has anyone installed a locker on a 3gen?

[Hitchhikingmike]

Hey guys,

I have been thinking about lunchbox lockers lately.

I understand that I can find one for my 3gen explorer.

My only concern though would be for the CV joints since the 3gen explorer does not have a solid axle.

Although I have never heard of a CV joint breaking on an explorer, do you suppose that afterwhile when a locker accadentally engages on pavement over and over again that the CV joints could easily snap?

Just wondering, thanks for any input.

 

[Donner]

Hey there! I honestly don't know what a locker is or does. I was under the impression they were for solid axle vehicles. How would it serve a 3rd gen? Thanks!

 

[unclemeat]

A locker (locking differential) prevents the two axles from spinning at different rates or provides an equal split of the torque from the driveshaft. A locker causes additional stress (torque) on the axle shafts because each shaft recieve 50% of the torque all the time. If you lift one tire off the ground all of the weight from the axle now rests on one tire (axle). When additional torque (mash the skinny pedal) is applied the traction or resistance to turning is multiplied by two. This results in an increased torsional stress on the axle shaft.

The CV joint is a weak link in the axle shaft because it changes the angle and creates a moment (an additional multiplication of the torsional force).

I am not away of any locker for a gen III X, and I dont know what the specs are for the differential, and I own one. The locker goes in the differential, so solid or independent axles dont matter.

CV joints tend to break when the angle that they are operating is greater than they are designed to operate (additional suspension artlication. They also fail when the boot splits and they loose lubrication or dirt and water enter the joint and damage it.

Lockers are not pavement freindly unless you are drag racing. CV joints should not fail on pavement. They will fail when off road and one wheel is lifted and the other binds or has too much traction.

 

[Donner]

Ah, thanks! I recall TBars explaining this once before... locking hubs and diffs. So no benefit to a 3rd gen, just the potential for vehicle damage? What's your purpose or intent HHickingM? Thanks (and thank you unclemeat)!

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Thanks, these are all good points.

I don't think I am worried that much about binding because of angles caused by articulation. Even when I jack my explorer off of the pavement the wheels spinning free in the air don't appear to have an awkward angle in their drive shaft at all.

I am not so much concerned about off roading stress on the drive shafts but more on the lines of stress on the drive shafts while onroading caused by the occasional unavoidable lockup of the axle while making a turn in the city.

I have never heard of driveshafts breaking on a 3gen explorer before, let alone one any car really, so I do not think i have to worry about them.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

hmmm

The Honda ridgline is a 4x4 truck which has a fully independent suspension like the explorer.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?d...locker+differential&ei=5m1mSKfMLYiQ4wKxzJHkAg

 

[unclemeat]

auto lockers are engaged by throttle input. On pavement the torque is split evenly through both axle shafts, you do not put lots of stress on a single axle shaft. The bigger problem with lockers is that they dont steer as easy and make a lot of noise.

There is an ongoing discussion in the off road circles, of which is better, suspension articution or traction devices (lockers).

You should not overstress the CV joints unless you modify the suspension, unhook sway bars or greatly incresase horsepower.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

You should not overstress the CV joints unless you modify the suspension, unhook sway bars or greatly incresase horsepower.

I'm sorry, but I do not understand how removing my sway bars, modifying my suspension or increasing my horse power would relieve stress to my CV joints.

Can you please elaborate on each of these?

 

[unclemeat]

I was saying that they those things will increase stress.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Oh ok, thanks for the clarification. I do not plan on doing any of those.

I think I will be alright then installing a locker on my rear diff then.

 

[unclemeat]

You may want to consider a good limited slip differential. Torsen or Truetrac are good units.

 

[jutgin]

Oh ok, thanks for the clarification. I do not plan on doing any of those.

I think I will be alright then installing a locker on my rear diff then.

I want to install a rear locker also. Let me know if you get one installed and which one you used.

 

[Thelt]

A locker is a bit extreme for an 3rd gen IMHO. Given the limit to their off road prowess due the lack of options to lift them I am not sure a locker makes sense. If it makes you happy though go for it.

 

[helmsa]

I would personally go with a limited slip option...it makes a lot more sense to me, but I don't know what options are out there for aftermarket.

 

[jutgin]

A locker is a bit extreme for an 3rd gen IMHO. Given the limit to their off road prowess due the lack of options to lift them I am not sure a locker makes sense. If it makes you happy though go for it.

I disagree! A locker can help you get over even something small if you're not off roading serious. It doesnt take much to stick a vehicle without a locker. I've had to winch over the simplest of objects because I didnt have traction on both sides. On the other hand if you dont off road at all then there's definitely no point.
I just think it would put the ex a step above the rest.

 

[FordLover]

I'd tend to agree that a locker would be a great upgrade, although I'd prefer one I could switch on or off at the dash to prohibit wear/tear while onroad.

Limited slip diffs (especially ford's) tend to be a waste of time/money. They act like an open diff when they are needed the most (ie, one tire is on a great traction surface and the other is in the air).

In past explorers I've had all combinations over the years, open, factory limited slips, lunchbox locker. The only one that actually worked was the lunchbox style. Needless to say I was extremly dissapointed in the factory ford LSD, after going to lots of trouble to get a rear end with one in it.

My current explorer has Advance Trac, it seems like it's worth it to have, but still not as good as full lockers front and rear when offroading.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

i dont beleive it was tested, but Aussie Locker is under the impresion their 8.8 locker will work in the IRS setup as well. If i was you i would consider droping them an email about doing some testing for them and see if theyd cut you a deal on one

 

[HahnsB2]

The bigger problem with lockers is that they dont steer as easy and make a lot of noise.

Mine is silent and steers just fine. Give me a locker over an LS any day.

 

[cantspell]

Hi all,
it's been a LONG TIME since i've posted - i'm contemplating replacing my 8.5" lifted 98" with a 3rd gen V8 - is there a front locker also available?

And to those that are wondering, i have a tru-trac or tru-lock (not sure which one) but there's no additional noise and it steers fine off of full throttle, on full throttle, it slides out

however, specificaly what are my options for lockers (front and rear).

 

[97awdx]

Hi all,
it's been a LONG TIME since i've posted - i'm contemplating replacing my 8.5" lifted 98" with a 3rd gen V8 - is there a front locker also available?

And to those that are wondering, i have a tru-trac or tru-lock (not sure which one) but there's no additional noise and it steers fine off of full throttle, on full throttle, it slides out

however, specificaly what are my options for lockers (front and rear).

You can basically use any locker or limited slip that is made for a Ford 8.8, or a Dana 30 (front).