Aussie locker review - Page 2

Matt16 · 04-25-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Original

If you have manual hubs, leave them unlocked on roads in snow. I drive to Winter Park Ski Area almost every weekend. Never put it it in 4WD all season, even when there was 6" of snow on the road since the last plow went through. No need. If the fronts are free-wheeling, 90% of the time you have better steering control than if you have it in 4wd. I saw tons of SUV's in the ditch this winter, and that's part of the problem. The full-time 4WD screws up your steering on slick roads.

The hood twist on takeoff is actually kinda cool.

With an open diff, the takeoff isn't as positive because the torque is going to the wheel with the least traction (i.e. small amounts of slippage that aren't really noticeable). With the locker it's going to the wheel with the most traction, so it torque-twists the suspension. Swaybar might mute it a little. I don't have any sway bar connected.

A couple of the roads I drive frequently get really slick when it snows and with the rear locker its nice to have the ability to throw it into 4wd to get you out of trouble on road. I don't find it limits my steering enough to be of concern. The roads are slick afterall. I think SUVs are always in the ditch because they are driven by morons who somehow think that because they can accelerate faster in snow, that they also can handle and brake better.

I also like the hood twist, but I want my rear sway bar back in. Otherwise the front just doesn't flex.

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xcmountain80 · 04-25-2008, 04:38 PM

Even with manual hub I find myself selecting which route will require 4wd and which will not. The F locker makes me use the 16 point turn method. And good god man is she hard to steer when shes in a bind.

Aaron

Matt16 · 04-27-2008, 12:30 AM

Why don't you wire up a switch to control the ADD. Disengage the ADD by throwing the switch and you have 3WD. I've heard this referred to as the poor man's selectable.

leebee · 04-27-2008, 05:46 PM

are you suggesting to have the locking sleeve slide 'off' so you still have the tcase in 4wd but only one wheel turning up front? can you switch off the vsv like that?

lee

xcmountain80 · 04-27-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt16

Why don't you wire up a switch to control the ADD. Disengage the ADD by throwing the switch and you have 3WD. I've heard this referred to as the poor man's selectable.

Well if the add is disengaged then your in 2wd. The add only works with 4wd obviously, there is nothing you can do to make add not work. My 4wd is manual hubs which means no add I can manually engage 1 hub only but you still have to get out. This might be ok in snow,,,,, right?

Aaron

Matt16 · 04-28-2008, 10:39 AM

ADD disengages the drivers side axle via a vacuum switch. Thus disengage the ADD with a locker and your drivers side free-wheels making it easier around corners.

xcmountain80 · 04-28-2008, 11:09 AM

Maybe we are running in circles here, I have manual hubs.... so no need to disable add, if the hubs are off the cv's are free to spin to their hearts content. But if I'm going that route I mine as well just stay in 2wd with the hubs on. Though that poses the question if the add is dissabled then wouldn't you be in 2wd anyway? We can continue this via pm as not to junk up your well written thread.

Aaron

Matt16 · 04-28-2008, 08:42 PM

If your 4runner has ADD (if you added hubs yourself), then when you shift your T case into 4wd, the ADD automatically engages the drivers side axle connecting it to the diff. Both CVs are always spinning when your hubs are locked, just in order to keep the front propellor shaft (from the T case to the front diff) stationary, one of the axles is disconnected from the diff. You cold effectively do this with manual hubs as well.

What I am suggesting is that instead of getting out of your truck to disengage one of your CVs, you trick the ADD into disengaging one of your axles to make a tight turn.

This might work well off road in tight quarters, but on the road in snow, I don't think it would be as safe as a front selectable.

xcmountain80 · 04-29-2008, 09:48 AM

10-4, I knew we were on the same page. Yes that seems like a good option. Thank you for explaining.

Aaron

tolyho · 04-29-2008, 11:02 AM

904 said-

"Exactly, about the waiting part.

Ill probably give it another few months and continue to hope one will be produced, maybe it could happen, but when there is still no Aussie, then ill probably end up with a lock-right."

I got a reply email with in a couple hours the other day in question about the V6/Turbo Aussie and it was mentioned 4 weeks to ship so it shouldn't be too much longer. I happen to have a parts truck (turbo) that I'm stealing from so I just ordered a 4cyl Aussie that will move from the rear axle to the front when the turbo unit is available.

Great original write-up, btw

blueyoda · 05-03-2008, 06:06 AM

matt, I was thinking about a locker up front(aussie) but was concerned abouthte hiway 4wd snow/ice conditions too. When the truck is in 4h on a bad hiway I can drive 80km no problem. I have manual hubs and if I lock just one with a front locker set up would that be the same as I have now?

