Aussie Locker
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
How did I miss this thread? I am currently between this and the Truetrac, but am about 90% leaning this way. There's a real good write up on the install here --> http://www.4x4xplor.com/aussielocker.html. And if you go on Aussie's website it is real easy to understand how it works. It may cause stress on the D30 overall, but its my understanding that all lockers will stress the u-joints and all that just by way of their function.
My only question at this point, what video were you talking about that made you afraid to get an Aussie?
My only question at this point, what video were you talking about that made you afraid to get an Aussie?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet, TN
Here is a link to it, video is in post #1 at the bottom.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/jk-d30-aussie-issues-98468/
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/jk-d30-aussie-issues-98468/
I've read where several people here have pulled their Aussie Lockers because of various reasons but no one has been very specific.
I've got an 08 X with 20k miles that's never been wheeled hard and I'm on my 2nd Aussie Locker with the same issue.
When I turn I hear the ratcheting (normal) but I also get a Ka-Chunk sound that feels like the locker locking and unlocking. You can feel it radiate through the jeep, feel it in the steering wheel and hear the sound from more than a block away. It feels like I'm driving over the little reflectors that divide a road when it happens.
All of my measurements were within spec when I did the install both times. I've worked the issue with Aussie and we've not come to a solution yet. They say this is the first they have heard of this issue. That may be the case but I know there's nothing bent or broken in my axle, so I have a real hard time blaming the jeep. I'm hoping there's some of you out there that are having a similar issue and we can find a solution.
Here's a video we took of the sound.. It's 33mb big so it may take some time to download.. Check it out and listen and see if yours is / was making similar sounds.
I've got an 08 X with 20k miles that's never been wheeled hard and I'm on my 2nd Aussie Locker with the same issue.
When I turn I hear the ratcheting (normal) but I also get a Ka-Chunk sound that feels like the locker locking and unlocking. You can feel it radiate through the jeep, feel it in the steering wheel and hear the sound from more than a block away. It feels like I'm driving over the little reflectors that divide a road when it happens.
All of my measurements were within spec when I did the install both times. I've worked the issue with Aussie and we've not come to a solution yet. They say this is the first they have heard of this issue. That may be the case but I know there's nothing bent or broken in my axle, so I have a real hard time blaming the jeep. I'm hoping there's some of you out there that are having a similar issue and we can find a solution.
Here's a video we took of the sound.. It's 33mb big so it may take some time to download.. Check it out and listen and see if yours is / was making similar sounds.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet, TN
There seems to be some confusion on the thrust washer and getting the clearance right. I've heard that some guys thought the JK washer were too thick and used a TJ washer. They say the clearance is within tolerance with the thinner washer. If these guys are getting the loud popping noise then I would say it’s because they didn't use the JK thrust washer. Others have said that the clearance needs to be set up tight because the thrust washer will relax. If done this way the locker will ratchet harder (louder) at first and quite down after some break in. I've even heard of people switching to 75-140 gear oil in the front to make it quieter. SLC said that even in spec it felt loose so they swapped out the carrier and that made a difference. I sent Aussie a pm and I'm hoping they will come on here and clear things up. I would buy one if I knew for sure that the Aussie locker would work like it’s supposed to and I would be able to get it installed properly.
Last edited by hammerhead; Feb 18, 2010 at 05:22 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
Early on, some people tried to install the standard non-JK Aussie locker into the JK Dana 30. The thrust washers were different sizes and they tried to compensate by using a TJ thrust washer. I think these are some of the people who post the problems with the Aussie. Since then, Aussie has designed a JK specific locker with the correct size thrust washers. The Aussie locker is very easy to install. If you measure the gap tolerances correctly and not just slap it together, it should perform flawlessly.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
I haven't had any problems at all and it works awesome off-road. It's made from top quality materials and I think it's a great budget locker. Any problems people are having are most likely caused by improper installation (incorrect gaps or unseated springs).
