Aussie locker compared with Powertrax No Slip?

[Webster3]

We are getting close to the end of October... I'm wondering if the D35 Aussie is still coming out this month. Looks like a lot of guys are not waiting: Powertrax

Ed

 

[Premier]

Maybe you should stop waiting too

 

[AussieLocker]

Dana 35 Aussie Locker

Yes, in a discussion with the factory today, we were informed that the shipment of Dana 35 lockers is still scheduled to depart Australia the last week of October via Air Freight.

 

[Webster3]

That's good news! I'm not getting my locker until around or after Christmas time anyway, but I was hoping someone here would get one and report on it by the time I am ready.

Aussie, on the 8.8 rear... is it true that since I have a Limited Slip (D4) I will not be able to get the first locker you guys make for 8.8? If that is the case when would I expect to see a locker for mine?

Thanks!

Ed

 

[AussieLocker]

Limited Slip

The limited slip diffs are an open diff with material removed to make room for the clutch packs. The Aussie Locker and its competitors are designed for open diffs and as such we do not make a locker for an 8.8 LSD. In my Explorer I have to replace the LSD with an open case to install my Aussie Locker. A pain, but the traction improvement is dramatic and no more rebuilding worn our LSD diffs. In fact I read a Dana document a few years ago and it said that after as few as 10,000 miles a LSD had lost as much as 30% of its traction added capability. When one considers that an LSD is only 60% traction effective (on the average) the early life cycle performance loss is not insignificant. Most LSD diffs are pretty well shot at 45,000 miles.

 

[Webster3]

I don't know if this is a good test of that or not, but when I stomp the gas on dirt I leave two trails behind me. I have just about 100k on mine.

Ed

 

[AussieLocker]

To Every Rule An Exception

I try not to deal in too many absolutes and please note that I said "most" LSD diffs were "pretty well shot" at 45,000 miles. Your diff is an exception and that is good for you. The test you indicate does not show how effective the LSD is operating, only that it is operating at some level of efficiency over that of an open diff.

 

[Webster3]

So I have a little LS life left in any case... I agree that a locker is much preferable. So nobody makes one for the LS 8.8? So I pretty much have to find a junked 8.8 with an open diff if I ever want to locker the rear, huh?

Ed

 

[Lifted95X]

nah. Powertrax makes one for the LSD. I just bought an open carrier from someone for $20 (still awaiting the Aussie). Just put up a WTB on different forums, you should be able to find one.

 

[Webster3]

So Lifted, you are interested enough in the Aussie that you are gonna swap carriers rather than just go with the Powertrax?

Ed

 

[Lifted95X]

sure am. I am on the waiting list there. Have been in touch with Bill many of times.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Originally posted by Webster3
So Lifted, you are interested enough in the Aussie that you are gonna swap carriers rather than just go with the Powertrax?

Ed

He's not the only one, my buddy just did a gear change and we installed an open carrier in it, just waiting for the Aussie Locker.

 

[lonestar]

Originally posted by Webster3
So Lifted, you are interested enough in the Aussie that you are gonna swap carriers rather than just go with the Powertrax?Ed

Why? What does Aussie offer over Powertrax. I'm not sure if I would want to buy something from a company that seems so confused, 28, 27, 30, 31 spline, and D28 or D35. Plus they are getting information from competitiors sites. Weird?

I'm not say the product is not good, but get it together.

 

[Lifted95X]

I'm not worried bout that. Guy's on pirate have really liked the Aussie Locker. It's basically the same thing. Very quiet operation, very strict tolerances, and the price is WAY better than the powertrax no-slip.

 

[loboga]

I don't have anything against Australia, in fact I have spent a LOT of time there, but I do try to buy American whenever possible and the Powertrax is made in the USA and is available NOW!

 

[AlaskanJack]

Re: Dana 35 Aussie Locker

Originally posted by AussieLocker
Yes, in a discussion with the factory today, we were informed that the shipment of Dana 35 lockers is still scheduled to depart Australia the last week of October via Air Freight.

Still on schedule?

 

[Adam Berger]

I don't know if it means anything, but the Aussie locker site has the locker available to buy now! It shows a price of $199. I'm wondering how it would go on my Ex. I have part time 4wd but I have permenantly locked hubs. Would it act normal as long as no engine power is applied?

 

[DasFrem]

It will act normal, the only thing you need to is do the "brown wire" mod or whatever you'd call it. IT's where you bacicly overide the "AUTO" setting on your transfer case so that the front will not engage unless you've set the swtich to on. Here's a writeup on how to do it:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41956&highlight=brown+wire

 

[Webster3]

So did anyone get one yet? I'm probably ordering around Christmas but I was hoping someone would give some first hand info.

Ed

 

[Lifted95X]

Any updates on the D35 or 8.8 yet Bill??