Will Auto Locker Affect Downshifting Engine Braking?

[BonesDT]

Is there a diagram/video showing how an automatic locker works? I've read and read and read about it, but without a diagram, I just can't picture how these things work.

What exactly makes an axle connect/disconnect from the middle toothed section?

Is it ever possible for both axles to disconnect at the same time, or can only one disconnect at a time?

I'm right about to get an Aussie Locker, but I have a stick shift and I started thinking about how it may effect engine braking during downshifting. The way Aussie's site words it, the axles can spin faster than the power, but never slower. So, if I'm downshifting, then the axles are going to break free and coast in neutral??

 

[Premier]

actually when i downshift in mine, i will hear a tire chirp every so often. i have a powertrax no slip. possibly in the snow it could kick the back end out some, but i dont think it effects it too much

 

[Maniak]

In short.. it won't let an axle spin slower than the ring gear. They can over run the ring gear like what the outside tire does during a turn. That means they won't affect engine braking or down shifting..

~Mark

EDIT: You can get locker wiggle which is the suspension/tires loading/unloading when the load changes. In our X, if I get on/off/on the gas when the rear tires don't have the same air pressure I can get some interesting locker wiggle..

 

[HahnsB2]

No, both axles cannot unlock at the same time. The crosspin forces the drivers outwards into the side gears keeping them locked when power is applied or when engine braking.

 

[BonesDT]

The crosspin forces the drivers outwards into the side gears keeping them locked when power is applied or when engine braking.

That's what I thought, but then how does an axle disengage when power is released? And how does it prevent both axles from disengaging?

So if I'm coming up to a turn, and I let off the gas (which I should do with an auto locker during a turn), I'll be engine braking a little bit, so will the outside axle break free?

 

[Maniak]

That's what I thought, but then how does an axle disengage when power is released? And how does it prevent both axles from disengaging?

So if I'm coming up to a turn, and I let off the gas (which I should do with an auto locker during a turn), I'll be engine braking a little bit, so will the outside axle break free?

I can't explain why, but I can say what it will do...

When you get to your turn and you let off the gas to coast the tire on the inside will be locked to the ring gear and will give you engine breaking.. The wheel on the outside will overrun the ring gear and will be unlocked since it is spinning faster.

-Mark
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[HahnsB2]

That's what I thought, but then how does an axle disengage when power is released? And how does it prevent both axles from disengaging?

So if I'm coming up to a turn, and I let off the gas (which I should do with an auto locker during a turn), I'll be engine braking a little bit, so will the outside axle break free?

There is only enough space between the 2 drivers to allow only 1 to unlock at a time, just the shear force of the 2 tires turning at different speeds will make it unlock. It seems to me when taking a corner the inside tire is one spinning free, I hope that answers your question.

 

[BonesDT]

There is only enough space between the 2 drivers to allow only 1 to unlock at a time

I think I understand now. I'm surprised Detroit, Powertrax, Aussie, or HowStuffWorks doesn't have a diagram showing it in action.

Well, I guess I'm going to understand fully when I pop it in there and drive! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to lose my precious engine braking.

 

[HahnsB2]

Yup there's really no reading you can do that will describe it, once you drive it you'll learn how it behaves, everyone made them out to be bad for the street, despite of this I bought one and took my rig for a drive and was surprised when I hardly noticed it.

 

[BonesDT]

I accidentally stumbled upon this explanation:
How Does Lunchbox Locker Really Work?

I also got my Aussie in the mail. Can't wait to install it within the next 2 weeks. What kind of metal is this thing made of?

 

[EvilTheCat]

I'd just like to say thanks to BonesDT for finding that link and the people at Mallcrawlin.com for the explanation.
I've been looking for good info on how they work for most of the night and that site explained it in such a way that made perfect sense for me.
I'll hopefully be getting an Aussie for the rear soon.