Matt16 · 05-04-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueyoda

matt, I was thinking about a locker up front(aussie) but was concerned abouthte hiway 4wd snow/ice conditions too. When the truck is in 4h on a bad hiway I can drive 80km no problem. I have manual hubs and if I lock just one with a front locker set up would that be the same as I have now?

I don't have any experience with a locker in the front as I have never driven one. Personally, I would go selectable or LSD up front because if my two rear tires spin, big deal, I fish tail a little and its easy to correct. The front two wheels slipped together, that would be bad I imagine.

Best bet would be to solicit the opinion of someone who has an Aussie up front.

blueyoda · 05-04-2008, 04:08 AM

thanks man, I thoight a lockers in the front would be less intrusive but if your say the rear works almost unnoticably then I might go that route. With the hubs I think I have the option.

bigt · 05-04-2008, 05:53 AM

yeah lock the rear first always especialy if you drive on roads and have ifs

blueyoda · 05-04-2008, 09:20 AM

I thought the hubs would totally eleviate all problems with locking the front, I could drive around none the wiser but when I needed it I could just lock both hubs and throw it in 4x. I have heard steering when locked is difficult but most trail riding is 2x anyway. I thought that I would be more likley to have both front tires on the ground as aposed to both back, and no locked rear issues while driving around.

Matt16 · 05-05-2008, 05:28 PM

That's right, the rear locked you can feel it sometimes, but it isn't much of an issue. Nothing to worry about.

Matt16 · 05-10-2008, 07:08 PM

UPDATE 10/05/08

I changed the gear oil to Redline Heavy Shockproof (75W90 with film strength of 250w oil). Oddly, it makes more sound than it did with the cheap 80W90 oil I had in there for the brake-in period. I don't mind the noise, and no one riding in the truck with me has ever asked about it, but then again I am almost certain they have heard it.

I tried the locker on patchy snow on a FSR. I performed great. The traction gain is remarkable. It felt more solid than before and tracked straiter with the locker in the back.

I had yet to have a situation where the locker was "dangerous".

brooklee1000 · 06-11-2008, 04:11 PM

Got the Aussie installed and it works beautiful!!! No, zip, ziltch, zero, no funny handling characteristics. It chirps under throttle on a sharp turn from a stop, but otherwise completely unnoticeable from the open diff. I second the write-up above that it works beautifully. I have only driven on dry pavement, city driving with some highway miles. FLAWLESS. I look forward to icy or wet conditions to play with my newfound traction, but I anticipate no problems. I had nay-sayers recommend to me that I spool the diff instead of a locker because of handling quirks. They must have had other types or designs installed in their machines. That is the only explanation. I am glad I ignored those voices. I will be putting one of these into every vehicle that I own forever.

Matt16 · 06-13-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooklee1000

Got the Aussie installed and it works beautiful!!! No, zip, ziltch, zero, no funny handling characteristics. It chirps under throttle on a sharp turn from a stop, but otherwise completely unnoticeable from the open diff. I second the write-up above that it works beautifully. I have only driven on dry pavement, city driving with some highway miles. FLAWLESS. I look forward to icy or wet conditions to play with my newfound traction, but I anticipate no problems. I had nay-sayers recommend to me that I spool the diff instead of a locker because of handling quirks. They must have had other types or designs installed in their machines. That is the only explanation. I am glad I ignored those voices. I will be putting one of these into every vehicle that I own forever.

Great to hear. What oil do you have in your diff now? For me, heavier oil is best. 80W90 dino oil was "good", but surprisingly, Redline Shockproof (75W90 synthetic with film strength of 250W oil) wasn't. I know oil to be important to locker operation as first thing in the morning after the truck is cold, I get alot better performance versus after driving a couple hundred miles. I will be trying out 85W140 or similar soon.

I had the truck on an all-out camping and fishing trip after a couple days of hard rain. Man it was muddy. I was able to handle everything I threw at it including deeply rutted paths with deep gooey mud with street-terrains tires! Its pretty amazing as I wouldn't have been able to do anything near as muddy before without getting seriously stuck.

Matt16 · 06-30-2008, 01:31 AM

Living with a locker30/06/08

Today it was 35*C (95*F)! The last little while, the locker has been increasingly annoying. Its fine first thing in the morning, but as soon as its driven a while, its starts acting up. Its entirely temperature related, which indicates its the oil viscosity. Who would have guessed that oil viscosity would effect actual locker performance? I bought a set of 4.56 thirds, so i will be re-installing the locker into the rear 4.56 soon. This time, I will be filling the diff with 85W140 synthetic, as opposed to the Redline Shockproof 75W90 "Heavy".

904_runner · 06-30-2008, 08:39 AM

Well, good to hear, that redline shockproof heavy is not the best answer for lunchbox lockers. I think i have some 80w90 synthetic blend valvoline, since it was on sale, and the lock right is doing okay for myself.

