I am thinking about aussie lockers, at least in the rear for now on my 94 truck. However, I may regear it eventually because the combination of 32x11.5s, auto, 3.slow, and stock gears is noticeably lame.

The question here is if I get aussie lockers and put them in, can I retain them if I step up the gears to a lower ratio? Or will I have to buy new lockers?

Sorry I'm new to differentials and this is probably in another thread I haven't ran into while lurking yet. But I know I definitely need lockers because I find myself getting stuck way too often, usually because of a tire lifting off the ground. I know that lack of flex is the cause of a lot of my stucks now, and I am working on that, but at the same time I know having lockers would avoid the stucks altogether. I'm hesitant to put lockers up front because of my CV angles and torsion lift diff drop and bj spacers are in its future. Also to save money, is welding the front end an option, and if so what are the downsides? I know a lot of people out here weld both their front and rear, but that's definitely not what I want on the rear of mine (unless it's not as bad on the pavement as I am told). It's running manual hubs, and it's a DD that sees wet freeways and turns a lot. Thanks in advance

 

yes, you can keep your locker as long as you dont change diffs, just gears.

 

btw, DONT weld the front end unless you plan on only going straight. Do a search on this, and find out the large number of cons, including torque steer. Guys that use front lockers often have to use hydraulic assist steering just to be able to steer when the locker is engaged.

If its a DD, dont weld anything. In fact, just save up money for a while, step up and buy ARB lockers. Or, just get a detriot for the rear and leave the front open. Chances are, since its a DD, you dont want to be trying anything that would require front and rear lockers. Unless you really like replacing parts

 

cool. I didn't really want to go the weld way. Money is a pretty big factor right now. I just saw the other thread about aussie lockers and how cheap they are and now I'm tempted. ARB's would be ideal, but I don't see myself making that much extra cash any time in the near future/year lol

but I can't stop wheeling either. it's too fun. the stuff I take it on isn't too extreme or anything, it's just clay mud with lots of ruts and things for an open diff to easily get stuck in by lifting tires. I've made it through the same trails many times, but only because they were dry. Add water and I'm stuck at the trailhead

edit: just noticed you're from arlington. I used to live there

 

Yea, live at the Northwest corner of the ultralight park (Arlington Airport)

 

i used to live in the glen eagle (i think that's what its called) subdivision right by there for a couple years and went to arlington HS. good times