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.

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.

04-25-2008, 04:38 PM	#27 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,392	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 __________________ 02 4Runner, BudBuilt Skids, Custom Sliders, 1"+/- wheel spacers, Nitto 295's, Painted Limited Wheels, TJM-17, ARB-Taco BullBar, LightForce 240's, 1st Gen rollbar, Engel 45 with custom slide, SS 3" Lift, WabFab 1" BL, SS limit Straps, Viair 450C, Aussie Locker Manual hubs and Tru trac with 4.56, Garmin 276c, Icom V8000, Cobra 75, Hannibal RTT, Shady Boy Awning, Tru Speed calibrator, T-Max 9k, 100' MP syn line. Nitto 295's

04-27-2008, 05:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 1,626	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 http://tlca.org # 15118 www.of4wd.com # 2270 www.phoenixrising.ca

04-28-2008, 11:09 AM	#32 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,392	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 __________________ 02 4Runner, BudBuilt Skids, Custom Sliders, 1"+/- wheel spacers, Nitto 295's, Painted Limited Wheels, TJM-17, ARB-Taco BullBar, LightForce 240's, 1st Gen rollbar, Engel 45 with custom slide, SS 3" Lift, WabFab 1" BL, SS limit Straps, Viair 450C, Aussie Locker Manual hubs and Tru trac with 4.56, Garmin 276c, Icom V8000, Cobra 75, Hannibal RTT, Shady Boy Awning, Tru Speed calibrator, T-Max 9k, 100' MP syn line. Nitto 295's

04-29-2008, 09:48 AM	#34 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,392	10-4, I knew we were on the same page. Yes that seems like a good option. Thank you for explaining. Aaron __________________ 02 4Runner, BudBuilt Skids, Custom Sliders, 1"+/- wheel spacers, Nitto 295's, Painted Limited Wheels, TJM-17, ARB-Taco BullBar, LightForce 240's, 1st Gen rollbar, Engel 45 with custom slide, SS 3" Lift, WabFab 1" BL, SS limit Straps, Viair 450C, Aussie Locker Manual hubs and Tru trac with 4.56, Garmin 276c, Icom V8000, Cobra 75, Hannibal RTT, Shady Boy Awning, Tru Speed calibrator, T-Max 9k, 100' MP syn line. Nitto 295's

05-03-2008, 06:06 AM	#36 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 375	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

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

05-04-2008, 04:08 AM	#38 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 375	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: 1,985	yeah lock the rear first always especialy if you drive on roads and have ifs __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

05-04-2008, 09:20 AM	#40 (permalink)
blueyoda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sudbury ON Canada Posts: 375	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

06-11-2008, 04:11 PM	#43 (permalink)
brooklee1000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ontario Posts: 103	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.