So you think the redline is too thin or too thick for the locker? Please let us know what happens when you switch fluids. I was tempted to run shockproof

Matt16 · 06-30-2008, 06:03 PM

I think it is far too thin. I did mediocre in the winter, but now it's lousy. Cheap 80W90 was better.

sajidd · 07-02-2008, 11:15 AM

Hi Guys

I have a 1999 Land Cruiser 105, IHZ engine and a 1993 4Runner with 2LTE engine. I have been advised by Aussie Locker that there are no rear lockers for them and that I can only fit front lockers on them.

Both are part time 4wd.

My question is, in 4wd mode, how hard is it to drive with aussie lockers? I plan to do some off road high speed rallying in my 4Runner. Will I be able to take sharp turns at high speeds ?

Pls help.

Sajid

Matt16 · 07-02-2008, 10:34 PM

All I've written only applies to the rear, I can't speak from personal experience, but I have a feeling that a limited slip would suit you're purposes much better.

I can't see why you'd need a locker in the front for rallying. You could buy a rear Lockright for the rear's of both vehicles. The Lockright functions on the same ideas as the Aussie, just a little rougher I believe.

sajidd · 07-02-2008, 11:46 PM

Hi Matt,

I really dont need a locker up front for rallying and a such may not put one in the 4 runner.

However the lc105 is more for expedition purposes and I would like to have a locker in it, be it in the front or the rear.

My question remains, how difficult is it to drive with the front locker? When I go camping and off roading, we drive for at least 4 to 8 hours thru trails, so dont want to be fighting the steering wheell at every turn.

I will check write to LOCK RIGHT and find out if they have lockers rear lockers for the lC and 4runner. Are they any good? in terms of quality, reliability and handling?

Thanks
Sajid

04-27-2008, 05:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 2,449	are you suggesting to have the locking sleeve slide 'off' so you still have the tcase in 4wd but only one wheel turning up front? can you switch off the vsv like that? lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4 Photos http://s866.photobucket.com/albums/a...albumview=grid there are quite some attractive ladies on here with Toys. (compliments of ironmike) ifsc 3(.0) http://tlca.org www.of4wd.com www.sontt.com

05-03-2008, 06:06 AM	#36 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 381	matt, I was thinking about a locker up front(aussie) but was concerned abouthte hiway 4wd snow/ice conditions too. When the truck is in 4h on a bad hiway I can drive 80km no problem. I have manual hubs and if I lock just one with a front locker set up would that be the same as I have now? __________________ -95 3.0 5spd xtncab, 33x10.5 TSL Radial, warn gold hubs, 6" shackles, K&N, isr mod, pioneer deck. bucket seats, 4rnr center console -91 runner 3.0, rancho rs5000, 1.5" rear spring spacers, custom rear trail armour, sony cd/mp3,K&N(FOR SALE) -93 Runner 3.0 (SAS PROJECT) -90 Runner 3.0 parts beast -I live to hear people say "you can't drive there with a truck" It's not a truck, it's a TOYOTA -take your chrome home -ALL TERRAINS are for people who turn around at the first mud hole

05-04-2008, 04:08 AM	#38 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 381	thanks man, I thoight a lockers in the front would be less intrusive but if your say the rear works almost unnoticably then I might go that route. With the hubs I think I have the option. __________________ -95 3.0 5spd xtncab, 33x10.5 TSL Radial, warn gold hubs, 6" shackles, K&N, isr mod, pioneer deck. bucket seats, 4rnr center console -91 runner 3.0, rancho rs5000, 1.5" rear spring spacers, custom rear trail armour, sony cd/mp3,K&N(FOR SALE) -93 Runner 3.0 (SAS PROJECT) -90 Runner 3.0 parts beast -I live to hear people say "you can't drive there with a truck" It's not a truck, it's a TOYOTA -take your chrome home -ALL TERRAINS are for people who turn around at the first mud hole

05-04-2008, 05:53 AM	#39 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 3,200	yeah lock the rear first always especialy if you drive on roads and have ifs __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X turbo diesel right hand drive toyota imported in 2005 from japan, 130,000 km 31 bfg a/t auto current build 1987 LWB suzuki samurai. turning 2 into one.. yota axles welded front to back, yota springs , ifs steering box,, this bad boy will not only eat jeeps but toyotas aswell \m/

