Should I go with an Aussie or a lockrite in the front of my 83? The rear is already welded

 

I'd go with whichever you can find for cheaper. They are basically the same in function/reliability imo

 

they're about the same price maybe $20-$30 more for the lockRite

 

There's lots of hype with the aussie, and it might have a slight waiting list.

I've heard down sides to the lockright.

 

I bought an aussie for the front and rear of my '81, the rear is in but haven't driven the truck yet, TC out for dual conversion. One of the ones they sent me was the wrong one, they send the correct one before i had sent the wrong one back. Nothing but good things to say about their customer service. Check out Zuk's website http://gearinstalls.com/ he has got several write ups. I found just like Zuk did that you will have to clearance the carrier housing:


the install is pretty straightforward with the aussie and at about $265 or so delivered to the door I think it is a pretty good deal...

edit: if you get the aussie, the part # is xd 20830

 

Same as ocdropzone, I had to clearance the carrier housing for the aussie to fit inside, but I assume due the similarities the locrite would be the same. Performance of the Aussie has been everything they advertise. The odd click/bang, but otherwise unles you really put power to it, I have found only one or two handling /driving quarks with the unit.
1) In the rain or slippery surfaces, when cornering, the inside tire will more easily spin under power, but it locks when the tires match speed, then you are locked. If I apply a little less power on corners when slippery, no problem.
2) It causes more tension in the driveline. I have a manual trans, and shifting is stiffer now than before due to that tension. Just takes a fraction of a second longer to hit the next gear, but it has been noticeable. We are not driving race cars here so that is no big deal.

The traction is beautiful, and other than those 2 minor issues, it performs flawlessly in every other respect. I had trouble with the decision as to which locker to get, but the Aussie had zero negative reviews that I could find anywhere online. So I got one and haven't looked back. All my trucks from now on are going to get one.

 

what does it mean to clearance the carrier housing?

 

You've got to do some grinding.

I've got Detroits, and I'm happy with them, FWIW.

 

thanks for the help

 

Not alot of grinding, just a little with a file.

 

see the picture I posted of the carrier housing and the file. you need to file down the inside of one side of the carrier to allow the locker to drop in. Took about 5 minutes

 

I've got aussies front and rear and I have not complaints. I just put an aussie in front about 3 months ago and was worried about turning at 4wd low so I got a twin stick from Marlin. After wheeling I found no problem with turning. I'll probably still install the twin stick in the future.

 

Tires over 33" + Aussie/lockrite = BOOM.

FWIU the warranty for those cheapo lockers is for tires 31" and smaller.

Want a REAL locker, get a Detroit or ARB.

 

run a spool or welded if its a trail only rig.. i love mine to peices

 

hmm. Brian: I would disagree with you on this one, nothing in the warranty information the website: http://aussielocker.com/warranty.php...79f/5b1f/.html or what was included in my aussie install package talks about 31" tires.
I have to have the shaft to axle gear spacing, intercam gear spacing and they state the tires having to be with in 3/8" or less circumferance...

And I too went with a twin stick up front...still need to get the front stuff install


sure I would love to spend the money on 'real lockers' but these fell with in the range of my budget...

 

Blow up a lockrite and then try to get it warrantied...first question they will ask is what size tires you were running.

I would figure aussie wouldn't be much different.

 

plenty of people run aussies or lockrites with bigger than 33" tires with out a problem. personally if i could afford a detroit thats what i would get but for now im getting an aussie.

 

I've had a Lock-Rite in the rear of my '85 going on 5 yrs (TRD e-locker up front) now and I have a buddy that runs an Aussie in his '85.....the Aussie is considerably smoother than mine. Just to clear up any myths, it's held up fine to my 35s (usually at 8 psi) and 99:1 crawl ratio towing a trailer over the big rocks of the trails (Rubicon, Dusy Ershim, Swamp Lake, Coyote Lake......) I frequent besides, it's not the usually locker that fails but, the stock Toyota carrier that houses the locker parts! With enough abuse anyone can break anything! I would go with the Aussie but, you'd better have some upgraded birfields....they're Toyota's Achille's heel!--------Hans