me.

 

[Cozmik]

There seem to be issues with the 8.8 Aussie lockers in terms of clearance specs when using the stock thrust washers for installation at least with installing into a 3.73 carrier. Specifically, the thrust washers are too thick to meet the clearance specs that the manual states the locker needs to have. Not a huge issue, you can sand down your stock thrust washers so they are thinner and that will correct the issue. You could also use carrier shims from an 8.8 LS (you can get these in specific thicknesses) and grind down the outside diameter of them so that they will fit in the open carrier....

All in all, I'd say it's a great mod.

The clearance issues you and Bigone had do not apply in 2nd Gen solid axel applications. When I put an Aussie in my 98 it went right in with no issues. The internals are just different enough to cause us issues in IRS applications.

Having said that, I loved mine when I had it in my 2nd Gen. It didn't mess things up on the street, was great off road and could be really fun in the snow and rain. Well worth the sub $300 investment IMO.

 

[Ronin8002]

Actually it does seem to be a problem for some with the solid axle 8.8's. Not sure if it's always the case but some carrier/thrust washers seem to have different tolerances that lead to the problem. One of the guys in the below threads gave me the info on how to fix the issue by sanding down the thrust washers. At any rate it's not a big deal to correct for.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279699&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

See Post 11 in this one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279699&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

Some more:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217855&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145274&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229174&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196221&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

 

[Cozmik]

Actually it does seem to be a problem for some with the solid axle 8.8's. Not sure if it's always the case but some carrier/thrust washers seem to have different tolerances that lead to the problem. One of the guys in the below threads gave me the info on how to fix the issue by sanding down the thrust washers. At any rate it's not a big deal to correct for.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279699&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

See Post 11 in this one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279699&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

Some more:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217855&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145274&highlight=aussie+locker+clearance

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229174&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196221&highlight=aussie+locker+thrust

Guess I got lucky then. At any rate, requiring mods or not, I agree with you. Its a great locker.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Thanks for all the input guys. I don't do enough hardcore wheeling to warrant a high dollar locker so the Aussie or lockrite were the choices and I like the Aussie a lot. I'm not ready to buy yet so I'll take all the input I can get.

 

[Ronin8002]

Guess I got lucky then. At any rate, requiring mods or not, I agree with you. Its a great locker.

Definitely; I think as far as offroad mods go, it might be one of best out there for the money.

Albi1cnobi1, I think you'll be very happy whenever you get around to doing it.

 

[Xeek]

i have one. havent been offroad with it yet. but it came from nick26s truck. the whole axle did.
my trucks very loud so ive never noticed any noises from it. but ive learned to take it easier on the gas on sharp turns now. dont wanna blow it up!
waiting to get offroad to see how it really does.



overall so far: i like it. dont notice it any different then my old open axle. until i hit the gas a little more

 

[Foxracin]

You wont blow it up. Trust me.

 

[Xeek]

making a 90* turn into traffic at WOT(dry pavement)? lol

i did that with my old engine/axle lol
result: didnt work well

 

[Cozmik]

making a 90* turn into traffic at WOT(dry pavement)? lol

i did that with my old engine/axle lol
result: didnt work well

I tried that game too.....resulted in the howling of spinning mudders, a sideways Explorer and a very shocked me.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Well, I think after all the input from everyone I'm going with the Aussie. But I will probably order the .30 LS washers at the same time so on install day I'll be prepared. I'm trying to go to Rausch Creek in July so hopefully I can crank out some OT at work and get this done in time. We shall see.