I know you have it all back together now, but could you get the pin out of the carrier without removing it? (Would it clear the ring gear?)

 

Nope. There was about 1/8" more needed to clear the ring gear. I really have no idea how I would have done it with the carrier in place, between removing the lock pin and the cross shaft and the tiny springs. It was a pain to pull the axles but I did the u-joints anyway. Completely dry. Replaced with greasable ones.

I have a pic that shows the cross shaft and the ring gear clearly. I'll upload it later when I'm not using the phone to post.

 

Here's the pic showing the cross shaft and ring gear

 

Ok thanks

 

Are these the kind of lockers that make a clicking noise while turning, especially on-road where traction is not an issue?

 

Yes - the clicking sound is barely noticeable on this one - need to have the windows open and radio off to hear it. On tight u-turns it is definitely more noticeable and there is a bit of clunking coming from the front.

 

Went down to moab and one of they guys had one of the lunchbox lockers, cant remember the brand. It clicked and clanked, occasionally let a loud bang out. But it performed great for him.

Stay muddy my friends

 

Haven't got mine to bang yet

 

I put an Aussie locker(lunch box) in two summers back and one of the worst winters, it is great crawls like a champ up anything, mud ruts it can be funny with it but the good out ways the bad, as for snow I see your location is Prince George I think you'll see what it's like for sure, my impression goes like this, if there is unplowed snow on the road it's great pulles like crazy, steers fine, if a plow hits it and the road is smooth but snow packed it will want to wonder down grade and steer through turns, shut 4hi off and your great,, well like a pick up would be great but manageable for sure. keep an eye on your u-joints they like them, keep a spare.

 

yes they can be noisy, like a horse on a road, click, click click around turns a heavy gear oil helps with that but it's still there. I would not run that oil up where the op is, could get thick up there.