so, i was on northridge poking around, like everyone else, and i came across a pretty cheap locker for the front d30. the aussie locker, has anyone seen or tried one of these?

http://www.Northridge4x4.com/proddet...od=AL-XD-14430

 

I have a lockright in the front of mine(same as the aussie basically)
If you don't mind the racheting on slow short turns, it's a great addition for the $$.

 

They've been around for years. I had one in the hpd30 on my ZJ for a couple years. It works great if you never have to use 4wd on slippery roads. It will tend to make you go straight when you want to turn on hard pack snow or ice. The only other draw back for me was that the front wants to bind up a little when turning tight on hard packed dirt or slickrock. As long as one wheel can slip a little it's ok. I finally replaced it with an air actuated OXlocker. Much better for what I wanted. A lot of guys run the aussie or lockrite(same thing, different company) with no problems and great performance.

 

I'm thinking in getting one for my JK.

 

my old 4x4 colorado did that in 4x4 HI. when it was turned all the way in either direction, you would have to give it a lot of gas just to do anything.

but as a whole its something i should seriously look into?

 

Had one in my 30 whenever I still had it. Can't go wrong for the price.

 

aussie or lockrite?

opinions?

 

I have the Aussie in my Dana 30, and it is fantastic. Invisible in 2WD, except for sharp turn such as a slow Uturn or turning almost full wheel lock into a parking spot. Then you will hear and feel the ratchet.

On the trail if the front wants to push, just ease up on the throttle and it turns fine. Very easy to get used to, very durable.

In my opinion, unless you want to spend a tone of dough on a selectable, I would get an AuSsie over a Detroit, as they perform the same and it costs tons less. I wheel with guys with detroits and there really is no difference. I would have one in my rear as well, but I don't want an auto locker of any sort in the rear. For the front, it is excellent.

 

excellent, looks like i have something else on my shopping list.

are there any unforeseen things i should expect with the install?

 

nothing unforeseen...

follow directions EXACTLY and you will be in good shape. Use a little axle grease to hold things together during assembly of the springs and pins. Replace the shims (this is critical) that fall out when you remove the carrier EXACTLY as they came out. Replace the bearing caps EXACTLY as you remove them.

Pretty straight forward for an average mechanic, but there is no room for error. Check and double check. Tip: only remove the axles far enough to release the carrier. I removed mine farther than necessary, and was not careful enough when replacing, and screwed up the seal. If you pull the axle out past the seal, just be very patient and gentle when replacing.

I have done two of them (one on my old TJ and one on my JK) and the second was MUCH easier because I knew what to expect. The first one was the first time I had ever torn down a differential, and it was kinda scary.

Take your time and double check everything and you will be fine.