I'm no mechanic by any means - but I have replaced Alternators, Leaf Springs, Front Axles, Brakes, Shocks and a Tie Rod end of 2 in my time. Now I'm looking to throw an Aussie Locker in the rear of my 4Runner. How tough a job really is it for your average 'Weekend Mechanic' like they say on their site? Looks a little daunting to me removing the rear carrier etc. But I'm up for a bit of a challenge.

Or - is it best left to the pros?

 

I did mine (Lockright) and I'm about the same "mechanic" as you are. On a scale of 1-10 for the weekend warrior, I'd give it an 8. The actual work is more like a 5, but making sure everything is back the way it was before you took it apart makes me give the entire job an 8. If it isn't back the same as it was before you can ruin it.

If you do your homework and read everything you can on Zuk's gear page, mark everything, take your time and do it exactly the way they say to do it in the manual you'll be fine.

 

x2 on reading Zuk's pages.

It was fairly easy. Hardest part was getting the cross-pin dowel out. Don't go crazy on the grease to hold parts together as suggested by the instructions.

 

I think it's a little misleading to say "basic tools" and "home mechanic". It sounds like I'm in the same category with you guys on skill. I did a Lockright but essentially the same procedure. I got it all apart and back together OK, but everything seemed loose and sloppy (and it was) Lucky for me I live 15 minutes from ZUK and I have another car. The issue I had was that the way they tell you to mark the adjusting rings only helps you in one dimension so you don't necessarily get them back exactly where they started from (at least with the lockright instructions) And you don't twist those adjusting rings with "basic tools". That said it isn't undoable. I think I'd be fine next time.

 

That's definitely true...

Lucky for me I had just gotten the 3rd from Zuk that I was installing in to so I knew the caps were over 100 ft lbs. After I finally figured out which thread they needed to be in I just tapped the cap back around to my mark and it's been fine.

By the way, Dad had an engraver on the shelf in his garage and I used that to mark everything. I marked every single piece I took off with the side and position that it came from. It saved my butt a few times too. I think a marker would have worn off of some of the pieces.

And btw, as much as Zuk hates it, I used a hammer and chisel to tighten the ring. I tried to make a tool but couldn't get it right and just tapped it tight. It worked fine but Zuk would get a nice chuckle out of it if he saw it...

 

Well it seems I am also within a few miles of the famous Zuk and my Runner is certainly not my daily driver, so I think I'll tackle it myself - then cry for help if needed

 

Just do it clean ,dirt kills rear end bearings ,gears, seals.Block it up really good too.We dont want to hear about nobody getting smashed under his 4Runner!

 

That's perfect. As long as you don't need your truck back in a specific amount of time you should be fine. Good luck. You're gonna love being locked.

 

I installed a Lock-Right 1620 (V6) in the rear of my truck a few years back and it was actually easy. When it stopped locking a couple years ago I bought a new set of pins and springs and did it again. Still easy. That said I have never installed a 1610 (4 cyl).

 

i installed an aussie in my 4 cyl, piece of cake!! have patience and a clean work area.. u can do it!!!

 

mine was easy. i had ZUK(the mind reader) install them when he installed my 4:88 gears. ZUK is the master of diffs.

 

i personally would take it in to zuk and let him tackle it. The diff is going to be a little sloppy in specs as bearings wear and such so why put in a locker and leave it like this. Its already out of the truck and its cheap insurance and longer life on the bearings and gears to have it all checked properly and everything adjusted..

 

Don't learn tho if you don't try stuff yourself. It is nice to know that a local guy is the Diff / Gear guru tho.

 

i wouldn't be afraid of tackling this job yourself, get to know your truck, bonding!!!!!!!!

 

don't need to be a gu-ru to instal an aussiee..