Buying a used locker: good or bad idea?
#1
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Buying a used locker: good or bad idea?
I recently bought a used V6 3rd member with factory 4.88s. Since Aussie doesn't make a V6 model, I will be getting a Lockright. Detroits and ARBs are out of my budget right now.
My question is: Would it be a bad idea to save some money by purchasing a used unit? I can potentially save around $100+ by getting a used one. However, I have heard that Lockrights tend to wear out over time. From what I hear, they start to suffer in both off and on road performance. I know that lockright makes a rebuild kit (new springs and pins) for $15. If I bought a used unit, I'd definitely get new springs and pins, but I'm not sure how effective this really is in terms of "reviving" an old locker. Any thoughts?
Or, should I just stop being cheap, and fork out the $260 to get a brand new one?
My question is: Would it be a bad idea to save some money by purchasing a used unit? I can potentially save around $100+ by getting a used one. However, I have heard that Lockrights tend to wear out over time. From what I hear, they start to suffer in both off and on road performance. I know that lockright makes a rebuild kit (new springs and pins) for $15. If I bought a used unit, I'd definitely get new springs and pins, but I'm not sure how effective this really is in terms of "reviving" an old locker. Any thoughts?
Or, should I just stop being cheap, and fork out the $260 to get a brand new one?
#3
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Thread Starter
I would strongly consider welding, but I've heard this is not a good idea with the v6 diffs. The design of the v6 diffs doesn't allow you much access to get in there with a welder, unlike the 4cyl diff.
#5
You must either be loaded or heir to a tire magnate if you plan on welding it. Even a locker will eat tires, and it unlocks around 95% of corners.
Last edited by Matt16; 04-28-2009 at 08:22 PM.
#6
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iTrader: (1)
I would say go for it absolutely. When you look at one you see that there is nothing to break except the springs and pins. Lots of folks warned me off a lockright when I got mine, but it has been fantastic. I like it so well I chose to keep it during my trucks build up. When ZUK took it apart, everything looked great after 2 years of hard wheeling. If you get one used, anything wrong other than springs or pins will be SOOO obvious (chewed up teeth or splines), you'll never install it in the first place. Good luck.
#7
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But anyways, the welded rear discussion isn't really relevant anymore, since I don't want to weld the V6.
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#8
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I would say go for it absolutely. When you look at one you see that there is nothing to break except the springs and pins. Lots of folks warned me off a lockright when I got mine, but it has been fantastic. I like it so well I chose to keep it during my trucks build up. When ZUK took it apart, everything looked great after 2 years of hard wheeling. If you get one used, anything wrong other than springs or pins will be SOOO obvious (chewed up teeth or splines), you'll never install it in the first place. Good luck.
#10
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The used lockright I was planning to buy ended up falling through. I'm super busy right now, so won't even have time to install one until late June. Until then, I'll keep an eye out for a good deal on a used one. If I don't find one by then, I'll just get a new one.
#11
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Im sure that would work great. There really isnt anything else to wear out on the lockright. Just make sure if/when you look at one, make sure all the teeth look good. New pins and springs would be a good idea, I would order two kits to have spares onhand...
Good call on the factory 4.88s
Good call on the factory 4.88s
#13
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Thread Starter
so I ended up getting a used v6 Lockright. Everything looks to be in good condition, including the pins and springs. Do you guys think it'd be a good idea to replace the pins/springs even though they look ok?
#15
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But i dont know anything about those springs and pins so lets have someone with a little more knowlege about lockers to respond haha.
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