Front Auto Locker Installation
#1
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Front Auto Locker Installation
I just finished the installation of a front auto-locker in my Sahara D30. The brand was a Lokka but the installation would be similar for any auto locker. I won't bore you with the tire and axle removals. Did the U-joints at the same time.
Here it is with the diff cover removed and bearing caps neatly placed on a piece of cardboard so I would remember which one went where.
The pry bar trick did not work for removing the carrier. The thrust washers were in TIGHT! Thankfully two ratchets straps hooked up to the front bumper were able to pull it out. Ratchet straps, is there anything they cannot do?
Here is the carrier and all the bits and pieces laid out.
Followed the manufacturer's instructions for assembly of the locker in the carrier.
Darned springs - at least I did not lose any!
Here it is with the diff cover removed and bearing caps neatly placed on a piece of cardboard so I would remember which one went where.
The pry bar trick did not work for removing the carrier. The thrust washers were in TIGHT! Thankfully two ratchets straps hooked up to the front bumper were able to pull it out. Ratchet straps, is there anything they cannot do?
Here is the carrier and all the bits and pieces laid out.
Followed the manufacturer's instructions for assembly of the locker in the carrier.
Darned springs - at least I did not lose any!
#2
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#4
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had to tap in the carrier and thrust washers since I didn't have a case spreader. Otherwise it was fine. I made sure that the bearing caps were the same side and direction that I took them off.
#7
JK Enthusiast
So this is pretty much a Detroit locker yes? I am anxiously awaiting the test to see if I should do this on the Sahara as well. I was considering arb's but this may be a much better option.
Trending Topics
#8
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No it's not a Detroit. It is what some call a lunchbox locker. It sits inside the carrier and replaces the spider gears. A Detroit replaces the entire carrier. I ran it offroad this week and the difference is amazing. Where I used to slip until the brake lock differential kicked in, it just seemed to grab and I crawled right up. A selectable like the ARB is obviously better if you want to spend the money, but once it is locked there is no difference. It is onroad where the lunchbox might require some compromise.
#9
JK Enthusiast
No it's not a Detroit. It is what some call a lunchbox locker. It sits inside the carrier and replaces the spider gears. A Detroit replaces the entire carrier. I ran it offroad this week and the difference is amazing. Where I used to slip until the brake lock differential kicked in, it just seemed to grab and I crawled right up. A selectable like the ARB is obviously better if you want to spend the money, but once it is locked there is no difference. It is onroad where the lunchbox might require some compromise.
#10
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The D30 should be fine. Some say it actually makes the overall axle stronger because the load is always split between both axles. We'll see I guess. Also, this will be my first winter with it. I wanted to see how bad it actually is on ice and snow in 4wd. Some say it is horrible and some say it's fine. I need to decide for myself.
Last edited by PG-JKU; 10-12-2014 at 07:03 AM.