05-04-2008, 09:20 AM	#40 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 381	I thought the hubs would totally eleviate all problems with locking the front, I could drive around none the wiser but when I needed it I could just lock both hubs and throw it in 4x. I have heard steering when locked is difficult but most trail riding is 2x anyway. I thought that I would be more likley to have both front tires on the ground as aposed to both back, and no locked rear issues while driving around. __________________ -95 3.0 5spd xtncab, 33x10.5 TSL Radial, warn gold hubs, 6" shackles, K&N, isr mod, pioneer deck. bucket seats, 4rnr center console -91 runner 3.0, rancho rs5000, 1.5" rear spring spacers, custom rear trail armour, sony cd/mp3,K&N(FOR SALE) -93 Runner 3.0 (SAS PROJECT) -90 Runner 3.0 parts beast -I live to hear people say "you can't drive there with a truck" It's not a truck, it's a TOYOTA -take your chrome home -ALL TERRAINS are for people who turn around at the first mud hole

04-25-2008, 04:38 PM	#27 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,876	Even with manual hub I find myself selecting which route will require 4wd and which will not. The F locker makes me use the 16 point turn method. And good god man is she hard to steer when shes in a bind. Aaron

04-28-2008, 11:09 AM	#32 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,876	Maybe we are running in circles here, I have manual hubs.... so no need to disable add, if the hubs are off the cv's are free to spin to their hearts content. But if I'm going that route I mine as well just stay in 2wd with the hubs on. Though that poses the question if the add is dissabled then wouldn't you be in 2wd anyway? We can continue this via pm as not to junk up your well written thread. Aaron

04-29-2008, 09:48 AM	#34 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,876	10-4, I knew we were on the same page. Yes that seems like a good option. Thank you for explaining. Aaron

04-29-2008, 11:02 AM	#35 (permalink)
tolyho Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	904 said- "Exactly, about the waiting part. Ill probably give it another few months and continue to hope one will be produced, maybe it could happen, but when there is still no Aussie, then ill probably end up with a lock-right." I got a reply email with in a couple hours the other day in question about the V6/Turbo Aussie and it was mentioned 4 weeks to ship so it shouldn't be too much longer. I happen to have a parts truck (turbo) that I'm stealing from so I just ordered a 4cyl Aussie that will move from the rear axle to the front when the turbo unit is available. Great original write-up, btw

06-11-2008, 04:11 PM	#43 (permalink)
brooklee1000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ontario Posts: 118	Got the Aussie installed and it works beautiful!!! No, zip, ziltch, zero, no funny handling characteristics. It chirps under throttle on a sharp turn from a stop, but otherwise completely unnoticeable from the open diff. I second the write-up above that it works beautifully. I have only driven on dry pavement, city driving with some highway miles. FLAWLESS. I look forward to icy or wet conditions to play with my newfound traction, but I anticipate no problems. I had nay-sayers recommend to me that I spool the diff instead of a locker because of handling quirks. They must have had other types or designs installed in their machines. That is the only explanation. I am glad I ignored those voices. I will be putting one of these into every vehicle that I own forever. __________________ Toyota does it Better, Longer, Faster, Stronger.

06-30-2008, 08:39 AM	#46 (permalink)
904_runner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chico, California Posts: 3,781	Well, good to hear, that redline shockproof heavy is not the best answer for lunchbox lockers. I think i have some 80w90 synthetic blend valvoline, since it was on sale, and the lock right is doing okay for myself. So you think the redline is too thin or too thick for the locker? Please let us know what happens when you switch fluids. I was tempted to run shockproof __________________ Mike 1990 4runner: 3.4 swapped, 5-speed, sas'd, Rear leaf swap, Locked, 5.29's, 39.5" iroks on Beadlocks, Armor'd Longfields, Duals coming soon: My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/904_run...thread-158746/ http://www.treadlightly.org/ http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html

07-02-2008, 11:15 AM	#48 (permalink)
sajidd Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Karachi Posts: 69	Hi Guys I have a 1999 Land Cruiser 105, IHZ engine and a 1993 4Runner with 2LTE engine. I have been advised by Aussie Locker that there are no rear lockers for them and that I can only fit front lockers on them. Both are part time 4wd. My question is, in 4wd mode, how hard is it to drive with aussie lockers? I plan to do some off road high speed rallying in my 4Runner. Will I be able to take sharp turns at high speeds ? Pls help. Sajid

07-02-2008, 11:46 PM	#50 (permalink)
sajidd Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Karachi Posts: 69	Hi Matt, I really dont need a locker up front for rallying and a such may not put one in the 4 runner. However the lc105 is more for expedition purposes and I would like to have a locker in it, be it in the front or the rear. My question remains, how difficult is it to drive with the front locker? When I go camping and off roading, we drive for at least 4 to 8 hours thru trails, so dont want to be fighting the steering wheell at every turn. I will check write to LOCK RIGHT and find out if they have lockers rear lockers for the lC and 4runner. Are they any good? in terms of quality, reliability and handling? Thanks Sajid

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